The Benefits of TMJ Massage
Massage therapy is a useful treatment option for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, a condition affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. TMJ dysfunction can cause pain, clicking, limited jaw movement, headaches, and discomfort when chewing or speaking. Massage therapy focusing on muscles of the jaw, neck and face can reduce the tension that exacerbates TMJ symptoms, improving both pain and mobility.
One of the key techniques used in massage therapy for TMJ dysfunction is myofascial release, which involves gentle pressure applied to the muscles of the face, head, and neck. This helps relax the overworked muscles, like the masseter and temporalis, which are often responsible for jaw clenching and grinding (bruxism). Reducing tension in these muscles can alleviate pain, ease pressure on the jaw joint and increase comfort and range of motion. Improving function of the jaw muscles can also have a positive effect on stress related muscle tension held in surrounding areas, such as the neck and shoulders.
Intraoral massage, a more specialized technique, can be particularly effective for TMJ dysfunction. This method involves working on the muscles inside the mouth, such as the medial pterygoid, which play a significant role in jaw function. Intraoral massage is performed by a trained therapist who uses gloved fingers to apply gentle pressure to these internal muscles, breaking up adhesions and reducing tightness. This approach directly targets the deeper muscle layers that are inaccessible with external techniques alone, offering more relief from tension and pain associated with TMJ dysfunction.
Incorporating massage therapy, including intraoral work, can complement other treatments such as physical therapy, dental care, or stress management techniques, offering a holistic approach to managing TMJ dysfunction.
5 ways Osteopathy Can Help with Low Energy
1. Moves the fascia that surrounds our muscles and bones which helps fluid move between the joints, making motion easier.
2. Resets the tone of the nervous system between the sympathetic response and parasympathetic response, giving you a better quality sleep.
3. Aligns the diaphragms, improving each breath and therefore improving the quality of blood being supplied to the liver amongst all our other tissues.
4. Improves barriers to the limbs, increasing coordination and nervous impulse, making our muscles stronger.
5. Improves body mind connection through all of the above, which means hormone improvement with better energy and mood.
4 Ways to be Proactive to Optimize Your Fertility
By Melanie Reidl, Naturopathic Doctor
Whether you are currently TTC (trying to conceive) and have yet to achieve a healthy pregnancy, or are planning to TTC within the next year, these 4 items are key! 
You absolutely *DO NOT* need to wait an entire year before having some basic testing done to see if your fertility is being impacted by things such as: suboptimal metabolic health, thyroid function, hormone dysfunction, or nutritional status factors.
Here are 4 things you can do *NOW*:
1 – SCREENING BLOOD WORK
2 – CYCLE/HORMONE/HEALTH ASSESSMENT
3 – DIET & LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS
4 – INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPLEMENTS
In some cases, there is a true reproductive pathology (ie low ovarian reserve, low sperm count, severe endometriosis) that may require intervention from a fertility clinic.
However, in MANY CASES, the previously mentioned systems are dysfunctional, and it is a matter of determining which systems need targeted support (via diet, lifestyle, supplements, etc).
If you’re currently/soon to be TTC, I would be honoured to support you in your journey! BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
5 ways osteopathy can help with low back pain:
By Leann Mai (M. OMSc) Manual Osteopathic Practitioner
1. Redistribute the tension from the shoulders or legs due to exercise or stress
2. Realign anterior gravitational loading coming from ankles, hips, shoulders or head that is putting stress on the lower back to keep you upright
3. Reset the tension through the abdominal muscles that might be compressing the abdomen
4. Coordinate the spring-like design through the spine to make sure the curves are supporting each other from head to pelvis allowing open communication through the nervous system
5. Remove torsional patterns that have become fixed, from the top of the rib cage through to the bottom of the rib cage , pulling through the lower back and pelvis on uneven tensions
Massage Therapy In the Postpartum Period
By Maggie Seegmiller, RMT
Massage therapy can be particularly beneficial during the postpartum period, offering both physical and emotional support to new parents. After childbirth, the body undergoes significant changes, including muscle tension and fatigue, as the body adjusts to the post pregnancy state. Massage therapy can help alleviate physical discomforts that are common during this time, such as back pain, sore muscles, and headaches. By increasing blood circulation and reducing muscle tension, massage can aid in healing and recovery, helping the body regain its strength and balance.
Postpartum massage can also assist with the physical strain and weariness associated with infant feeding. Many new parents experience tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back due to the repetitive nature of nursing, pumping, or bottle-feeding. Massage therapy can address these areas, relieving discomfort and improving posture, which is essential for maintaining a comfortable and sustainable feeding routine.
In addition to the physical benefits, massage therapy can play a helpful role in supporting emotional well-being during the postpartum period. The hormonal fluctuations and sleep deprivation that occur after childbirth can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and even postpartum depression. Regular massage can help reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and releasing endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones. This can be particularly important for new parents who may feel overwhelmed by the demands of caring for a newborn. By providing a sense of calm and well-being, massage therapy can enhance one’s ability to cope with the intense emotional challenges that can be a part of early parenthood.
By supporting both the physical and emotional aspects of postpartum recovery, massage therapy offers a holistic approach to helping new parents navigate this transformative period with greater ease.
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