The Original Jacknobber II is one of our most popular and
recognizable massage tools. Designed to be used over loose fitting clothing, it
is at as safe and effective as massaging your sore muscle with your own thumb
or knuckle but offers more support and prevents fatigue and overuse symptoms in
the hand and wrist.

Besides being virtually indestructible, the Jack II delivers both precise, deep compression to trigger points using one knob and a more gentle, diffuse pressure to broad areas of muscle using two or three of its knobs. It’s not only useful for human touch but also for equine and canine massage applications as well.

First of all, notice that the Jack II sits on a surface like
a tripod with any one knob jutting upwards. This stability makes the tool
excellent for leaning into or for grasping loosely in the palm of your hand. Notice
that there are two pair of differently sized knobs. The smaller knobs press
more deeply into the muscle and the larger knobs offer a more diffuse pressure.

VERSATILE AND EFFECTIVE

If you intend to use the Jacknobber II as a self care tool
then you have multiple options. You can:

• Place it on the floor and press the soles of your feet into it.
• Drop it behind your back while sitting in an upholstered chair.
• Lay in bed and place the tool on your pillow to lean your back or neck into it.
• Keep one in the car and use it during traffic stops or long trips either under
  a leg or behind your back.
• Hold in your hand and self treat muscles in the jaw and around the ridgeline of
  the back of your skull.
• Hold  in your hand and self treat muscles in your forearm and hand.

Any place on your body that you can easily reach with your
hand is a good target for the Jack II especially any spot that is tense, fatigued,
achy or just in need of some deep TLC.

ENGINEERED FOR ERGONOMIC CONTROL

If you are a caregiver and intend to use the Jack II on a
client or loved one then you’ll find that the Jacknobber II will help to extend
the time you are able to massage. Professional manual therapists understand
body mechanics and overuse symptoms. They self treat and stretch to correct or
counteract the effects of a long session with a client. But caregivers often
encounter pain and fatigue after only a few minutes of giving a massage.
Massage tools in general can help caregivers overcome this obstacle. They come in
many shapes and sizes and what works for some may not work for others.

The Jacknobber II’s unique shape allows for several
different hand hold options to accommodate the needs of the person receiving
the massage. For sensitive bodies:

• Hold the Jack II in the palm of your hand so that any of the three knobs touch
  your target. In broad, firm sweeping strokes, follow the contours of the
  body over the back, hips, back of legs and calves. Take care to avoid bony
  structures such as the spine, shoulder blades, knees and ankles. Also
  avoid tender areas of the throat, side of the neck, inside of elbows and
  in back of the knee.
• Adjust your grip to use two same sized knobs at once on the thick, ropey muscles on
  either side of the spine.
• To use one knob for deepest compression, hold your knob of choice between your
  forefinger, middle finger and thumb (like holding a pencil) and press into
  your target muscle firmly and steadily. With this technique you will want
  to listen carefully to the feedback provided by your client. In general
  you will want to press and hold for up to 30 seconds or more until painful
  symptoms begin to subside.
• Use your free hand to guide and brace the knob into the trigger point and
  prevent it from rolling off of the muscle. Unexpectedly rolling across a
  taut band of muscle is always unpleasant to your client.

The Original Jacknobber II is engineered to save your
fingers and hands while administering deep compression to muscles. Nothing is more
versatile, practical, affordable or effective for the self treatment of painful
muscles than the Jack II massage tool unless it is one of the other colorful
handheld massage devices we offer. Find the one that feels the best in your
hand and enjoy holistic muscle therapy the Pressure Positive way.

Tri-State Velo was conceived in 1994 and brought to fruition by a dedicated group of racing cyclists who share the belief that a cycling club can be successful at both the grass roots and elite levels of competition. Tri-State Velo is primarily a racing organization. Their open enrollment policy welcomes anyone interested in learning about, supporting, or competing in the sport of cycling and they provide support, both material and financial to the members of it’s racing team.

The Pressure Positive Company, manufacturers of the Original line of deep muscle self massage tools, has supported athletes since their founding in 1982. ” We believe that an active lifestyle and athletic pursuits, in particular, hold the key to a healthy, full and balanced life, says Renee Gladieux Principe, Director of Sales for The Pressure Positive Company. “Tri State Velo works to increase the publics awareness of cycling as a sport as well  as promoting both junior and senior racing opportunities. We are honored to have our logo on the TSV racing shirt and look forward to a successful, injury free 2011 season for all the TSV cyclists”.

