It’s safe to say that massage feels good to most of us, especially when it relieves a painful or tense spot on the body. Back, shoulders, neck, arms and legs can all get relief from regular massage, but did you know you can also get relief from massaging away facial pain, such as from temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD)?
It’s true! Massage therapy can help soothe away aches and pains all over the body. But before you book that appointment with a massage therapist, check out these economical ways to treat your TMD right from the comfort of your own home!
Percussive Therapy
Percussive therapy is a type of massage that uses vibration and repetitive pressure, much like a drum beat or percussive instrument. The idea is to have the repetitive pressure work your soft tissue, while the vibration works on the outer layer of your skin.
This can help break up the tension in the muscles surrounding your temporomandibular joint that might be in pain due to the strain of your TMD.
Heated Massage
Much like a heated stone massage, a heated massager uses heat to relax and soothe the muscles surrounding your temporomandibular joint. Using infrared heat, the massager caresses the area with silicone feet.
Massage Wands
Massage wands are simple tools that use vibration to massage the area they are applied to. Like the other types of massagers they can be used all over the body, and are a quick and easy way to get temporary muscle relief.
Massage Rollers
Rollers are a great way to improve the skin while relaxing tense muscles. You can buy a battery-activated roller, or just stick with a manual roller like a rose quartz roller. They are relatively inexpensive, and are effective and safe to use.
Massage Ball
Massage balls work like any ball: they roll. Roll yours across your face, neck, shoulders, or anywhere else on your body with tension and break up knots while soothing your pain away.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may not be something you can do at home, but it can help alleviate some of the pain of TMD while correcting the problem.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics are the gold standard in TMD care. They work to reposition the jaw naturally, and can eventually make your TMD pain go away altogether with time and perseverance.
If you are interested in learning more about how to treat your TMD, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Abelar today!
