Let's begin with some definitions and background information that will help get us on the same page before we dive into the Healthy TMJ Protocol.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The TMJ is a synovial joint that rests between the condylar head of the mandible bone and the temporal bone bilaterally. It serves as one of the primary body structures that allow for eating, talking, breathing, hygiene care, making facial expressions, and even aids in intimate acts. It does this by acting as a sliding hinge joint connecting the jawbone to the skull.

Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD)

Valesan et al. (2021) discovered during a systematic review of the literature relevant to Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction that the prevalence of TMD in the United States is as follows:

• 31% of adults/elderly (approximately 80 million)

• 11% in children/adolescents (approximately 8 million). 

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction affects women 1.5 to 2 times more than men, and 80% of those treated for TMD are women (Warren & Fried, 2001). 

Symptoms may range from mild popping and clicking noises to debilitating migraines or inability to eat. Most people (85%) with TMD also have other diagnoses that may or may not be related to TMD (The TMJ Association, 2022).

TMD may include any or all of the following:

• Difficulty or discomfort with biting or chewing.

• Difficulty or discomfort opening the jaw (sometimes referred to as trismus).

• Jaw noise, such as clicking, may be associated with pain.

• Jaw or face pain or tenderness.

• Neck or shoulder pain.

• Headaches.

• Earaches.

• Tinnitus.

• Hearing loss.

• Vertigo.

• Sleep disturbance.

TMD Causes

The cause is often considered multifactorial, including biological, behavioral, environmental, social, emotional, and cognitive components (Kaban, 2009). Some examples are:

• Stress or anxiety

• Muscle strain

• Injury from car accidents or other trauma

• Posture

• Myofascial tension

• Habits

• Medical Conditions

Fascia

Fascia is a connective tissue system in the body. Fascia surrounds muscles, bones, organs, nerves, joints, and every other tissue in the body. The technique we are using targets tension in the fascia and requires a very different approach than you may be used to using with your body.

The Fascial System

“Fascia is the soft tissue component of the connective tissue system that permeates the human body, forming a whole-body continuous 3-dimensional matrix of structural support. It interpenetrates and surrounds all organs, muscles, bones, and nerve fibers, creating a unique environment for body systems functioning.” (Schleip & Findley, 2007)

Fascial Wellness

Fascia wellness is targeting the fascia to promote wellness in the entire body. At Mayer Fascia Wellness, we look through the lens of fascia as we work with our clients to help them become well.

Client vs. Patient

In this course, we refer to the person being treated for TMD as the client. This is partially due to how we refer to the consumers in our setting. In our opinion, the client has a more collaborative feel. In the medical model, the patient is often the person something is done to rather than with. In the world of occupational therapy, the person is highly engaged in the entire process. So, we choose to use "client," but decide what is most appropriate for your setting.

Occupational Therapy Practitioners (OTP or OTPs)

In this course, we may use the abbreviation OTP for occupational therapy practitioners or practitioners. It is up to each practitioner to understand their role and scope relative to the evaluation and treatment of clients in their country or state.