Trigger Point Therapy - Masseter
Ischemic Compression Technique
Masseter trigger points are significant contributors to headaches
A forward-head posture places the mandible in a position that puts the masseter under undue stress.
Antagonist muscles, such as the geniohyoid, omohyoid, and digastric, can all become spastic as a result of overtraining of the abdominal muscles using poor technique.
This in turn may inhibit the masseter, with resulting trigger point formation to provide stiffness or tension within the muscle.
Changes in associated suboccipital muscles lead to changes in homeostasis of the head and face muscles.
A change in the positioning of the temporomandibular joint will also affect the position of the cervical spine.
Correct alignment of the temporomandibular joint requires treatment of the masseter and pterygoids at the local level, with attention to core efficiency at the global level.
The masseter is a complex muscle, and pain is referred into the eyebrow, maxilla, mandible (anterior), and upper and lower molar teeth.
Any person with a toothache will rightly go to a dentist.
With no obvious pathology presenting, it is in the patient’s best interests to rule out the possibility of referred pain from trigger points being at the root of the pain.
Other related sensations include hypersensitivity to pressure and temperature changes (e.g. during flights).
Pain and changes in sensations can also refer into the temporomandibular joint and inner ear.
Remember also that masseter trigger points are significant contributors to headaches.
Masseter - Common Trigger Point Sites
Origin
Zygomatic process of maxilla. Medial and inferior surfaces of zygomatic arch.
Insertion
Angle of ramus of mandible. Coronoid process of mandible.
Action
Closes jaw. Clenches teeth. Assists in side to side movement of mandible.
Antagonist: platysma.
Nerve
Trigeminal V nerve (mandibular division).
Basic Functional Movement
Chewing food.
Referred Pain Patterns
Superficial: eyebrow, maxilla, and mandible (anterior). Upper and lower molar teeth.
Deep: ear and TMJ.
Indications
Trismus (severely restricted jaw), TMJ pain, tension/stress headache, ear pain, ipsilateral tinnitus, dental pain, bruxism, sinusitis pain, puffiness under the eyes (often present in singers).
Causes
Chewing gum, tooth grinding/ bruxism, prolonged dental work, stress, emotional tension, head- forward postures.
Differential Diagnosis
TMJ pain/syndrome. Tinnitus. Trismus.
Connections
Ipsilateral temporalis, medial pterygoid, contralateral masseter, SCM.
Trigger Point Treatment Techniques
| Compression | YES |
| Muscle Energy Techniques | YES |
| Positional Release | YES |
| Dry Needling | YES |
Bite Plates/Occlusal Splints
Opinion varies as to efficacy, type, and duration of use of occlusal devices. An evidence base suggests they can be beneficial.
Breathing and Stress Control Techniques
Stress, tension, and poor breathing mechanics can be a factor. Autogenic and breathing methods might be worth exploring for some.
Posture
Head forward or upper crossover patterns can be treated by a range of manual and trigger point therapists.
Advice
Stop tooth grinding (bite plates). Work posture (telephone). Posture of head–neck–tongue. Stop chewing gum/ice/nails.
Self Help
Use pincer grip, placing thumb inside the mouth.
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Find a Trigger Point Professional in your area
More About Ischemic Compression Technique
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This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.
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