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

[@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!

[@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

[@VegetaPrinceOfSaiyans]

They don't allow cbd in the military. ​@@jenniferd1476

[@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.)

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome and best of luck to you!

[@oceans.and.deserts]

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!

[@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!

[@PaulCrets]

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!

[@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

[@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! :)

[@TheINFJChannel]

I had to come back to this video to say *THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH* !!! I've had ear pain for a month and it got treated as an ear infection but nothing worked, so I researched TMJ ear pain and found you last night. I massaged my face as you instructed and my lateral pterygoid and I'm ear pain free today. So weird! I felt so grateful all day today and got to appreciate the birds and nature in peace without the ear pain. Again, thank you. ❤, Sadie

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re so welcome! Don’t forget to Subscribe!

[@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?

[@oceanwired]

Best Lateral Pterygoid release instructions I found on YT! Thanks

[@theTMJdoc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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?

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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! :)

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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?

[@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!

[@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!

[@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! 😊👍🏼

[@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!

[@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!

[@sarabatch582]

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

[@theTMJdoc]

Great to hear!

[@ikegingrich]

this is really great video--thanks

[@theTMJdoc]

Thanks!

[@liquidhistory]

I've had terrible ear pain for the past few days (eustachian tube dysfunction) and doing this once it already feels better! Not 100% pain free yet, but definitely improved!

[@theTMJdoc]

@@liquidhistory I’m so glad it helped!

[@LaurenBartholomew]

Did you have drainage when you did this ?

[@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!

[@rakeshroshan-os2ms]

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

[@theTMJdoc]

Glad to hear that!

[@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!

[@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! :)

[@robertmurdoccorptcfc9596]

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

[@theTMJdoc]

Thank you Doc! 😊

[@akanshajain383]

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

[@theTMJdoc]

You're welcome!

[@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.

[@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!

[@jayapatil6079]

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

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@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! :)

[@skale1963]

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

[@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! 🙏🏼

[@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!

[@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!

[@courtneycacchione9924]

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

[@theTMJdoc]

Yes! Wonderful!

[@wombokkiesan3988]

This is magical 🥺 thank you so much

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome 😊

[@frankie4321]

I found taking an anti inflammatory tablet relieves the pain in a matter of minutes. Not for everyone as it doesn’t play well with your stomach but when the pain is unbearable and normal pain relief tablets fail to work a single anti inflammatory tablet has worked for myself. As always Seek medical advice before taking any medication, this has worked for me very well.

[@theTMJdoc]

I'm glad that helps you!

[@frankie4321]

@@theTMJdoc it did help but unfortunately not the solution. While my symptoms all pointed to TMJ it was, after a visit to the dentist three days ago, a decaying tooth under the filling, last tooth, upper LHS which really surprised me. The pain started to be debilitating so it was time to seek help, they began a clean out of the decaying parts and the first stage of a root canal and within an hour the pain was gone. I’m still amazed how one tooth can give you incredible jaw pain and horrible headaches, after three weeks of sleepless nights and constant pain I’m glad a solution was found.

[@DreamyLunarRam]

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

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!!

[@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?

[@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!

[@cristiannunez8271]

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

[@theTMJdoc]

Glad it helped!

[@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!

[@lausy3]

I use the thumb on the opposite side and shove it way up into the condyle area and feel around for pain. Once I feel that pain, I feel for the pulses then I focuses are relaxing that pulses. It should go from high frequency pulsing to low frequency. Once it goes to a low frequency, muscles in other parts of your body should release like the neck, head might untwist, even the sacrum will untwist. The more painful the spot you find and can make this happen, the more the relief. My headaches and depression clears up temporarily. My vision even clears up and I can see better. You do have to be persistent and meditate until that release happens. It is a minimum of 15 minutes and up to 45 minutes to an hour. The key is to keep feeling around for that intense pain in the pterygoid muscles somewhere.

[@theTMJdoc]

I’m glad that helps you!!

[@lausy3]

@@theTMJdoc If the pterygoid is chronically tense, sensitive, and has a burning feeling (which goes away after45 minutes of focused myofascial release), is it possible that there is an organ in the body like the gall bladder to liver that is affecting that muscle and TMJ muscles in general? Have u ever heard of this?

[@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!

[@angeliansale3073]

Thanks for sharing this informative video. It really helps

[@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.

[@namratajain8594]

seriously helpful. Thank you so much.

[@theTMJdoc]

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

[@nonyabidness5708]

Thank you. I'm going to try this!

[@theTMJdoc]

Wonderful! and you're welcome! :)

[@briannameyer5280]

Wow! Thank you for this video!

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!! 😊

[@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.

[@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!

[@fatmasameh235]

Thamkyou following you from egypt it is to helpful

[@theTMJdoc]

You're welcome!

[@exdemocrat9038]

Thank you Doc.

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@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!

[@niewieder99]

😳 wow. So much relief!

[@theTMJdoc]

Great! Be sure to Subscribe!

[@En_theo]

Thanks for this, it's really helpful !

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@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??

[@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!

[@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?

[@swhiting100]

Thanks so much. All really helpful.

[@theTMJdoc]

You're very welcome!

[@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.

[@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.

[@DollcakeLala]

I’ve been having lots of ear pressure and occasional hearing loss due to my tmjd. Will this cause me ear problems to get worse? I want to try it but have so much anxiety of causing more suffering to myself 😢

[@theTMJdoc]

Doing this release will not have long-lasting effects - whether it helps with discomfort or on the off chance makes it worse.

[@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!

[@djcripel]

Awesome! Works well!!

[@theTMJdoc]

Good I’m glad!

[@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 :)

[@stephmolicard]

Great vid, thank you!

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!!

[@bookingbar-barney]

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!

[@bookingbar-barney]

@@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

[@neide4757]

Thank you 😊

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@ikegingrich]

I just found this--this is my problem

[@theTMJdoc]

Thank you!

[@anna_m59]

It works! Thank you !!

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome! 💕

[@rolfingegypt2209]

I love your channel

[@theTMJdoc]

Thank you!

[@quantumx5727]

WOW! It works!

[@theTMJdoc]

Yes, it does!!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@KateSullivan-pm2ml]

hello! I was just given this exercise by a tmj specialist. I've watched a few videos and looked at diagrams but I'm still worried I'm just pushing on a bone! Is there a way to know if it is in fact the muscle vs a bone? Thank you!

[@theTMJdoc]

Well, not everyone can reach this on themselves based off finger length and the anatomy way back there. It should not feel like you're pushing on bone.

[@АннаШироких-х4ф]

same. I think I'm just pressing a bone, don't feel anything soft at all

[@loubino18]

Very good - thx!!

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@aldohamrah9980]

Thank you

[@theTMJdoc]

You’re welcome!

[@omarkasem9723]

Thanks 👍👍👍

[@theTMJdoc]

Welcome 👍

[@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 :)

[@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!

[@치과윤원장]

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!

[@stevenburton7922]

Good video.

[@theTMJdoc]

Thanks!

[@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 :)