Relieving TMJ and Headache Pain with Fascial Counterstrain Therapy

By Shannon Strauch, PTA, STMT-1 on 10/30/2024

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders are a frequent cause of jaw pain, headaches, and facial tension. A growing treatment for TMJ issues and associated headaches is fascial counterstrain, a technique that gently releases restrictions in key areas known as myochains. Myochains are interconnected fascial pathways throughout the body, linking muscles, cartilage, and even ocular muscles that can affect TMJ mechanics and create tension leading to pain.

How Fascial Counterstrain Eases TMJ Pain

Fascial counterstrain uses gentle, targeted pressure to release tightness within the body’s fascial system, addressing the root causes of TMJ pain across multiple levels:

1. Muscle Myochains

   • Muscle myochains involve connections between muscles that extend through the face, neck, and shoulders, which often become tense in response to stress, injury, or repetitive jaw clenching. By applying counterstrain to these areas, therapists can relieve muscle tension that frequently leads to TMJ pain and headaches.

2. Cartilage Myochains

   • TMJ cartilage, especially the articular disk, is crucial for smooth jaw movement but can become stressed due to misalignments and restrictions. Releasing tension in cartilage myochains helps reduce joint “popping” or “clicking” and restores natural jaw motion, minimizing discomfort and supporting long-term healing.

3. Eye Myochains

   • Ocular myochains may surprise those dealing with TMJ issues, but these chains link eye muscles with other facial and jaw structures. Eye strain and stress from activities like screen time can add to jaw tension, worsening TMJ symptoms. Fascial counterstrain helps release tension in eye myochains, alleviating TMJ discomfort that stems from this eye-jaw connection and reducing headache frequency and intensity.

Comprehensive Pain Relief with Fascial Counterstrain

Fascial counterstrain offers a unique, layered approach to TMJ relief, helping to restore balance to muscle, cartilage, and eye structures that directly influence TMJ mechanics. For those seeking a gentle, holistic solution to TMJ and headache pain, fascial counterstrain may provide the relief needed by addressing these interconnected fascial systems and their impact on jaw health.

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