Andrea modeling the Tri State Velo team jersey from 2010

Gilbertsville, PA July 29, 2011 – For several years, veteran and student massage therapists from the Academy of Massage Therapy and Bodywork (AMTB) in Pottstown, PA have participated in one of several annual family retreats at the Joni and Friends International Disability Center Spruce Lake facility, organized by the Joni and Friends/Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater Philadelphia team.

The participating massage therapist volunteers provide 15 minute on site massage therapy sessions to family members in a relaxing and loving setting. For many family members and special needs children and adults this is the first opportunity they have had to experience the nurturing touch of massage. For others it is another relaxing interlude in an otherwise down home country atmosphere in the beautiful hills of the Pocono mountains.

The Academy of Massage Therapy and Bodywork is a regular participant at this annual event and students receive credit for community service for attending. The Academy of Massage Therapy and Bodyworks is a PA State approved privately licensed school born from the ideals of Angela Pio Wagner and James Funk in their desire to educate and train dedicated individuals to provide the healing power of touch. They are committed to the advancement of students in the massage therapy and bodyworks fields and their ability to promote the health and well-being of humanity while providing educated awareness to the science and art of massage.

For many therapists who attend, it is the first time that they have had the opportunity to work with special needs individuals. Says Renee Gladieux Principe, a AMTB graduate and Director of Sales for The Pressure Positive Company, “I have had the chance to attend this event in the past and have been deeply touched by the love and kindness surrounding this wonderful organization. Everyone who laid down on our tables was appreciative and learned simple massage techniques to take home with them and practice on each other”.

The Pressure Positive Company will be providing retreat participants with free samples of their Original Jacknobber II self care massage tools. Since 1982, The Pressure Positive Company has been designing and manufacturing unique massage therapy tools for the self-care of muscle pain.

At both the U.S. and International Family Retreats of Joni and Friends, persons with disabilities and their families receive encouragement and care in the comfort of a safe and accessible family camp environment. They enjoy fully-accessible and age-appropriate fun activities, nourishment from hearty home-style meals, and fellowship through meaningful conversations from a network of families who understand the challenges of life with disability.

Contact:

Renee Gladieux Principe, LMT, NCTMB

The Pressure Positive Company

Gilbertsville, PA 19525

800-603-5107
email: info@pressurepositive.com

website: www.pressurepositive.com

####

[Editors Note] This article was originally published in March 1978 in “The Jogger” monthly newsletter by The National Jogging Association. It was great advice back then and holds true today.

It seems to me that for the otherwise healthy person, basic nutritional information coupled with a few fundamental guidelines would be helpful. Accordingly, I list below a few of my own preferences based on years of eating and a substantially shorter period of time as a professional engaged in the business and politics of food.

Good nutritional habits just aren’t all that difficult. These guidelines of mine have proved workable and generally convenient. One word of caution: Don’t be a slave to anybody or anything, including this list.

1. Eat a variety of foods generally but specifically fruits and vegetables, fresh if appropriate and available- like berries, oranges, apples, bananas, melons, carrots, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, squash, tomatoes, etc..

2. Be sure to eat enough protein everyday. The best quality protein for tissue building is said by nutritionists to be found in lean meats, poultry, fish and dairy products. Beans, peas, nuts, cereals, breads and other grain foods are next best for protein. Eat in combination with other quality protein foods, these foods offer perfectly useable protein at usually lower cost.

3. Use unsaturated fats and oils and reduce consumption of solid or saturated fats such as butter, lard and marbled red meat. Clearly this guideline would be more imperative for the obese and for those who are otherwise high risk candidates for cardiovascular disease.

4. Chew your food thoroughly and take your time to eat. I find that this practice is often difficult for me but I keep trying. Above all, enjoy your food and the social ambiance that should surround the ritual of eating.

5. Avoid rich, greasy, sugary, and doughy foods that are high in calories but little else. On the other hand, don’t panic or pontificate if your host serves you cheesecake or pecan pie for dessert. Of course if you are forced into that position often, you’ll have to reassess your social tactics.

6. If you must snack between meals, particularly if you are into high mileage running, select foods that are consistent with prudent, moderate dietary habits. Choose raisins vs. candy, nuts vs. fried crunchies like potato chips, fruit juice vs. soda pop. Again, in my view, there is a time and place for most foods in moderation. What I am talking about here are dietary patterns, not the occasional soft drink on a hot day or candy bar at the movies.

