Massage for TMJ

Trigger point therapy routine for TMJ by Annie Coomes

Learn the 5 muscles and the massage techniques to manage pain and misalignment of TMJj.

Book is available in softcover and digital download on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

This book is easy to read.
Apply techniques immediately

Safe for children, teens and adults.

Little neck muscles, big pain. Release the subocciptal muscles.

Suboccipital Muscles

Suboccipitals are buried deep under the neck muscles.  They move the head when you say yes or no throw your head back to laugh
Releasing the neck muscles will help you feel the short thick muscles.
Massage the long neck muscles from the base of your head in long strokes to the shoulders.
Next pinch and roll the muscles between your fingers.  As you do these motions, pull the muscles gently away from the neck.

Pinch and roll across the top of your shoulders(opposite hand to opposite shoulder).
If the muscles are really tight, reach back to your shoulder blade as far back as possible and rake your fingers to the front of the body. Work from arm towards spine.
You might feel the ropy muscles of the neck right next to the spine.  Rake across them as well working upwards towards the head.
Repeat as many times as necessary. Softening the neck and shoulders will help you get under the neck muscles to the subocciptials.
Now lets find those suboccipital muscles.
Lying down will get you out of gravity and relax the neck muscles.


They attach under the base of the head(occiput) to C1 and C2. Notice the vertical direction of two muscles and the diagonal(oblique) direction of the others.


Use your thumbs to stroke these small wide muscles.
Slightly moving the chin up and down, left and right and chin to the right and up and left and up.
This will help you find the oblique muscles.

Use your fingertips to press into the muscles, while staying off the bones.   The movements are ever so small.
Trigger points in these muscles are usually due to poor posture.  Pressing into the TP wait for signs of release(pulsing) until it stops.
I like to release my suboccipitals first thing in the morning.  With repeated practice you can release them quickly and easily, sitting, standing or lying down.

Benefits include:

• Increase blood flow
• more range of motion
• relief from a stiff neck
• relief from headache or neck tension
• relief of eye tension or pain

Hope this helps!  Leave me a comment or question I would love to hear from you .  Annie

Breathing to Integrate Trauma

When we experience trauma we loose our ability to remain calm and centered.  We become easily triggered and react to situations.  Unresolved physical, emotional and psychological pain freezes and becomes trapped in the layers of anatomy.  Our nervous systems must run on one or the other autonomic functions.  Sympathetic fight or flight/safety or parasympathetic/rest and digest function. 
Optimally one or the other is working while the other is resting at rest. 

Unresolved trauma can look and feel


Sympathetic agitation feels like this            

• trouble sleeping
• restlessness
• muscle tension
• rapid heart beat
• attraction to dangerous situatio
• angry or frustrated 
• quick to react - short tempered
• fearful - paranoid

Parasympathetic shut down feels like this

• spaciness & unfocused; forgetful
• helplessness
• hopelessness
• slow digestion
• depression
• chronic fatigue
• listlessness

In craniosacral therapy we can address these symptoms.  Trauma stops the continuous flow of electrial conductivity in the brain.  Sympathetic and parasympathetic work best when one system turns off and the other on.  Both cannot be running at the same time.  Total chaos insues and we see a barrage of symptoms starting to occur.

Working through a trauma takes dedication and a skilled professional to support you on this journey. Trauma is not like a physical injury.  Soreness, pain, swelling etc.

 But a sense of disconnection;  Need to control or the opposite-hopelessness.  

The lists above can help you to evaluate what you are physically feeling, emotionally reacting to and thoughts you might be thinking after a trauma.

Shifting your awareness to read subtle changes in your physical body, emotions/feeling and thoughts,

can help you begin to integrate the trauma physically instead of reacting from a heightened nervous state.

So how do we reeducate our neurons to rewire into healthy pathways? 

Start by Breathing!  Inhale and exhale through the nose.

Work towards bringing the breath down into your abdomen.

This can take some practice.  

Work up to 5-10 minutes in each sitting. 

This can take days, weeks, or months to accomplish.

But watch how your symptoms start to fade.

Once entrained in breath work the body will start to breath when it is stressed!!!  So amazing

Consider finding a counselor, massage therapist, craniosacral therapist, doctor that understands trauma.  And Breath!!!  Hope this helps and enjoy your day!

Oh my aching back: Neck pain relief

Stress is the main cause of TMJ.  Let me give you a craniosacral technique that will help to relieve pain and tension at the base of the head, where the head and C1 meet.  It is called the
atlanto-occipital region.


