Understanding TMJ: Effective Treatments for Jaw Pain

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, commonly known as TMJ, refers to dysfunction or pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. This condition can make daily activities challenging, with symptoms ranging from jaw pain and headaches to difficulty chewing and a clicking or popping sound when moving the jaw. TMJ can stem from various causes, including stress, teeth-grinding, injury, arthritis, misalignment or other imbalances in the body. Effective management is essential as symptoms may persist or even worsen over time.
​
At Wellness on 1st, our multidisciplinary team includes several practitioners trained to treat TMJ from different therapeutic angles, ensuring a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and root causes of the disorder. Here’s how each therapy contributes to alleviating TMJ symptoms effectively:

---

Manual Osteopathy with Mahrukh Ali
Manual osteopathy is a holistic therapy that uses hands-on techniques to relieve restrictions in the body’s musculoskeletal system. Mahrukh Ali, our skilled Manual Osteopath, employs gentle adjustments, mobilizations, and Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) to restore optimal jaw function. By addressing misalignments in the neck, shoulders, and spine, her approach reduces TMJ strain and pain recurrence. Through isometric contraction and relaxation of the mandible, MET helps ease movement, reduce crepitus, and improve jaw comfort. Mahrukh’s gentle methods ensure proper alignment and balance, supporting the body’s natural healing process and promoting lasting relief from TMJ discomfort. 
​
Massage Therapy with Lindsay Vajta, RMT
Massage therapy is an effective way to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, both of which can significantly alleviate TMJ symptoms. Our Registered Massage Therapist, Lindsay, focuses on releasing tightness in the jaw, neck, and surrounding areas to reduce pain and restore normal movement. Lindsay’s approach involves targeted techniques that relax the muscles around and in the jaw, which in turn can help reduce inflammation and relieve stress, a common underlying factor in TMJ.

Acupuncture with Dr. Regan Kapach, Doctor of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has a long history of managing pain and reducing inflammation, making it a valuable tool for TMJ treatment. As a form of holistic medicine, acupuncture not only helps ease jaw pain but also alleviates other associated symptoms such as stress, headaches, and poor sleep. This treatment approach promotes balance across multiple areas of health and addresses the root cause of TMJ pain, offering a potential long-term solution for this challenging, chronic issue.

Find Lasting Relief at Wellness on 1st
If TMJ pain is impacting your quality of life, our team at Wellness on 1st is here to help. For the month of December, receive $10 off any TMJ treatment with Mahrukh, Lindsay, or Dr. Regan. Whether you choose manual osteopathy, massage therapy, or acupuncture, our practitioners are dedicated to supporting your path to relief and comfort this holiday season.

-- Mahrukh Ali, Lindsay Vajta & Dr. Regan Kapach