7. And finally, balance your caloric intake with the calories you expend. Be in touch with your body. Start getting in the habit of feeling lean, even a little bit hungry. Exercise. Whatever else you do or fail to do, exercise regularly, aerobically. That is the critical variable in the caloric equation.

Bon appétit and good health!

Science of Medical Massage

In the July-August, September-October, and November-December
2010 issues of JMS we published a three part article on TMJ dysfunction and in Issue
#1 of 2011 we published a follow up on the same subject. We tried to
present to the readers comprehensive information as much as possible on the
subject of TMJ pathology as well as available massage and manual therapy
treatment options.

We did not discuss the critically important issue of
intra-oral treatment of the TMJ dysfunction in either article. Unfortunately,
from the legal point of view, the manual treatment in body cavities is outside
the scope of the massage profession, even if the practitioners have proper
training. In some states, it is even prohibited to be performed by
chiropractors and physical therapists. This was the reason we didn’t include the
protocol of intra-oral treatment for TMJ dysfunction.

Mrs. Gail Falzon, RN noticed the absence of this important
information and contacted us offering an excellent answer to this problem. The
MyoFree® Self-Massage Tool which she developed allows the patient to conduct
self-treatment either learning on their own or under the practitioner’s
guidance and supervision. In such cases the practitioner works on the outside
addressing the externally located masticatory and cervical muscles, while the
patient at home is able to address the inner masticatory muscles while
supporting the work of the practitioner on the external ones.

We are sure that her elegant solution is a very important
tool for everyone who works on patients with TMJ dysfunction, headaches and atypical
face pain. First of all, it allows those involved to avoid legal controversy.
Secondly, it involves the patient into the treatment process, which is a great
psychological tool. Thirdly, it allows individuals to avoid technical
difficulties that practitioners frequently face when they use intra-oral
treatment. These difficulties are the result of the inability of the patient to
open their mouth wide enough so that the practitioner is able to conduct
effective therapy or when the practitioner has large hands and fingers while
the patient’s mouth is anatomically smaller.

Thus we see the MyoFree® Self-Massage Tool and instructional
video as a very important treatment system. This is why we would like our
readers to consider the article below as an important professional piece rather
than typical advertising.

Sincerely, Dr. Ross Turchaninov, Dr. Ali A. Bipar

 
CRANIOFACIAL PAIN SYNDROMES AND INTRA-ORAL TRIGGER POINTS

by Gail Falzon, RN

According to medical statistics, muscle dysfunction accounts
for 85% of all pain syndromes. This is especially true for those suffering from
craniofacial pain, including TMJD, headaches, atypical face pain (sometimes
diagnosed as neuralgias) and cervical pain. Patients presenting with head, neck
and jaw pain are sometimes challenging as there can be multiple components to
assess and treat.

According to the National Institute of Dental and
Craniofacial Research, the most common form of TMJD is myofascial pain, yet it
is not taught in dental schools. In addition to bite splints, dental
professionals use modalities such as biofeedback, external TENS and medications
to relax the muscles.

Attempts to relax the muscle simply cause an active trigger
point (TP) to become latent leaving the impression that all is well. It has
been an enormous challenge to educate the dental community on the difference
between “relaxing” muscle and “releasing” muscle
dysfunction.

Because latent TPs (not causing an active pain complaint)
can still decrease the range of motion, weaken the muscle and pull on bony
attachments, it is important that we, as clinicians, not only correct the
myofascial component, but also teach the patient how to self-treat when TPs
become active again causing a myriad of painful symptoms and referred pain.
(See Figure 1).

There have been many scientific and clinical publications
pointing to TP infestation as either the central cause or significant
contributor to painful syndromes and myofascial disorders such as seen in TMJD
and other craniofacial pain (Simons et. al., ; Fricton, 1985; Fricton, 1999;
Mackley, 1999, Alverez et al., 2002).

In a study involving 300 patients who all had been involved
in a motor vehicle accident, the most common clinical findings indentified on
medical evaluation were the following; jaw pain, neck pain, post-traumatic
headache, jaw fatigue, and severe TMJ crepitus or clicking. The most common
diagnoses in order were: masseter muscle trigger points, closing jaw muscle
hyperactivity, and advanced disc derangement. (Friedman, et al., 2000).

