Getting a back massage is a perfect way to relax your muscles and relieve any tension in your back and shoulders. And although people typically associate massage with the body, did you know that massaging your jaw bone is one of the best ways to help ease pain caused by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder? By breaking up any fluid that’s trapped in your jaw and relieving tension, massage can make you feel more like “a real boy” and less like a puppet like Pinocchio. Read on to learn more about how you can incorporate massage into your daily routine.
- Learn How to Massage
Yes, you could hire a masseuse to come over and massage your jaw for you, but that’s a pretty good waste of your money. And, massaging your jaw is actually quite simple. To start, take your forefinger and middle finger and push them together. Then using these two fingers apply pressure on your jaw, where your upper and lower jaw connect— it might hurt at first. Then in a circular motion, rub your fingers around this portion of your jaw and down your neck. Try this for at least 5 minutes on each side or until you notice some relief.
- Do It At Night
Bruxism, or jaw clenching, is another oral condition that is often associated with TMD. And because bruxism often occurs when an individual is sleeping, it’s nice to loosen up your jaw before bedtime to prevent against said clenching. To get into the routine of things, try massaging your jaw every night before bed for a week— you will notice the difference right away.
- Use an Oil
Oils infused with herbs like lavender are one of the best ways that you can relax your muscles. However, because certain oils can break you out, make sure to use one that is meant for the skin on your face. As a tip, try mixing your essential oils with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, which is notorious for being great on the skin on your face.
If you have TMD, try using the massage tips listed above to help you alleviate pain and start feeling like yourself again. To learn more, contact Centennial Dentaltoday!
