Releasing the Lateral Pterygoid - Priya Mistry, DDS (the TMJ doc)

Hello Friends! In this video, I go over how to release the lateral pterygoid muscle. This muscle becomes dysfunctional with chronic clenching, chronic bruxing/grinding, or sometimes even simply the way the teeth fit together (deep bite, crossbite, etc). The lateral pterygoid muscle, when dysfunctional, can lead to a LOT of pain! It can refer pain to the ear, behind the eye, into the jaw, and it can be a factor in a lot of headaches. This muscle, when in spasm or dysfunctional, can also contribute to disc displacement within the temporomandibular joint (the TMJ). SO.. if you can release this muscle successfully, you can help yourself with a lot of these symptoms. I do my best to describe and demonstrate how to do this in this video. Thank you!
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This channel is all about TMJ disorders - what they are, how they manifest, what to do about them and how they relate to other issues that may be going unnoticed in the body such as tongue tie, sleep apnea, ADHD, and more! I will also be posting about being a dentist and a working mommy to two wonderful children. Thank you and I hope you enjoy my videos!

[@sanjeenasingh1251]

This is absolutely life saving! I didnt even know my jaw could feel this relaxed. Thankyou!!!!

[@theTMJdoc]

I’m so happy to hear this!

[@baileyellison642]

Holy crap!! I didn’t expect that to actually work. It took over half of my pain away. Thought I was pressing on a bone, didn’t realize my jaw was that tight. Now to figure out how to stop subconsciously clenching my jaw from anxiety

[@theTMJdoc]

Glad it helped!

[@katem2258]

Me too! If you figure out the anxiety piece, post it here! I'm military and they won't let me take anxiety meds. Traditional stress relief doesn't help!

[@jenniferd1476]

@kate you should try CBD oil from alpen organics

[@stormyvibez]

This took away my pain immediately. Relieved at last! I am so glad I found you.

[@theTMJdoc]

Glad it helped! Don't forget to Subscribe!

[@skale1963]

Your videos have simple, effective and to the point explanations. Thank you.

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@cxxxxp9833]

this has helped more than anything else i have tried in the last few months. thank you so much. subscribed

[@theTMJdoc]

You're so welcome!

[@peterhewer8475]

Your channel has been a awesome help in my journey to discover how to overcome TMJ. Thank you

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome! Please be sure to Subscribe! 😊👍🏼

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

very very helpful, this has taken the pain out of my ear from a TMJ flare up after just doing it for a few days, along with other jaw exorcises but this one seems to help me the most.no other thing gives such direct access.

[@theTMJdoc]

I’m so glad! 😊 be sure to Subscribe and Share!

[@marieconforti4708]

This made all the difference in the world, so happy I came across your videos! I had a dental cleaning a week ago and ever since my upper and lower molars on the right side are sensitive and hurting and getting that "zing" feeling on and off. I was sure it was a toothache and I'd need a root canal. I've had TMJ issues before and realized this is what's been going on. Boy this hurt but took the pain away almost instantly. THANK YOU!! 😊❤

[@theTMJdoc]

I'm so happy it helped!

[@amilind2479]

Hi, New Subscriber...U r God sent to me...this is what I needed post double jaw surgery, its my 6th week, was unable to open jaw for even a straw. Within 5 mins of doing this & lateral Pterygoid release I can open 1 finger width without excruciating pain of forceful icecream sticks...Bless U...it's 4 am here in India now...wow...thanks

[@jayapatil6079]

Dr.Priya, Thanks for sharing the information on Releasing the Lateral Pterygoid. Great job as usual.

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@fangsofmay]

Amazing!! I've seen so many doctors/dentists who didn't mention any of this. Thank you so much! 💗

[@theTMJdoc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@colinmohammed7074]

Oh my word!!!...THANK YOU Dr. Mistry..ur amazing..geez..after watching a few other vids on TMJ pain etc, i came across your vid...and wow...i got relief in under two minutes...blessings from Trinidad and Tobago!!!!...today is Christmas Eve 2021...gosh...im cooking so much delicious food tomorrow...i will now be able to actually enjoy it properly with my friends and family ..thank you again Doc...I wish you all the best for this joyous season...

[@theTMJdoc]

I’m so glad to help and even happier to hear you will get to enjoy your cooking!!! 😊🎄 Happy Holidays!