Intra-oral TPs are often the underlying cause of headache
and face pain but our society is more versed in prescribing medications which
cover up the actual “source” of pain. Nothing is quite as gratifying
as watching a patient diagnosed with Trigeminal Nerve Neuralgia discover that
his or her pain is actually from a TP rather than true nerve damage. I’ve
witnessed several patients get off multiple anti-seizure medications prescribed
for nerve pain they didn’t require in the first place. It is my personal goal
that intra-oral trigger points would be ruled out before giving a patient a
hopeless diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia or tic doulourex.

INTRA-ORAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASE

Intra-oral TP work is slowly becoming more common in therapy
practice but is not the norm for therapy curriculum in our massage and PT
schools. There are five major muscle groups found inside the mouth, which also
include other surrounding muscles. For example the tensor veli palatini and
internal pterygoids located in the roof of the mouth can be the cause of
tension type headache, pain behind the eyes and sinus pressure. Dr. David G.
Simons, MD agreed with the referred pain patterns shown in Fig. 1 although this
particular one is not found in the current TPM

Fig. 1. Pain pattern for m. tensor veli palatini

TPs are palpable contraction knots (see Fig. 2) or taut
bands within the muscle/fascia that will ultimately change or alter muscle
tension which can lead to secondary problems of internal derangement,
arthritis, and/or faulty joint mechanics leading to ultimate joint erosion and
breakdown.(Peroz, et al., 2002) Whether primary or secondary, the presence of
TPs can perpetuate disability and worsen the prognosis if they are not
considered and treated. An intricate pathway of nerves and blood vessels run
through the muscles of mastication. Any disruption of normal function can lead
to severe pain.

Fig. 2. Trigger points in the masseter muscle

Personally, after suffering a whiplash and closed head
injury in a MVA, it not only exacerbated a pre-existing TMJ disorder, but also
caused me to have headaches around the clock. There seemed to be no medication
or solution to help ease the pain and I was convinced by an oral surgeon that I
needed a complete reconstructive jaw surgery. Not only did the surgery not work,
it made the pain worse as I endured yet another two years of braces to correct
the bite.

Desperate for help, I asked for a physical therapy referral
and was incredibly fortunate to find a PT well versed in treating TMJD and
headaches. She taught me how to self-treat using intra-oral TP release
techniques, and for the first time, I experienced true pain relief that
surprisingly was almost immediate. Because the treatment was so profound, I
began teaching and treating others while continuing research efforts. It soon
became evident that both reaching these muscle groups and following the release
response all the way through was near impossible with the fingers and thumbs
alone.

The MyoFree® SOLUTION

Based on years of research and product development, the patented
MyoFree® Solution was born. The self-help “kit” consists of the
easy-to-use MyoFree® Self-massage Tool (see Fig. 3) and the easy-to-learn,
Inside-Outside™ technique. The instructional DVD uses 3D animation of the
muscle groups to teach the location and treatment of intra-oral TPs using
ischemic pressure. A full-color Quick Start Guide is also included showing an
open mouth diagram and written instructions to compliment the video. A carrying
case is included for travel and safe storage. (Note* The MyoFree® Massage Tool
is for Patient Use Only!)

Fig. 3. MyoFree® Self-Massage Tool

Inactivating the TPs from both sides, if possible, renders much
more effective results. Also, a problem with most patients is the inability to
treat the tensor veli palatini and internal pterygoids found in the roof of the
mouth without eliciting a gag reflex. The MyoFree® massage tool (see Fig. 3) is
small in diameter which allows even those with severe hypomobility of the TMJ
to self-treat. One end of the device is shaped like a golf-tee and mimics the
thumb. The other end is a very small ball and was designed to treat the
attachment area of the lateral pterygoid which is located in a very small
anatomical notch. Practitioners often complain that they can’t even reach this
area with their pinky finger as it is so small and hard to reach.

There are two videos I would like to share with readers as
examples of clinical application of the MyoFree® Self-Massage Tool. The first
video presents the intra-oral treatment of tension and active trigger points
developed in the medial pterygoid muscle. As readers know, this muscle is
accessible for the direct therapy only using an intra-oral approach. The
MyoFree® Self-Massage Tool eliminates necessity of intra-oral treatment
conducted by the practitioner to achieve stable clinical results while
involving the patient into the treatment process.

The MyoFree® Self-Massage Tool has another important
benefit; its regular application by the patient between treatment sessions when
the practitioner concentrates on the external treatment and re-alignment of the
TMJ is very effective.

The second video demonstrates self-application of the
MyoFree® Self-Massage Tool on the masseter muscle, which is usually targeted by
the practitioners during external therapy. The MyoFree® Self-Massage Tool
allows the patient to work on the masseter muscle combining external and
intra-oral approaches at the same time.