There are many muscles and ligaments that attach to these bones.
TMJ/tension in muscles of chewing, sleeping with the wrong pillow, neck and shoulder tension can be relieved with this simple technique over time.

Let's begin.  Find the ridge on the back of your head just behind your ears.  Look around a bit, might be higher or lower.  You are looking for a ridge that runs  from right to left between the ears.

Next find the bumps/mastoid process, at the base of your head and just above your neck vertebrae.
Feel just behind your earlobe.

Roll a hand towel and place between these two boney landmarksor use your fingers.  I  spread out my fingers and place them from ear to ear just under the ridge.  Let the weight of your head rest on your fingertips.

Start our with a small diameter roll.
Let the weight of the head sink into the roll.
Wait for softening in this area to occur.
You are accessing the fascia inside and outside of the cranial base.  The fascia will unwind in the muscles and surrounding structures.
If you feel pain in your neck - support it with a towel or stop the procedure.  Find something to support your neck and continue.

Your towel roll could be to high, unroll it a bit until it is comfortable.
Work up to a higher roll as you gain flexibility in the neck and base of the head.
This is a very relaxing technique.  If you do not feel relaxed with this procedure, than it is not for you.

Consult your doctor, massage therapist or craniosacral therapist.

Enjoy the benefits and leave a comment or question, I would love to hear from you.

Hello James,
You are asking about a mouth guard.  Most people I work with use a night guard.  Preventing the grinding is important.  Teeth are bones as well...so you are impacting more than the jaw when grinding.  Also, stretch your feet, ankles, hips and low back,  Check out essentrics.com for some of their short videos.  Short intro videos are all you need to release fascial lines.  Presently working on
TMJ self help ebook.   Will keep you posted.  AND thanks for reading!!!!!!!  Annie

Hello Everyone,

CST lecture for Low Back Pain Feb 25th, 9:00 a.m. @ One Root Herbothecary Prescott AZ
Sign up online @ www.transitionbodyworksaz.com or call 928-499-0867.
Bring Questions and concerns!  Look forward to seeing you there!

Introduction with Annie Coomes LMT

Hello there, Looking forward to talking with you thru video.

Pain and the Brain

One of the most challenging aspects of Cranial Sacral Therapy is explaining the benefits of cst with chronic pain. This video explains how the brain interprets pain cognitively, the limbic system adds an emotional component, and endorphins to block pain neurochemical components. Cranial Sacral therapy can help people to find relief and help to control pain responses in the nervous system. Enjoy this simple educational video on pain in the brain. Please share your ideas and experiences. Relax and Enjoy

Breath on a Cellular Level

We are talking about lineage rite now. When we let go and connect on a deep level with our souls purpose, we become directed on our path. CST work can help our cells to breath and release old stagnant energy. Realigning to our sense of self and life purpose. You can detox all you want but until your cells breath the breath of life detoxing will be an act of contrition. Free yourselves with cellular breathing. Schedule Today! Life only gives you speed bumps to awaken your beingness. If you feel this calling. Breath! Listen to what the body has to say. It will call on you and you will find body breathing for you. Just breath, it is free and the closest action toward spiritual awakening. Relax, Enjoy and find out how your body can heal you and enlighten your being.

Questions and Concerns

Hello Everyone, How can I help you? Is there anyone out there who is struggling with discomfort or tension deep in the body? I would invite you to ask questions and voice concerns. I would love to help you find a solution to your discomfort. Love to hear from you all! Feel free to comment, share what works, what doesn't and ask questions. I bet we can find an answer! Look forward to hearing from you.

Lineage

Hi everyone, there has been alot of people clearing their lineage. At conception we not only link up our DNA, conscious of both families and our lineage. After conception up to 20 minutes after this connection all of these energies come together and we incarnate.....there is an energetic arising and it looks like a fountain spray! Our chakra and meridian systems ignite. We can become confused or completely clear about our path in life. Cranial sacral work can help us to become clear about who we are and who THEY are. Our boundaries are not clear at this point in time. Benefits of this time frame? Chronic fatigue, adhd, adoption, not feeling grounded where you live, anxiety and depression are classic symptoms of this time frame. What can we do about this. Cranial Sacral therapy can help us to make boundaries to all these other people in our lives. You can become clear about who you are and who THEY are. Drop all of their stuff and become happy and directed into your life path. We cannot change our DNA, lineage, and consciousness of others. But we can find our light instead of harboring all of the darkness. Be free, laugh and ignite your purpose. I witness this everyday in my work. Don't live an unhappy life. Find out who you are! We don't have to be monks and it doesn't take a lifetime. Schedule today! Enjoy, Breath and be happy