[@ArchieTheYorkie]

I've had tmj issues for 15 years, and have never tried this before, but this helps so much. Thank you doctor.

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@elliehasan7253]

Hi Dr Priya, thank you so much and God bless you! You have helped me soooooo much with your tips!

[@theTMJdoc]

Thank you and I’m glad to help! 🙏🏼

[@lindacannon2239]

Thank you so much, Dr Mistry! I'm an RDH/OMT with my own TMJ issues. I always learn something new from you. Currently, I'm working with a post-MMA surgery (Myofunctional Therapy ) patient, who is struggling with masseter pain and limited opening. She is very motivated and seeking any care she can. As she waits for her next "insurance approval", I sent her to your KZbin Channel. She is already improving in pain levels AND ROM.

[@theTMJdoc]

wonderful! this is so great to hear! thank you for sharing my content. creating it is truly a labor of love for me and I'm thrilled that my videos are helpful to people! :)

[@matthewchavezm.b.s5503]

You have a awesome personality and seem like a great person to be around. Thanks for the advice. Im gonna work on this. Seems like it can be a game changer.

[@theTMJdoc]

Thank you and best of luck to you!

[@wombokkiesan3988]

This is magical 🥺 thank you so much

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome 😊

[@drdbailey]

Excellent anatomy review and equally an easy to understand demonstration. Plus, you have a charming personality that can reduce stress for the viewer. Thank you, doc😊

[@theTMJdoc]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@emeraldwhite7506]

Omg i had so much knots and my whole jaw had been misaligned for years due to my anxiety. I always thought my face was so lopsided and off balance but after doing lots of work on myself and also using relaxing techniques my face has literally come back to balance. Much more symmetry, and im so much happier then before aswell. You technique works so well I do it everyday or when I feel myself clenching a lot. Thank you!!

[@theTMJdoc]

You're welcome!

[@deniser447]

Thank you for this! I've been having a "toothache" even went to the dentist but they couldn't find anything on x-ray until the dentist pressed on this muscle

[@theTMJdoc]

Yes! This muscle can be responsible for so much pain!

[@cindiobryan5832]

Wow! More information than I have received in the 9 months I have been suffering with TMJ/TMD. I cannot find anyone in my area to help (MD, Dentist, therapist). Thank you. I will try this.

[@theTMJdoc]

Where do you live?

[@KiranMistry223]

Didn't know this was possible, thanks for the info! I'll be sure to try this out.

[@theTMJdoc]

Definitely possible for some. If your fingers are too big or your anatomy is constricted in that area it may not be possible. Thank you!!! Lmk what you think!

[@robertmurdoccorptcfc9596]

Well Done! Great video. Easy to follow. I do this technique on my patients everyday and it really helps

[@theTMJdoc]

Thank you Doc! 😊

[@briannameyer5280]

Wow! Thank you for this video!

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!! 😊

[@gipinder1032]

Thanks Priya, I did it on both sides of my cheeks and it did actually feel much better right away. I just subscribed so I'll check out more of your videos.

[@theTMJdoc]

Good I’m so glad to hear this!

[@eaglefire9233]

Thank you Priya. First time on your channel. Really helpful and informative. I am a health care professional and now i can refer patients to your channel.

[@theTMJdoc]

Lovely! Thanks for your kind words and don’t forget to Subscribe😊🙏🏼

[@eaglefire9233]

@@theTMJdoc Best wishes from Blue Mountains Australia.

[@hanj31]

This video is a godsend. TYSM. Imma keep doing this one another few I saw on another video for the next few days.

[@theTMJdoc]

I'm so glad it helped! :) Please be sure to Subscribe!

[@oceansdeserts4446]

Thank you, Dr. Mistry! This one actually helped me immediately. I feel like my lower jaw finally dropped/opened up a bit after a painful day with my terrible pterygoid. Btw, I used to have a PT who did this technique on me, but could never do it myself until now.

[@theTMJdoc]

I’m so glad it helped!

[@namratajain8594]

seriously helpful. Thank you so much.

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome! don’t forget to Subscribe!

[@angeliansale3073]

Thanks for sharing this informative video. It really helps

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!!

[@robertgustafson3258]

This is the best video i have found to release the lateral pterygoid. My son has been suffering from TMJ problems since a trip to the dentist. He’s been to excellent chiros but there hasn’t been a real solution yet. We have spent a lot of time googling and Youtubing and all we got was frustration. So, thank you for a clear, concise treatment video. We’ll see how it goes.🖖

[@theTMJdoc]

Sorry to hear this and good luck! I hope my videos can help.