An important advantage of the MyoFree® Self-Massage Tool is
its future re-application by the client to maintain pain and tension free
TMJ/headache symptoms after the entire treatment course is over.

Most therapists consider Dr. David G. Simons, MD to be the
“father” of TP therapy since he co-wrote the Trigger Point Manual
with Dr. Janet Travell. After watching the DVD and using the MyoFree® massage
tool on himself, Dr. Simons wrote a two page testimonial to the dental
profession on the importance of intra-oral TP release and why the MyoFree®
device is so effective. His testimonial and other resource materials can be
found at www.tmjpainsolutions.com

SUMMARY

Anyone who has suffered a head injury, whiplash, has TMJD
and/or headaches should be made aware of these self-help techniques as part of
a comprehensive approach to the rehabilitation. We, as therapists, pride
ourselves on comprehensive home programs and providing knowledge that empowers
a patient to become involved in their own wellness. The presence of TPs can be
primary or secondary, but either way, can perpetuate disability and worsen the
prognosis and interfere with primary interventions if not considered and
treated. Left untreated, TMJD can become progressively worse and cause
permanent damage within the tissues.

Trigger points have a sensory component but can also
manifest as tension altering entities which, over time, can lead to uneven bite
mechanics and restrict mouth opening. (Djkstra, et al., 1999). Research shows
that TPs are a common component of diagnoses related to the head, neck and jaw.
Intra-oral TP release has a huge impact on not only the muscles of the face and
jaw, but also has a remarkable cervical component. Any therapy that can
eradicate or control TPs should eventually become a standard part of the total
treatment intervention for these difficult to treat conditions.

The MyoFree® Solution is a life-long, self-help, pain-relief
system that teaches a patient how to self-manage their muscle pain symptoms for
the rest of their life! The real beauty of the system is that anyone can easily
learn the techniques. If you would like to learn these techniques, you will add
a new important modality to your current practice and help desperate patients.

OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER

There is never a single modality of treatment for these
complicated diagnoses, but because intra-oral trigger point release is such a
critical part of the pain puzzle, pairing it with existing treatments render
far more beneficial results. Also important, of course, is teaching stretch and
strengthening exercises, evaluating posture from the feet up, body mechanics,
pelvic tilt and other perpetuating factors that can lead to the formation of
TPs. Chemical imbalances and nutritional factors (Ferritin, Vitamin B1, Vitamin
B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Serum Folate, Calcium, TSH, and serum magnesium and
potassium) should also be considered in the overall evaluation of muscle pain
and dysfunction.

The MyoFree® Solution is available at www.pressurepositive.com
and retails for $59.00. Wholesale and health professional inquires are welcome.
+1-800-603-5107.

REFERENCES

Simons DG, Travell JG, and Simons LS. Myofascial Pain and
Dysfunction. The Trigger Point Manual. Volume 1, 2nd Edition, Lippincott
Williams and Wilkens.

Fricton JR. Masticatory myofascial pain: an explanatory model integrating
clinical, epidemiological and basic science research. Bull Group Int Rech Sci
Stomatol Odontol., 1999. Jan-Feb; 41 (1): 14-25.

Alverez DJ, Rockwell PG. Trigger Points: diagnosis and management. Am Fam
Physician, 2002. Feb 15; 65(4):653-660.

Mackley RJ. Role of trigger points in the management of head, neck and face
pain. Funct Orthod., 1990. Sept-Oct; 7(5):4-14.

Fricton JR, Kroening R, Haley et al. Myofascial pain syndrome of the head and
neck: a review of clinical characteristics of 164 patients. Oral Surg Oral Med
Oral Pathol., 1985. Dec; 60(6):615-623.

Peroz I, Tai S. Masticatory performance in patients with anterior disc
displacement without reduction in comparison with symptom free volunteers. Eur
J Oral Sci., 2002. Oct; 110(5):341-344.

Friedman MH, Weisberg J. The craniocervical connection: a retrospective
analysis of 300 whiplash patients with cervical and temporomandibular
disorders. Cranio, 2000. Jul; 18(3):163-167.

Djkstra PU, Hof AL, Stegenga B et al. Influence of mandibular
length on mouth opening. J Oral Rehab., 1999; 26:117-122.