Defying Gravity

Hello all, I have been reading a book by Carolyn Myss.  This is a personal experience of chronic illness and how she healed.  This book is ground breaking in that she covers transformation through chronic illness and accidents.
I asked someone if they thought their body could heal itself.   The response was "yes, but I don't know how to do it, where do I start" .  This book is a place to start, its meaty and takes time to read it, if you don't get it, read it again.
And let it lead you to your spirit.   One thing leads to another.  Life has taught me if it doesn't resonate, let it be an open door. Stay the course, YOUR healing avenue and purpose will surface. Remember pain and illness are the illusion to your purpose and joy. This too shall pass!
If ordered through this blog site on amazon, proceeds will go for those who cannot afford services.
Money is energy, keep this in mind.  Don't worry about money or you will NOT manifest money into form/your life.  It will stop coming in!  Pay it forward Enjoy, relax and hydrate! Love to hear from you, comments are welcome!

Feel the Stretch — American Massage Therapy Association

Feel the Stretch — American Massage Therapy Association

In the News: Massage and Low-back Pain — American Massage Therapy Association

In the News: Massage and Low-back Pain — American Massage Therapy Association

Exhale! Take a break

Hello There,
Quite a few of us experience anxiety, nerveousness and irritability.  How we handle our stress tells us how resourced our nerveous systems are.  Can they fluctuate between  good stress and bad stress.  Here is a quick tip that won't cost you a penny and with a little practice will help you to reduce your stress anywhere and everywhere!  Its best to practice when you are still, than incorporate after you have some practice in.

Sit comfortably and start breathing.  You are going to watch your breathing thats it!  WATCH IT.  Do not
try to change it. When the monkey mind doesn't settle or you find your self spacing out REMIND yourself
that you are supposed to be breathing.  The breath can change with thoughts, feelings or sensations just keep breathing.

At one point your body will start to relax and you will feel clarity, relaxation & rejuvenation!
Give it a try!  Enjoy, Relax & Hydrate
Annie  

Oh the Palatines

This week has been a very intense week of energy working

with the Palatine bones. They are located in the back of the throat

 by uvula/tonsil - posterior roof of the mouth, and connect with

the nose and eye socket.   

When restricted sinus pressure, migraines, headaches

and many symptoms of the eyes are signs that the

palatines are involved.  They act as a spacer between

the maxilla and sphenoid. 

Working sensitively in this area is very important.

Energetics of the palatines =  When we have

"had it up to here" and stuffed what we "really want to say"

 it reflects the palatines. 

So watch your breathing and release any pent up

energy in your communication.  This work contacts

the throat soul!

Energy Exercises to help release:  The taoist arch, feet hip width apart, inhale-exhale and reach back, stretching head and neck up and back.  Letting out sound to release stress.  Repeat until relaxed

Acupressure points:  TMJ points also help to relieve irritability and frustration

GB 20 below the base of the head, in hollows.

GB 21 press into shoulder tension.  Bring your head up and back as you

inhale, and exhale as you lower your head downward.  Hold shoulder pts

and continue easy movement while breathing for one minute.

Remember that your blockage took some time to physically manifest.

So it will take a bit of work to clear.  If you feel irritated that is your

TRIGGER that caused this physical manifestation.  Breath it OUT!

Enjoy, Relax and Hydrate

If you are suffering with symptoms please feel free to post, someone

else is probably having same difficulty.  Lets share the healing potential!

Talk to you Soon!

Annie

Low Back Pain

Hello Everyone,   Let's talk Low Back Pain! 

At one time or another we 

have all experienced back pain.

So here are a few tips that really work.

• sore - ice alot!
• stiff - heat
• essential oils/birch- pain relieving oil used for rheumatism 
• lavendar oil - for overworked muscles
• 1-2 tbls of olive oil and 2-3 drops of ess. oil
• acupressure points
• ball against the wall
• massage

Ball against the wall. Put ball between wall and back muscles.  (stay off spine).  Squat pressing ball into the wall and move up and down, left and right.   If your sore press lightly and than move to other side.  Rotate each side until soreness goes away.  A scrunched up towel or section of pool noodle can be used also.

Acupressure points - B48 Relieves lower-backache, sciatica, pelvic tension, hip pain and tension.

  GB 30 - Relieves frustration, irritation, hip pain, and rheumatism relaxes the tendons and restores joint mobility.