[@johnfinnie5395]

@robertgustafson3258 Hi! Did you two continue these exercises? Has it been effective?

[@sarabatch582]

very good I did this for my client with tmj and she was very happy with the results, thanks

[@theTMJdoc]

Great to hear!

[@DreamyLunarRam]

For years! Thank you so much for instant jaw relief!🎉❤😂

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!!

[@nonyabidness5708]

Thank you. I'm going to try this!

[@theTMJdoc]

Wonderful! and you're welcome! :)

[@En_theo]

Thanks for this, it's really helpful !

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@ChrisDavis333]

Idk if I even am pressing the right spot but this works almost instantly for me. Nothing else helps I’ve tried everything. I’ve had TMJ problems for basically my entire life due to grinding/clinching in my sleep, but probably the last 6 months or so I’ve had bouts where it hurts daily for a couple weeks when it used to only be a day or 2. It’s completely miserable, it makes all my teeth on the right side of my mouth hurt universally, it makes my ear feel like I have an ear infection, and don’t get me started on the weird headaches it causes. This exercise is the only thing that’s provided even an iota of relief for me, so thank you.

[@theTMJdoc]

You're so welcome! I'm so happy it helps! :)

[@exdemocrat9038]

Thank you Doc.

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@cristiannunez8271]

Thanks doctor, it helped me a lot , in seconds!!!!!!

[@theTMJdoc]

Glad it helped!

[@stephmolicard]

Great vid, thank you!

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!!

[@TheCo11ection]

excelent videos, this actually works. I am PT/anatomytrains/ rolfer and working lateral pterygoid is the key to unlocking the jaw. look at anatomy pictures. One tip I would give is that the muscle is best manipulated on its stretching position. it's a jaw opening muscles so better have your mouth closedish but not clenched. The more advanced version is where you put pressure on the muscle with your mouth a little open, and close it gradually while increasing your pressure/tension on the muscle.

[@theTMJdoc]

Thanks for the info!

[@djcripel]

Awesome! Works well!!

[@theTMJdoc]

Good I’m glad!

[@swhiting100]

Thanks so much. All really helpful.

[@theTMJdoc]

You're very welcome!

[@shmeegs485]

Thank you Dr. I woke up one morning and my jaw was all messed up. I asked my friend what I could do to help out and he sent me this video. I am now doing your exercises to help release the tension on my jaw. I thank you and I look forward to your next video.

[@theTMJdoc]

Thank you! Be sure to Subscribe and check out my KZbin playlist called “tmj exercises/muscle releases”. Those should help 😊

[@shmeegs485]

@@theTMJdoc Will do! I don’t know if you have talked about this yet, but what are your thoughts on ibuprofen vs acetaminophen for TMJ?

[@DisturbedYoyo]

I've watched countless videos on this in the past week trying to relieve or ease the pain of my jaw being out of place... Yours is the first one that actually explains properly what I'm supposed to be doing and what it feels like so I know I've got the right spot! Thank you so much, my jaw unlocked straight away! Now I just gotta figure out how to get the disk back in place and realign the jaw. Any links to videos you may have on this?

[@theTMJdoc]

The only way I know how to reduce the disc is with tmj orthotics, craniofacial therapy which involves soft tissue work and jaw manipulation, and frequent visits for therapy and orthotic adjustments.

[@truthwillsetyoufree2024]

I did this exercise along with others but this one I felt the most release from. And it also felt the most tender of all the exercises I did. Today was a really good day pain wise.

[@theTMJdoc]

Glad it helped! :)

[@kylewaddington1983]

@@theTMJdoc what cause face muscle build up and jaw bone stick out on side

[@rakeshroshan-os2ms]

Thanks doc...its really worked... felling bit relaxed

[@theTMJdoc]

Glad to hear that!

[@niewieder99]

😳 wow. So much relief!

[@theTMJdoc]

Great! Be sure to Subscribe!

[@anna_m59]

It works! Thank you !!

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome! 💕

[@loubino18]

Very good - thx!!

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@kunalsoni1315]

No one taught me this , I have been suffering from this tmj issue for years , all doctors want to prescribe painkillers here in India , the muscle so tight and I started crying after it relaxed and feel so good afterwards . Thank you so much

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome! I’m glad it helped!!

