Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/196551
FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY Hypertonicity and myofascial adhesions in these muscles may limit mobility and alter the positioning of the jaw. Additionally, tension in these muscles affects positioning of the articular disc, creating the "pop" or "click" noise commonly associated with TMJ dysfunction. Clients with TMJ dysfunction commonly experience head, neck, and jaw pain and tension, and may report jaw clenching and teeth grinding, particularly during times of stress. Specific soft-tissue manipulation, trigger-point release, and relaxation of the muscles involved (including the temporalis), may significantly decrease these symptoms and improve the function of the TMJ. Palpating the Temporalis Positioning: client supine. 1. Sitting at the client's head, locate the superior edge of the zygomatic Christy Cael is a licensed massage therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her private practice focuses on injury treatment, biomechanical analysis, craniosacral therapy, and massage for clients with neurological issues. She is the author of Functional Anatomy: Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Kinesiology, and Palpation for Manual Therapists (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009). Contact her at functionalbook@hotmail.com. arch with your fingertips. 2. Slide your fingertips superiorly toward the temple and onto the fibers of the temporalis. 3. Follow the fibers as they fan out across the frontal, parietal, and temporal bones. 4. Have the client gently open and close the mouth and/or clench the jaw to assure proper location. Client HomeworkâTemple Friction Rub 1. Place the flat part of your fingertips firmly on your temples just above and in front of the tops of your ears. 2. Maintaining a steady pressure, rub back and forth across the tight muscle fibers on your skull. 3. Begin with gentle pressure, allowing your fingers to slide against your hair or skin, then increase pressure to move the flesh against your skull. 4. As the muscles release, try rubbing in circles or repeating with your mouth open. Editor's note: The Client Homework element in Functional Anatomy is intended as a take-home resource for clients experiencing issues with the profiled muscle. The stretches identified in Functional Anatomy should not be performed within massage sessions or progressed by massage therapists, in order to comply with state laws and maintain scope of practice. 52 massage & bodywork november/december 2013