Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy is a specialized treatment designed to relax the muscles in your jaw and alleviate the symptoms of TMJ disorders.

Alleviate Unpleasant TMJ Symptoms With Trigger Point Therapy

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders affect many people, causing a variety of unpleasant and disruptive symptoms. In many cases, TMJ-related pain is a result of muscle tension around the jaw. At Dion Health Services, we offer trigger point therapy, a cutting-edge treatment designed to target muscles that are tight and tender.

This treatment can be an effective option if you're dealing with persistent symptoms of TMJ disorder, such as jaw pain, tension headaches, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching.

If TMJ pain is negatively impacting your life, exploring trigger point therapy could be a game-changer. This therapy doesn't just mask symptoms; it targets the root cause of your discomfort, leading to long-lasting relief.

Understanding Trigger Point Therapy for TMJ

Trigger point therapy can be an effective approach to addressing temporomandibular joint disorders. This therapy involves identifying and alleviating trigger points, which are tight, painful spots in muscles. Trigger point therapy can be an effective way to treat the following TMJ-related symptoms:

Jaw pain
Headaches
Earaches
Difficulty chewing

By applying pressure to these points, trigger point therapy can help release muscle tension. This can lead to pain relief and improved jaw function.

Key muscles often targeted with this therapy include the following:

Masseter
Temporalis
Pterygoid muscles

Trigger point therapy techniques involve using fingers, thumbs, or tools to apply steady pressure to the trigger points of muscles. It's crucial to locate the exact trigger points to achieve optimal results.

Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy can provide significant relief from chronic pain. By targeting specific areas of muscle tension, you can reduce discomfort and improve your mobility. This innovative technique can also offer the following advantages:

Improved Blood Circulation

This therapy enhances blood flow to the affected muscles. Better circulation helps in quicker muscle recovery.

Reduced Muscle Stiffness

Regular treatments can lead to more flexible muscles. You may notice decreased stiffness and easier movement.

Enhanced Range of Motion

By releasing tight muscle knots, your joints can move more freely. This can improve your overall body function.

Pain Relief

One of the primary benefits of trigger point therapy is the alleviation of pain. Targeting trigger points can reduce persistent pain in various parts of the body.

Faster Recovery

Athletes and those recovering from injuries may find that trigger point therapy speeds up their recovery process.

Stress Reduction

This therapy can also help lower stress levels. Releasing muscle tension often leads to a feeling of relaxation and well-being.

Improved Posture

With regular sessions, you might notice better posture. This happens as tight muscles loosen and allow more natural alignment.

There’s a Difference With Dion Health

Find Your Location

What to Expect During Trigger Point Therapy Treatment

Before your trigger point therapy session at Dion Health Services, one of our TMJ specialists will discuss your pain areas and medical history. They'll evaluate your symptoms to ensure that this treatment is the right choice for you.

When the treatment begins, you'll typically lie on a massage table, fully clothed or in loose-fitting attire, to allow easy access to your muscles.

Treatment Steps:

Assessment: Your provider will identify and assess your trigger points.
Pressure Application: Firm pressure will be applied directly to the targeted trigger points.
Massage Techniques: Techniques used during the treatment may include kneading, rolling, and stretching.
Feedback: After the session is finished, you'll be asked to give feedback on the pain level and relief.

As the trigger points are targeted during the treatment, you may feel radiating pain in certain areas. However, this discomfort should not last long and will usually be followed by a sensation of relief.

Trigger point therapy sessions usually last between 30 to 60 minutes. You might need multiple sessions for optimal results. It's common to feel soreness after the treatment, similar to post-exercise soreness. Staying hydrated and applying heat can help alleviate this discomfort.

After your trigger point therapy treatment, it's important to follow your provider's aftercare instructions, which may include the following:

Staying hydrated
Giving your muscles time to recover
Scheduling follow-up treatment sessions as needed

Who Is a Good Candidate for Trigger Point Therapy?

Trigger point therapy can be an effective choice for many individuals experiencing discomfort related to temporomandibular joint disorders. Typically, the best candidates are those who have muscle tension or pain in the jaw area. Oftentimes, these individuals might also experience headaches or neck pain.

You could be a good candidate for trigger point therapy if you haven't responded well to other treatments for TMJ-related pain, such as medications or physical therapy. Jaw clenching or grinding at night can also make you a good candidate, as these behaviors can lead to the development of trigger points. During your initial consultation, your provider at Dion Health Services will help you decide whether or not you're truly a good candidate for trigger point therapy.

Why Choose Dion Health Services for Trigger Point Therapy?

At Dion Health Services, our multidisciplinary team features several specialists with a wealth of knowledge and experience treating TMJ disorders. You'll work with a qualified, dedicated provider who will take the time to understand your unique situation and curate a personalized treatment plan based on your needs. We take pride in providing a comfortable, relaxing environment where our patients can improve their quality of life without unnecessary stress or anxiety. Throughout your treatment, you'll see our core values of trust, respect, and high-quality care on full display as we do everything in our power to enhance your overall health and well-being.