10/24/2025
Massage in your mouth??
Yep - its a viable treatment - especially for TMJ syndrome. I have a client with a resistant case at the moment so I'm gonna head for the Sphenopalantine ganglion next visit.
Reposted from The Alberta Massage Therapists fb page.
"Stop Chasing the Pterygoids!!
Going after the muscle is not the most effective or therapeutically useful target in the deep infratemporal fossa.
If you consider targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion instead you will achieve more.
By going after richly innervated structures rather than muscle we can…
—Reduce head and facial pain, including sinus, migraine, and trigeminal-type headaches.
—Ease sinus congestion by improving drainage and nasal airflow.
—Balance autonomic tone by calming sympathetic overactivity and promoting parasympathetic regulation.
—Improve tear and saliva flow by normalizing glandular secretions in eyes and mouth.
—Relieve jaw and midface tension by reducing strain through the maxillary and pterygoid regions.
—Enhance cranial circulation — promoting better oxygenation and tissue recovery.
—It can aid in reducing tinnitus or ear fullness — through improved Eustachian tube and palatal function.
—It also promotes deep relaxation via vagal and facial nerve parasympathetic connections.
—It will also support recovery from post-concussion or dental procedures — by calming neurogenic inflammation in facial pathways.
A shift from muscle to neurology allows a more direct link to affect greater change.
In fact this is a far better explanation of the changes that have happened when therapists have treated this area. 😁"