Gail Falzon, RN is a myofascial practitioner who specializes in craniofacial
pain disorders. She treats patients in southeast Michigan, teaches other professionals and
speaks at national conferences for therapists and other medical/dental
clinicians who work with TMJD, headaches and atypical face pain. She is the
founder of TMJ Pain Solutions and the Inventor of the MyoFree® Solution. More
information can be found at www.tmjpainsolutions.com and www.facebook.com/tmjpainsolutions.

Her contact information:

TMJ Pain Solutions

7446 Lochmoor Dr.

Ypsilanti, MI 48197

+1-734-277-5711

// gail@tmjpainsolutions.com

The Fourth of July has come and gone. It doesn’t seem possible what with the cool, wet weather we’ve had all through June, not to mention the fact that I haven’t even gone swimming yet. What a crime! But things are now starting to heat up around here again, both literally and figuratively.

Because I rollerski, the biathlon races at Jericho in August are counting as part of our trials for the World Cup trials in Sweden this November and I have to have my game on a little earlier than normal this time of year. This has meant many more intensity combos earlier in the summer, and a bit more focus on all the other little details, such as rifle adjustments, technique work and shooting speed. I think this will have a positive effect on my racing by the time the snow flies.

The training continues. I will finish off this week with a time trial in Fort Kent on Sunday and then take a short rest for a day or two, where I hope to spend as much time as possible in the water! Then I gear up for my first big intensity block.

I have had all kinds of new folks to talk with about Pressure Positive products. The other day I did a “lunch n’ learn” at an insurance company where I give corporate chair massage. Your products were perfect to bring in and share. They will be awesome for this crew to use. There are a good 200 employees and they all work in little cubicles. They were very excited about having a chance to try your products.

Hoping you all had a wonderfully relaxing Fourth of July. Mine was spent training, watching The Tour de France and rollerskiing in the Stockholm, Maine parade. It is by far the shortest parade I have ever seen or been a part of but the great enthusiasm from all the participants and spectators made up for the lack. That’s me somewhere in the rollerski crowd!
http://ow.ly/i/e3OT

The MyoFree Solution is unique, and despite the large amount of TMJ searching and online shopping I do, I have never come across it. It comes with a pamphlet that introduces the product, an instructional DVD, and a Myofree massage tool in a zippered storage pouch. Upon first glance I had no idea what this was! Luckily the pamphlet and the DVD explained everything very well.

The basis for this product is myofascial trigger point release. You use the tool to reach tender trigger points in the muscles surrounding your jaw, then use the Myofree tool to massage out the tender or knotted areas. This technique has been used for many areas of the body, and this tool allows for it to be easily done in hard-to-reach areas around the jaw.

This concept is great, as it is a conservative treatment option that helps target potential underlying causes of pain and discomfort. As I grind my teeth a lot at night, this is a great treatment option to have around as my facial muscles are frequently very tense and sore.

After watching the DVD, I started to do some of the exercises. It is very important to watch the DVD- even if you don’t feel like watching the parts on the background info, you should watch the instructional parts on how to target specific muscles and how to use the tool. The exercises target the muscles inside the cheek/around the jaw, the roof of the mouth, and under the tongue. Then, you use the tool to massage them.

They warn you that you may feel discomfort, and they are right! I could not believe how tender some of these areas were and how much discomfort I felt when massaging the areas that felt the most knotted up. Who knew the muscles under my tongue could be so tense?? By the end of my first session, my muscles felt very sore and generally agitated afterwards, but surprisingly, I felt much better the next morning.

As per their recommendations online, I tried to do 2 sessions per week, so later that week I tried my next session, and it hurt a little less during the exercises and felt better afterwards again. This trend continued, and while I still feel a little bit of discomfort with each session, it is much less than at the start, and continues to feel better and better afterwards.

I’ve used this around 7 times total now, and it has been a help for my muscle tension. As I also have internal derangement of the jaw, this will never completely “fix” all of my jaw issues, but it does offer a nice therapeutic option I can do at home.

The website also says that some patients find they can decrease the frequency of use and use it only in response to symptoms. For me, as I develop a lot of muscle tension surprisingly fast, I am going to continue to use it on a regular basis for now.

I recommend giving this product a try.

For patients with TMJ symptoms that are heavily muscular or tension related, this may offer quite a bit of relief. And for patients like myself who may have more progressed symptoms, it still offers some relief and that’s worth a lot in itself! Most importantly, it offers a conservative self-care treatment that you can use on your own without taking medicine or calling a doctor.

It’s amazing what having a little bit of control can do!