[@fatmasameh235]

Thamkyou following you from egypt it is to helpful

[@theTMJdoc]

You're welcome!

[@InfinitePisces]

I’m not sure if I’m doing it right but I’m grateful for the video to try! Thanks

[@theTMJdoc]

Good luck! Not everyone can reach this area on themselves. If it hurts, it’s probably the right spot.

[@nancyrosas5768]

so i've having a terrible painful dull ache in my ear and omg THIS HURTS!!! bad!!!! I think I found my biggest trigger point for sure thank you!

[@theTMJdoc]

You're welcome! :)

[@CatConsten]

I just got my jaw closed at 2:00am after an hour of total panic. I've been diagnosed with TMJ for 40+years but, this was the first time I could not fully close my jaw for any extended time. Talk about panic! This worked! My jaw now needs to calm down (since if I open it, it'll lock open again) but, at least I know how to get it closed again. Thank you! (Now, I need to go meditate to calm down.)

[@pinokodayo]

You are genius. I was massaging my jaw muscles outside and in, watching every video about TMJ muscle release- I kept feeling like all the videos talking about the masseter were not right for where I was experiencing pain. I was massaging inside the mouth and discovered tenderness in the deepest back pocket. I knew I’d found the place I needed to work on, and was wondering what muscle this would be- then this video came on auto play!! This is the exact place I’m having the most pain, and massaging internally already is helping so much more than anything else I’ve tried based on other videos. My jaw muscles feel incredibly tight and thick, and when I massage deeply (usually with a lacrosse ball on the outside) it gets very painful. I hope targeting this area will actually give me the “release” I need !!!

[@theTMJdoc]

I hope so too!

[@camhands]

Thank you! My jaw feels less tense, after practicing your instructions. As a massage therapist I am excited to incorporate this in my client sessions.

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re so welcome! Glad it helped! 😊🙏🏼. Don’t forget to subscribe!

[@akanshajain383]

I have been doing this.. was not knowing it's a exercise.. thanks mam

[@theTMJdoc]

You're welcome!

[@neide4757]

Thank you 😊

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@sendingyoulovefrom6231]

OMG I was freaking out that I had some kind of muscular problem in my face and all it took was 20 seconds of this to get it to relax and the bump in my cheek to go away. holy smokes. thank you!

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re so welcome! Please be sure to Subscribe!!

[@ArchimondetheDestroyerofWorlds]

Hi Priya, this has been very useful. I previously only did the version where you press inward, whereas this tutorial is to press outward. I think it may be due to the fact that it starts from the lateral pterygoid plate and finishes at the condyle, that both methods are important; the inward pressing for the front portion of the muscle and the pressing out for the back portion. I think 80-90% of the lateral pterygoid release is actually resolved from pressing outward.

[@theTMJdoc]

I'm glad it helped!

[@Alsmilloy1]

Thank you so much! I am a PT so this all makes sense. I’ve watched so many of your videos and I am well on my way to recovery. My ears have been clogged for a very long time and I’ve been searching for the right guidance. Are you familiar with the myomunchee? Wondering what to do with my 4 year old who won’t allow me to stick my fingers in his mouth :)

[@theTMJdoc]

Glad the videos are helping. Yes I'm familiar with a myomunchee. My 5 year old uses one but I would definitely recommend working with a provider trained in myofunctional therapy if you're going to use one.

[@theUmovement]

Thank you 🙏

[@theTMJdoc]

you're welcome!

[@rolfingegypt2209]

I love your channel

[@theTMJdoc]

Thank you!

[@omarkasem9723]

Thanks 👍👍👍

[@theTMJdoc]

Welcome 👍

[@aldohamrah9980]

Thank you

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@briannec2016]

Omg...That hurts so bad on the right side. But I've been having this almost muscle spasm feeling in the underside of my right jaw. I also had my lower right premolar removed a couple weeks ago, got dry socket, then an infection, then ear fullness with hearing loss, then the feeling like something was stuck way up in my sinus making me sneeze constantly, then out of nowhere it felt like my eardrum exploded. I was feeling crappy ,too, (sickish, headache, fatigue) that kept getting worse. I had to go the the Urgent Care on Memorial Day, they put me on ginormous antibiotics, and said it's a good thing I didn't wait any longer. Now I mostly feel better, but my ear is still muffled, and that horrible spasm-y feeling is still there and worse. At first I thought it was the submandibular gland, since that's where it is, but there's no lump.

