temporomandibular joint disorder (tmj)
TMJ is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint(s) that causes pain, usually in front of the ear(s), sometimes in the form of a headache.
Client Chief Complaint: June 2019*
TMJ pain; lower jaw slid significantly toward left.
Massage Intervention
Work exterior of chin with client participation; three holds with enforced pressure. Instructed client how to perform intervention at home.
Results
TMJ pain immediately stopped. Clients lower jaw was significantly straighter.
Treatment Plan
Client to perform intervention at home daily. Return every two weeks for approximately two months or until jaw is realigned and TMJ pain no longer experienced between sessions (whichever comes first).
* Cathy was still a student in massage therapy school when she helped this client recover from TMJ.