Massage therapy decreases frequency and intensity of symptoms related to temporomandibular joint syndrome in one case study

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Massage therapy decreases frequency and intensity of symptoms related to temporomandibular joint syndrome in one case study
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 11, Issue 3, July 2007, Pages 223-230
Lindsay Phipps Eisensmith L.M.T., C.E.S., a,
a-Center for Better Health, 1381 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook, CT 06475, USA
Received 11 January 2007; revised 13 March 2007; accepted 19 March 2007. Available online 23 May 2007.

Summary
Objective
This study investigated the ability of massage therapy to mitigate the frequency and intensity of headaches, jaw clicking and masticatory pain associated with temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ).
Methods
The subject reported 3 years of masticatory pain, clicking, teeth grinding, reduced jaw opening and headaches prior to the study. A log was kept documenting frequency, intensity and type of pain. Pre- and post-treatment jaw opening was recorded. Western massage techniques combined with strainÒcounterstrain techniques targeted the upper torso, cervical region and oral cavity twice weekly for 30 min each over 3 weeks.

Results
TMJ-related pain decreased and maximal jaw opening increased by almost a third. Jaw clicking decreased fourfold to once monthly. Teeth grinding was unchanged.

Conclusion
The results suggest that western massage and strainÒcounterstrain techniques can improve jaw range of motion, alleviate the intensity and reduce the frequency of TMJ-related pain without surgical or pharmacological intervention.

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