the temporomandibular joint is very rarely affected by conditions such as arthritis etc. so i wouldn't worry too much. then again, i'm not qualified to advise humans, only animals (and they never listen!)
My advice would be, every time you think about it, close your eyes and consiously relax all the muscles in your face. Your jaw should drop to an open position, just closed enough so that your lips still touch. When I do this I feel a dull aching sensation because of the release of tension through my face and jaw. If it helps you might try clenching or tensing various muscle groups of the face, and then purposefully release the tension. You could add some visualization like the muslces of your face are like a stormy sea, and when you relax them the sea gradually calms.... and your on a warm beach in hawaii. Going as often as possible for a deep relaxation of the jaw will help. As will extending the relaxation exercises to other muscle groups (shoulders arms legs back). The next trick I would suggest is to try to think about reducing the muscle tension when you play such that you only use the minimally required tension. Anything more and you will have pain. This is of course, easier said then done. Have you tried Alexander technique?
Exercises to alleviate/prevent TMJ?
Exercises to alleviate/prevent TMJ?
Flute players (and otherwise): have you got any relaxation exercises you do daily to help keep your TMJ in check?
Thanks.
# Posted on October 24th 2006 by _Steph_
Re: Exercises to alleviate/prevent TMJ?
I can't wait to read the replies on this thread- TMJ ended my wife's playing career.
# Posted on October 24th 2006 by Greg the Piano Tuner
Re: Exercises to alleviate/prevent TMJ?
try www.tmj.org - it looks like a pretty comprehensive site.
# Posted on October 24th 2006 by E
Re: Exercises to alleviate/prevent TMJ?
Too Many Jigs??
# Posted on October 24th 2006 by curlew
Re: Exercises to alleviate/prevent TMJ?
Yep, play more reels.
# Posted on October 24th 2006 by curlew
Re: Exercises to alleviate/prevent TMJ?
the temporomandibular joint is very rarely affected by conditions such as arthritis etc. so i wouldn't worry too much. then again, i'm not qualified to advise humans, only animals (and they never listen!)
# Posted on October 24th 2006 by flisstle
Re: Exercises to alleviate/prevent TMJ?
My advice would be, every time you think about it, close your eyes and consiously relax all the muscles in your face. Your jaw should drop to an open position, just closed enough so that your lips still touch. When I do this I feel a dull aching sensation because of the release of tension through my face and jaw. If it helps you might try clenching or tensing various muscle groups of the face, and then purposefully release the tension. You could add some visualization like the muslces of your face are like a stormy sea, and when you relax them the sea gradually calms.... and your on a warm beach in hawaii. Going as often as possible for a deep relaxation of the jaw will help. As will extending the relaxation exercises to other muscle groups (shoulders arms legs back). The next trick I would suggest is to try to think about reducing the muscle tension when you play such that you only use the minimally required tension. Anything more and you will have pain. This is of course, easier said then done. Have you tried Alexander technique?
# Posted on October 25th 2006 by commonk
Re: Exercises to alleviate/prevent TMJ?
I just happened to turn over an old newsletter I had on TMJ. You can access it from this page:
http://www.iasp-pain.org/PCUOpen.html
Look for the June 2004 issue, it's a good one.
# Posted on October 27th 2006 by commonk