 These points are above B48 and very affective at relieving the exhaustion of back pain.

These points can be very tender,  so light touch may be needed.

Location:  In the lower back (between the second and third vertebrae) two to four finger widths away from the spine at waist level.
Benefits:  Relieves back aches, sciatica and fatigue

If pain persists contact your physican or massage therapist.

Relax, Enjoy & Hydrate!  

Massage Relief for Grinding

Hello All, this blog post is in response to questions regarding
self help techniques for CST.  Donot try this at home alone. LOL
Sorry you should seek a therapist for CST!
But.......
There are a few massage techniques that can help to relieve bruxism.
Two muscles that are easy to access and help tremendously when released are the masseter and the temporalis.

Lets start with the masseter!
There are two heads to this muscle.
Massage the outside of jaw from
cheekbone to corner of jaw.
You can feel it. It is thick.
If you find sore spot-hold it!
It is a trigger pt,
hold until releases. 

The other head is inside the mouth and
it can feel really hard like a bone if tight.


Gently place finger on inside of mouth
you will be right behind the jaw bone.
Gently massage until you feel a release.
If you are wondering if you are in the
right place have person clench teeth
and muscle will pop right into your
finger.  This muscle can be really sore.
So gently, switch from side to side until
soreness is gone.





Temporalis

This muscle helps to close the jaw.  Notice the tendon attaches to the jaw.  This muscle feels really good when massaged.  Massage entire side of head and down to top of cheek in front of ear.  If you run across sore spots, hold until released.  This muscle refers pain into the teeth, over the eye and side of head. 

If you can find the trigger points, holding until they release will
aid relief from bruxism.  You will be very suprised how tight
these muscles feel.
Hope this helps you all sleep alittle better.  Grinding teeth
is very uncomfortable to listen too.  Like fingers on a chalk board!
Relax! & Enjoy!  Let me know how it works for you and yours

Grinding Teeth

If you suffer from TMJ most likely your symptoms are many.  The importance of proper mechanics of the jaw and how it affects other areas of the body are very important to other body functions.  Many muscles attach to the jaw, throat and other facial bones.

The Jaw also holds emotional stress.  How many times do you find yourself holding back something you want to say and don’t.  Responses to others comments and don’t!  Our emotions are a part of who we are and need to be expressed.  If not our bodies will store our inability to respond.
CST allows our bodies to express and unwind the built up stress in the body, mind and spirit.
When there is improper alignment symptoms arise in the

• teeth/grinding
• bite/alignment of the teeth
• neck
• headaches/migraines
• breathing/asthma
• pain in the shoulders and low back

CST can provide relief of neck pain, headaches, low back pain, and breathing problems.
Schedule an appointment today and feel better tomorrow!

Low Back Stretches

Hello All, there is alot of pain relief when you stretch the iliopsoas muscle.
If you look closely at the photo, the psoas muscle attaches on the front of
the lower vertebrae, when one side gets tight and starts to pull it can rotate and compress the vertebrae.  The result low back pain.  Your back can feel like a rod.  Stretches can be very effective.

Caution:
Be careful if you have low back pain.  Pay attention to your body while doing these stretches, if you feel pain while doing the stretch you may need to adapt with a stool under your foot at first.

Psoas Stretch
  Lay on your back at the edge of bed, get your buttock close to the edge.  Let the hip hang off the bed.  If this feels to strenuous(pain in back) than put a stool under your foot(knee will be bent).  You will feel the stretch in the low back.  As the psoas muscle  starts to release, you can straighten your knee and let ankle rest on stool.  When psoas releases again you can drop foot off the stool, leg will be straight.
Turn around on the bed and stretch the other side.  Repetition will keep the psoas elongated.

Psoas Strengthening
If you notice that one side is tight and the other is not.  Lay flat on your back, floor or bed and bend the knee of the weak side. As you raise the knee to your chest you will be pushing with your hands against the upward movement of the knee-adding resistance.
Do not push hard with hands. 
The workload  should come from the knee.
You will feel the psoas muscle engage behind the front of your hip bone on weak side.
This will strengthen the weak psoas.

Balance in the hips will reduce low back pain.

Out Hiking!

If you get low back pain while out and about, find a rock or curbside and hold on to something for balance.  Let the opposite foot just hang off the rock or curb.  Let it  get really heavy.  If you can mentally let go than you will feel the psoas muscle let go.
Turn and work the other side.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Remember to hydrate! Relax! & Enjoy!