There is an old joke in the body work world. It goes- Your TMJ will go away on it’s own, all you have to do is get divorced or retire. It’s a bad joke and I’m here to offer you a better option.

Rolfing Structural Integration can be highly effective in addressing TMJ (temporomandibular joint) issues by working holistically to address the root causes of dysfunction in the jaw, head, neck, and body alignment. TMJ disorders often stem from chronic tension, misalignment, or stress, which Rolfing is well-suited to address.

How Rolfing Helps with TMJ:

Release Tension in the Jaw and Face: Paige the Rolfer will use gentle, specific techniques to release tightness in the muscles and fascia around the jaw, such as the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles. This can reduce pain and improve jaw mobility.

Address Head and Neck Alignment: TMJ issues are often linked to poor posture or alignment of the head, neck, and shoulders. Rolfing works to realign the head and neck with the rest of the body, reducing strain on the jaw joint.

Improve Overall Body Posture: Postural imbalances throughout the body can create compensations that impact the jaw. For example, a forward head posture can exacerbate TMJ dysfunction. Rolfing sessions aim to restore balance and ease throughout the body.

Release Chronic Stress Patterns: Emotional or psychological stress often manifests as clenching or grinding of the teeth (bruxism). Rolfing helps release chronic holding patterns and promotes a sense of relaxation and balance.

Enhance Awareness of Habits: Through Rolfing sessions, clients often become more aware of unconscious habits, such as clenching their jaw or holding tension in their face. This awareness can empower them to make changes and prevent further strain.

Support the Nervous System: TMJ dysfunction is sometimes linked to an overactive nervous system. Rolfing’s emphasis on calming and balancing the body’s systems can support nervous system regulation and reduce the impact of stress on the jaw.

What a Rolfing Session for TMJ Might Include:

-Gentle intra-oral work to release tension in the jaw muscles (Some practitioners only work outside the mouth, At Center of Integration we offer intra-oral Rolfing).

– Focus on neck, shoulder, and upper back fascia to address contributing tension patterns.

– Assessment and improvement of overall body alignment.

– Techniques to promote relaxation and reduce stress-related muscle tension.

Paige the Rolfer offers a whole-body approach, recognizing that TMJ issues are rarely isolated and often involve interconnected systems. Clients frequently report not only relief from jaw pain but also improved posture, reduced headaches, and a greater sense of ease throughout their bodies.

PAIGE DAYVIS IS NOT A MEDICAL DOCTOR. PAIGE DAYVIS DOES NOT OFFER MEDICAL ADVICE OR TREATMENT. THIS IS A MANUAL THERAPY ONLY.