HI!
I have had tmj for a few years but mostly more annoying than painful. Until this summer. The last few months it has gotten painful. 13 days ago my jaw locked and is still locked. Up until a few days ago I was so un-informed that I didn't realize so many others suffered with the same problems.
I see a chiropractor once a week for back pain and told him about my jaw. He adjusted it a few times, but it didn't help. So last Thursday he had me see the massage therepist in his office. I was warned ahead of time that it was a painful treatment, but that all other treatments for tmj were just as painful. I was also told that one massage treatment should unlock my jaw.
OUCH!!! doesn't even begin to explain the pain of the treatment. I got nauseous a couple times during it. Also got a little paniced a few times. I don't mean to sound dramatic. But it was not a fun experience for me. My jaw is still locked and was told that now it could take a few treatments or months of treatments to help. I have another appointment Monday, but the thought of it makes me nauseated.
I would like to know if others have had this kind of massage treatment (where they put fingers inside and outside of your mouth and massage the jaw area). Did you find it painful? Was it helpful? Should I try other treatments? I will continue to go to my massage treatments if they are helpful, because I do want my jaw to open. But if anyone has any other suggestions, I would be open to hearing them.
Thank you for reading my post. And I do appreciate all the information given on these message boards, I'm learning a lot.
Thanks again, Melissa
about a year ago, i was seeing my massage therapist and osteopath at the same time. they both worked inside my mouth - the massage therapist working on the muscles and the osteopath dealing wit the bones. it was very painful, and for about a month or so, i was in considerable pain. the pain did lessen up and went back to "normal", but my opening did increase quite a bit.
i think that if you can take it, i'd try it. but if it's causing you considerable pain, i'd stop because you dont want to overdo it. it's kind of a catch-22.
Massage Therepy......Ouch??!! 