[@theTMJdoc]

Sorry to hear this!

[@ganjatsu5806]

Before I even started when you said the muscle helps with left and right, I moved my jaw left and immediately felt a large crack and a huge amount of relief already.

[@theTMJdoc]

I’m glad you’re feeling relief!

[@courtneycacchione9924]

My chiropractor does it for me and it’s amazing! And now I can do it on myself:)

[@theTMJdoc]

Yes! Wonderful!

[@StarfireReborn]

Everyone Already Said Everything But They're Not Kidding. I Wanted To Add That .5 Seconds After Doing This Exercise My Ear Popped, And I've Been Struggling To Pop Or "Clear" My Ear For Days. I Think I'm Hearing Better.

[@theTMJdoc]

I’m so glad it helped! Don’t forget to Subscribe!

[@axnjxn3]

I’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember; I’m glad to see it’s a legitimate exercise. Thank you for the video. I will consider gloves 🙈

[@theTMJdoc]

Yes it’s definitely legitimate! :)

[@stevenburton7922]

Good video.

[@theTMJdoc]

Thanks!

[@rl6318]

Thank you! I have barely been able to open my mouth for over a week after a molar extraction. They put me on a steroid and muscle relaxers for 5 days but no relief. I googled how to crack your jaw (because I felt pressure like when I'd crack a knuckle) & found this vid and I'm finally free!!!

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re so welcome! 🤍😊. Don’t forget to Subscribe!

[@umshoug]

Thank yoooou 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@quantumx5727]

WOW! It works!

[@theTMJdoc]

Yes, it does!!

[@virgofairy88]

I’m going to try this and see if this helps me. I have been suffering with pterygoid pain for six months now and nothing has worked! I tried PT, acupuncture, dry needling, ibuprofen and I’m the pain was still there. It’s worse when I speak or sing and the pain is in my cheekbone and jaw where you described. I am seeing a chiropractor next week and an ENT doctor so hopefully they can help me. But I did try the muscle release and as painful as it was, it does make a difference-I found similar information Reddit. Thank you!

[@theTMJdoc]

Thank you for your comment. Please keep us posted how it works for you!

[@abacaxiveer]

Yes, very good. Being well familiar with myofascial release, I had already found out this method, although I use my index finger. What I think happened in my case was a month of trigeminal neuralgia caused by issues of this muscle, and when the quarter dropped and I started suspecting a muscle issue (three weeks in) the issues were gone in a week. I used this method. Ish :). With myofascial release any massage method that works, does not cause bruising, does not cause injury to the massaging fingers, and that you end up using, is a good method, IMHO. Apart from the issues you mentioned I think this muscle can (via neuralgias) also cause neck pain, and I think it can cause the Eustacian tube to be pressed shut, resulting in moisture behind the ear membrane. Every dentist should be taught this, yesterday. 07

[@theTMJdoc]

I'm glad this helps!

[@spiderman20088]

you know that fresh clean feeling after you brush my teeth i feel that in my jaw

[@theTMJdoc]

Ok..not really sure what to say. Is that a good feeling?

[@truthwillsetyoufree2024]

I love your videos they're so cute but so full of knowledge. You can never have TMI with TMJ that's too cute 😎

[@theTMJdoc]

Thank you!

[@dogmom240]

Enjoyed your video, thanks. I do have a question though. Can one get upper neck pain from TMJ problems. Since I ate something thick in hight and had to open my mouth wide, I developed clicking in my TMJ joint and the same side the back of my neck up towards my ear is very painful. Trying everything for neck pain with little relief. Will be trying your exercise to see if I can resolve both issues- the clicking and neck pain. Thank you.

[@theTMJdoc]

Please watch my video “neck pain and tmjd” and lmk if you have any questions :)

[@kallievangas9730]

Thank you for posting! What exactly causes this muscle to tense? My left one is ALWAYS tight but my right side is completely fine

[@theTMJdoc]

It can become dysfunctional with chronic clenching, chronic bruxing or simply even the way the teeth fit together.

[@vegitossj8985]

Yea same for me, did it got resolved??

[@stephanie-dt7hv]

oh my god i cant believe the relief i got from doing this it made me wanna cry lol

[@theTMJdoc]

I'm so glad it helped!

