Do you clench your jaw or have TMJ?

when to consider intra oral massage, massage therapy at Dreamclinic Massage in Seattle and RedmondWe already know that massage can reduce stress, boost your mood, and strengthen your immune system, but what if it could also help relieve that pesky (and painful!) jaw clicking? Or, soothe achy neck and jaw muscles after whiplash?

The answer is intra-oral massage, a lesser known but extremely effective massage technique. This method works on muscles inside and outside the mouth, as well as on the neck and throat.

It can be intense, but it is not necessarily painful. Since it focuses on muscles that are rarely massaged, they respond to less pressure. Gloves are worn while working inside the mouth to relax and release the muscles associated with chewing and jaw clenching.

So, how do you know if you need intra-oral massage? Here are four common reasons you would consider it:

TMJ pain: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. TMJ disorders cause pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control that movement. This pain can occur from jaw injury, arthritis, or grinding your teeth, and can result in clicking or popping noises. Intra-oral massage relieves pain from the tight jaw muscles.

Teeth grinding: Formally known as bruxism, this is a condition where you unconsciously grind, gnash, or clench your teeth, either during the day or at night. This grinding can be frequent and intense enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, and damaged teeth. Massage releases the muscles associated with chewing and jaw clenching.

Migraines: Some migraines are caused by pressure on a bone found in your skull called the sphenoid bone. It is also found in the upper reaches of your oral cavity. Massaging skull and jaw muscles can reduce pressure on the sphenoid bone and help relieve migraines.

Whiplash: The neck is usually the primary victim of whiplash, but it can also strain the muscles and soft tissues of the throat and jaw. In these cases, intra-oral massage can reduce stress placed on the jaw muscles and joints.

If you have any trigger points or pain areas in your neck, mouth, or facial muscles, then intra-oral massage may be just the thing for you. Next time you’re at Dreamclinic, feel free to ask your massage therapist more questions about intra-oral massage or schedule a session now.

 

photo credit: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UkI7TqmebN0/maxresdefault.jpg

Why Massage Should Be A Year-Round Gift

Sports-Massage-TherapySure, earrings are pretty and clothes are nice, but what do you think about giving a gift that can boost your friend’s mood, improve immunity, and make a positive impact on his or her overall health? Giving the gift of massage is treating a loved one to an experience, one that will soothe a stressed, achy body and will allow your friends and family to feel their best. And, it’s an experience you need to give yourself as well.

Massage is the gift that keeps on giving. The more you get massages, the more health benefits you will experience. It can increase your range of motion, strengthen your immune system, and provide an improved sense of well-being.

This isn’t a one-time thing. Massage should become a frequent habit to maintain your health, just like exercising, eating well-balanced meals, and going to the doctor. This year for the holidays, you can inspire your friends, family, and yourself to make massage a priority in the New Year. Start them off right by giving a gift card or booking a surprise massage day together.

If you’re still not convinced, here are four more reasons why you and your family need to start scheduling frequent massages:

Cuts down on migraines: Researchers at the University of Auckland found that people who suffered from debilitating headaches reporter fewer migraines and more restful sleep after several weeks of massage therapy.

Reduces pain from exercise: Massage provides relief from inflammation, which is the culprit behind post-workout aches and pains.

Supports chronic pain relief: If you or someone you know suffers from arthritis, disc problems, or degenerative joints, massage can provide relief after only a few sessions.

Boosts your mood: Massage increases the level of serotonin in the brain, which boosts your mood and reduces anxiety.

Massage has been used since ancient times to relieve pain and promote healing. It is an effective, natural way to improve well-being and support an active lifestyle. Massage is a great gift for anyone, including yourself, and will ensure your health in the New Year.

Treat your friends, family, and yourself to the gift of massage with 10% off all Dreamclinic gift cards.