Intra-Oral NeuroMuscular Therapy for TMJ demonstrated by Stew Wild

Summary

In this video, Stew Wild from 360 Neuromuscular Therapy demonstrates advanced neuromuscular and trigger point therapy techniques for jaw pain, ear pain, tinnitus, and bruxism. Using the Oakworks PRX table, Stew walks through four intraoral techniques, including accessing the masseter, temporalis tendon, and lateral and medial pterygoid muscles. The techniques involve palpation and muscle manipulation, with careful attention to comfort and precision. Throughout, Stew emphasizes proper technique, safety, and thorough muscle assessment to target trigger points and alleviate pain.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker is Stew Wild, a professional working at 360 Neuromuscular Therapy in Greater Boston, specializing in neuromuscular therapy and trigger point therapy.
• 😀 The demonstration is conducted using the Oakworks PRX table to show intraoral techniques targeting jaw pain, ear pain, tinnitus, and bruxism.
• 😀 Four neuromuscular therapy techniques are demonstrated, all of which involve accessing jaw muscles through intraoral methods.
• 😀 The first technique targets the masseter muscle by sliding the finger inside the cheek outside the teeth to identify trigger points and muscle tension.
• 😀 The second technique involves accessing the temporalis tendon attachment on the coronoid process of the mandible with the jaw deviated to one side.
• 😀 The third technique focuses on accessing the lateral pterygoid muscle's attachment to the sphenoid process, requiring the patient to protrude and retract the jaw to find the muscle.
• 😀 The fourth technique is performed inside the mouth, targeting the medial pterygoid muscle on the medial side of the ramus of the mandible. This technique requires the patient to breathe deeply to prevent gag reflex.
• 😀 Proper technique is emphasized, with the practitioner ensuring their finger is in a hooked position with the pad facing toward themselves for accurate palpation.
• 😀 The speaker demonstrates thorough palpation techniques, identifying torque bands, nodules, and muscle tightness in the jaw area to release trigger points.
• 😀 The video concludes with a thank you to Oakworks for providing their facility and filming resources for the demonstration.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the demonstration in this video?

The demonstration focuses on neuromuscular therapy techniques, specifically intraoral techniques for addressing conditions such as jaw pain, ear pain, tinnitus, and bruxism.

What type of therapy is being taught at 360 Neuromuscular Therapy?

360 Neuromuscular Therapy teaches neuromuscular therapy and trigger point therapy, with an emphasis on muscle rehabilitation and pain management.

What is the Oakworks PRX table used for in this demonstration?

The Oakworks PRX table is used to facilitate the neuromuscular therapy techniques demonstrated in the video, providing support and stability during the treatment process.

What are the main conditions that these intraoral techniques aim to treat?

These techniques are designed to help treat jaw pain, ear pain, tinnitus, and bruxism, all of which can be related to muscle dysfunction in the jaw area.

How is the masseter muscle accessed during the first technique?

To access the masseter muscle, the therapist slides their fingers inside the cheek, just outside the teeth, and asks the client to clench their teeth, allowing the therapist to palpate the muscle for trigger points.

What is the purpose of deviating the jaw in the second technique?

Deviating the jaw helps the therapist access the temporalis tendon attachment on the coronoid process of the mandible, which is an important muscle attachment point involved in jaw movement and pain relief.

In the third technique, how is the lateral pterygoid muscle accessed?

The therapist accesses the lateral pterygoid muscle by sliding their finger past the rear molars, finding a pocket where the muscle can be palpated when the client actively protrudes and retracts their jaw.

What preparatory steps are involved before performing the fourth technique?

Before the fourth technique, the client is instructed to take a deep breath in, bend their legs slightly, and contract their abdominals to prevent the gag reflex, ensuring that the technique can be performed safely and effectively.

Why is the fourth technique performed inside the mouth, and what does it target?

The fourth technique is performed inside the mouth to access the medial pterygoid muscle, which is located on the medial side of the ramus of the mandible. This muscle is important for managing jaw pain and dysfunction.

How does the therapist ensure they are using proper technique throughout the procedure?

The therapist ensures proper technique by maintaining a 'hooked' finger position with the pad of their finger always facing towards them. This helps ensure accurate and safe palpation of the target muscles.