[@knight7979]

This is the first time i understand how to reach the lateral pterygoid. Thanks!! Just a question : Can a trigger point of the superior part of the Left lateral pterygoid keep the jaw rotated so the right condyle goes in a back position ? ( if you pull left condyle the right one should move back )

[@theTMJdoc]

Yes, i suppose so.

[@nicolefiocco4516]

Thanks so much for this video, Doctor! I'm wondering if an unhappy/tight pterygoid could also cause eardrum spasms? They came on suddenly about 6 weeks ago and I've never had them before; went to an audiologist and 2 dentists and all of them are "not sure where they're coming from". For reference, I am SO guilty of jaw clenching and teeth grinding (24/7) and also have a broken molar directly beneath the spasmodic ear. ANY advice you might have is much appreciated. Thank you so much! -Nicole

[@theTMJdoc]

I'm not sure what you mean by eardrum spasms?

[@90skid97]

Good to let us know that we don't have to be doctors to do this ourselves. Btw you have jaws to die for dr., I will be trying this for my tense jaw muscles

[@theTMJdoc]

Good luck! Jaws to die for? Haha thanks! 😊

[@Dab-pd4hf]

How long can I continue to do this exercise? Definitely helped. I stopped after doing it for a few days . The pain came back.

[@theTMJdoc]

indefinitely! just don't do it too aggressively or more than once per day.

[@user-qm1ug2cl4s]

i agree your opinions. But touching pterygoid muscle is difficult for me. My oral cavity is very narrow. I wonder that touching muscle is the key of muscle problem.

[@theTMJdoc]

Yes! Not everyone can reach this muscle on themselves!

[@shersantos4969]

I have tmj and vertigo I'm from Philippines. Need help to treat vertigo. I'm always watching your video...Pls. more for vertigo doc priya

[@theTMJdoc]

I wish I could tell you more! We treat with orthotics and we typically see vertigo go down.

[@elsaroque743]

Where are you from? You can come visit my clinic.

[@brookebar21]

Hello! I've done extensive research on this muscle and majored in biomechanics, but I want to know your take on this: does tightness/hardness of the lateral pterygoid muscle equate to weakness of this muscle? If so, couldn't it be causing jaw deviation which is making tmd worse? Do you suggest releasing the muscle AND strengthening it? This channel is AWESOME! thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us all!

[@theTMJdoc]

Thank you for your question! I don't recommend trying to strengthen this muscle. I've found that relaxing and releasing it has been better for those with TMJD!

[@Alsmilloy1]

Hi Brooke and Pryia, I’m a physical therapist working out my own tmj disorder. Having tight muscles is a sign of overcompensation. Muscles become tight when they are lengthen from being out of alignment or overworked when compensating for weaknesses/malalignment elsewhere

[@theTMJdoc]

@@Alsmilloy1 thank you for sharing your knowledge! 🙏🏼😊

[@antoniovillargo6319]

The lateral is tense because of lack of vertical height on the teeth!

[@brookebar21]

@@Alsmilloy1 thank you!! Makes sense. But it doesn’t make sense how I just saw this 😆 oops, sorry. I’m going to PT now and that’s pretty much what was said. And one of my cervical vertebrates have turned because of it

[@user-xl3tl9tt6k]

Hi Dr. Mistry, I've been having horrible TMJ burning pain (right side) near my ear for a month straight. I yawned too wide one day and heard like sand/crunch noise for a second. Since then, the pain is chronic. Every doc/dentist I go to says to use a splint - but my problem was not caused by bruxing. Do you think this will heal on it's own? If not, what should my next step be? Thank you!

[@theTMJdoc]

It may heal on its own and it may not. The splint/orthotic , if made correctly, will help put everything in a relaxed position and help it to heal. Splints/orthotics are not just to help people who brux/clench. Please watch my video “dental nightguard vs tmj orthotic” and lmk if you have any questions.

[@Lylybellxxo]

I tried this while watching the video and I didn’t know if I was doing it right. Tried it by looking in the mirror and omg I thought I was pressing on a bone but it was my cheek that felt soo tight. Not sure if I got the right area but I’m def surprised how tight my cheek is . Makes sense bc I did this on the side where I clench. Wow.

[@theTMJdoc]

Yes! Many of us hold tension there!!

[@rialimo]

I have what I feel to be a deep ache at the back end of my mouth and I have extreme difficulty even chewing just soft foods as it’s so painful. Even when I go to drop my mouth a little bit I hear a popping from my disc. Is the lateral pterygoid muscle responsible for the type of symptoms I’m describing? I have no eye pain or headache you have mentioned in your video that this muscle as you mentioned can be responsible for?

[@theTMJdoc]

Yes it definitely can be! This muscle attaches to the disc and can pull it out of alignment thereby causing the click/pop!

[@AM2K2]

Hey - if one side is just slighty tender and the other (my left) is almost tear inducing when I do this...does that mean anything? Should I just carry on doing all the exercises you have videos on? Cheers.

[@theTMJdoc]

This is not a comfortable muscle release and is typically pretty painful. It may mean that the muscle on that side is in spasm.

[@mr.darlingdopamine9551]

I definitely felt something from this one. When I pressed on it it effected my tinnitus, and caused that familiar fluttering in my ear. Wonder if I keep working on this muscle, maybe it will help with my ear fullness and sound sensitivity. Those are my worst TMJ related symptoms.

[@theTMJdoc]

Typically to resolve those symptoms, we use orthotics.

[@mr.darlingdopamine9551]

@@theTMJdoc Thanks for the reply! I have a TMJ consultation coming up but gotta wait a few weeks sadly. Looking forward to proper treatment for it. In the meantime your videos are very helpful.

[@theTMJdoc]

@@mr.darlingdopamine9551 I’m so glad you find them helpful!

[@bennybenny7382]

I get pain in my right side of my jaw and trying this has gave INSTANT RELIEF. It feels tender and slightly painful when pressing, kinda feels like a hard tendon or something but after I feel a sense of relief afterwards :)... my question is would this improve the pain in this small muscle over time? because I think mines over active

[@theTMJdoc]

It could yes :)

[@H0VA]

You gave great directions but I don't think I am still quite getting the exact spot I need because I feel I could be getting even more relief than I currently. If theres any sort of picture or diagram that pinpoints the location that would be sweet. All your videos are amazing I wish I lived in same state.

[@theTMJdoc]

Thanks for your kind words! If there was a diagram that pinpoints the location, I would have included it! It's a difficult area to reach and some people are unable to palpate it on themselves.

[@H0VA]

@@theTMJdoc No worries, you already did a masterful job displaying the location from the vantage point you had. Thanks again and look forward to more of your videos. It strangely enough takes my mind off the pain I get from TMJ you are a godsend.

[@theTMJdoc]

@@H0VA thank you for your kind words :)

[@brijeshsiwach6759]

Hi. Thank you for the information. Is there any way we can access lateral pterygoid from the outside. ?

[@theTMJdoc]

No there is not.

[@brijeshsiwach6759]

@@theTMJdoc thank you for the reply. The pressure applied is from the pinky finger pad or the tip? & the pressure is superolateral correct?

[@andrejmilojeski7160]

Hi Dr. Mistry. Can an unstable bite like mine where my back teeth don't touch at all cause the lateral pterygoid muscles to be constantly fatigued and aching? I just can't find a stable "platform" to bite on... I can literally feel the two of them ache and as I saw on the Internet, trigger points in them can also refer pain to the sinus area, which is where I feel pain the most, right behind the nose. Thank you. 🙂

[@theTMJdoc]

Yes an unstable bite can cause that!

[@TheNoepje]

I have figured out that this muscle the main reason for my chronic tmjd. It tenses up on the left side off and on. It gives me teeth pain, even palate pain and my temporalis starts burning and then headaches and eye pressure begin. I don't know why it tenses up but I've noticed it gets worse when I sleep on a too soft or a too hard matrass. And pillows make it worse too somehow. It also gives me nerve pain. This muscle swells (I can literally feel it swelling) and then a nerve gets pinched I guess and I get pins and needles on my face.

[@theTMJdoc]

Sorry to hear that!

[@subhashchandna5235]

Hello Could you please tell what is the correct placement of tongue on the roof of the mouth. Behind the upper teeth, or midway on top

[@theTMJdoc]

Please watch my video “what is a tongue tie” and lmk if you have any questions.

[@mleblanc307seaglass6]

My message therapist does this I have had bilateral joint replacement surgery in Sept /20

[@theTMJdoc]

I’m glad your massage therapist does this! How have you been since the surgery? That’s a big procedure!