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
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!
Super late to this but im having this same exact problem atm! If you keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth where its natural place of rest should be i found its Very difficult to have your teeth clench together, it has been saving me from clenching😤
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.
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
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 TH-cam Channel. She is already improving in pain levels AND ROM.
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! :)
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.
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
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!!
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.🖖
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
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.)
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!! 😊❤
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.
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.
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.
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 !!!
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.
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...
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!
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.
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
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😊
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.
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!
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.
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!!!
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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?
Even more than those symptoms, mine is dyfunctional enough where it shoots pain down into my low back and leg and causes severe spasms. We spent 6 years trying to figure out what’s wrong and just recently finally figured out it’s coming from my jaw, this muscle is for sure involved we’re in the process of figuring out what else in that area is contributing. Have you heard of other patients say that the jaw refers pain all the way down to the low back and hip? I am also located in Portland, are you seeing new patients? I have my first TMJ specialist appt with kaiser this week but they schedule so far out and i can’t be in this pain any longer
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
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 😢
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.
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 )
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 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.
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 :)
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.
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!
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.
thankyou so much for this, i started feeling pain on my right lower jaw a couple days ago. I massaged it just like you showed but it kinda hurts more at that spot, is this normal?
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!
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!
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
@@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
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. 🙂
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.
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.
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.
@@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.
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.
This is absolutely life saving! I didnt even know my jaw could feel this relaxed. Thankyou!!!!
I’m so happy to hear this!
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
Glad it helped!
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!
@kate you should try CBD oil from alpen organics
They don't allow cbd in the military. @@jenniferd1476
Super late to this but im having this same exact problem atm! If you keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth where its natural place of rest should be i found its Very difficult to have your teeth clench together, it has been saving me from clenching😤
I've had tmj issues for 15 years, and have never tried this before, but this helps so much. Thank you doctor.
You’re welcome!
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.
Where do you live?
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
Yes! This muscle can be responsible for so much pain!
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 TH-cam Channel. She is already improving in pain levels AND ROM.
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! :)
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.
I’m so glad it helped!
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
You’re so welcome! Don’t forget to Subscribe!
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!!
You're welcome!
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.🖖
Sorry to hear this and good luck! I hope my videos can help.
@robertgustafson3258 Hi! Did you two continue these exercises? Has it been effective?
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
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.)
You’re welcome and best of luck to you!
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!! 😊❤
I'm so happy it helped!
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.
I’m so glad! 😊 be sure to Subscribe and Share!
Amazing!! I've seen so many doctors/dentists who didn't mention any of this. Thank you so much! 💗
Glad it was helpful!
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.
You're so welcome! I'm so happy it helps! :)
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.
Thanks for the info!
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 !!!
I hope so too!
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.
Glad it helped! :)
@@theTMJdoc what cause face muscle build up and jaw bone stick out on side
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...
I’m so glad to help and even happier to hear you will get to enjoy your cooking!!! 😊🎄 Happy Holidays!
Best Lateral Pterygoid release instructions I found on YT! Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
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!
@@liquidhistory I’m so glad it helped!
Did you have drainage when you did this ?
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.
Thank you! Be sure to Subscribe and check out my TH-cam playlist called “tmj exercises/muscle releases”. Those should help 😊
@@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?
very good I did this for my client with tmj and she was very happy with the results, thanks
Great to hear!
This took away my pain immediately. Relieved at last! I am so glad I found you.
Glad it helped! Don't forget to Subscribe!
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
You’re welcome! I’m glad it helped!!
Your channel has been a awesome help in my journey to discover how to overcome TMJ. Thank you
You’re welcome! Please be sure to Subscribe! 😊👍🏼
Thanks doc...its really worked... felling bit relaxed
Glad to hear that!
this has helped more than anything else i have tried in the last few months. thank you so much. subscribed
You're so welcome!
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😊
Thank you for your kind words!
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.
I'm glad it helped!
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!
You’re so welcome! Please be sure to Subscribe!!
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.
You’re so welcome! Glad it helped! 😊🙏🏼. Don’t forget to subscribe!
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.
I’m glad you’re feeling relief!
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!!!
You’re so welcome! 🤍😊. Don’t forget to Subscribe!
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!
You're welcome! :)
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
I'm glad this helps!
This video is a godsend. TYSM. Imma keep doing this one another few I saw on another video for the next few days.
I'm so glad it helped! :) Please be sure to Subscribe!
Dr.Priya,
Thanks for sharing the information on Releasing the Lateral Pterygoid.
Great job as usual.
You’re welcome!
I have been doing this.. was not knowing it's a exercise.. thanks mam
You're welcome!
Well Done! Great video. Easy to follow. I do this technique on my patients everyday and it really helps
Thank you Doc! 😊
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?
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.
Hi Dr Priya, thank you so much and God bless you! You have helped me soooooo much with your tips!
Thank you and I’m glad to help! 🙏🏼
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.
Thank you and best of luck to you!
Your videos have simple, effective and to the point explanations. Thank you.
You’re welcome!
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.
Good I’m so glad to hear this!
this is really great video--thanks
Thanks!
you know that fresh clean feeling after you brush my teeth i feel that in my jaw
Ok..not really sure what to say. Is that a good feeling?
This is magical 🥺 thank you so much
You’re welcome 😊
Didn't know this was possible, thanks for the info! I'll be sure to try this out.
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!
My chiropractor does it for me and it’s amazing! And now I can do it on myself:)
Yes! Wonderful!
For years! Thank you so much for instant jaw relief!🎉❤😂
You’re welcome!!
seriously helpful. Thank you so much.
You’re welcome! don’t forget to Subscribe!
Wow! Thank you for this video!
You’re welcome!! 😊
Thanks doctor, it helped me a lot , in seconds!!!!!!
Glad it helped!
Thanks for sharing this informative video. It really helps
You’re welcome!!
Thamkyou following you from egypt it is to helpful
You're welcome!
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 🙈
Yes it’s definitely legitimate! :)
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.
Sorry to hear this!
Thank you. I'm going to try this!
Wonderful! and you're welcome! :)
Thank you Doc.
You’re welcome!
I’m not sure if I’m doing it right but I’m grateful for the video to try! Thanks
Good luck! Not everyone can reach this area on themselves. If it hurts, it’s probably the right spot.
😳 wow. So much relief!
Great! Be sure to Subscribe!
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.
I’m glad that helps you!!
@@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?
Thanks for this, it's really helpful !
You’re welcome!
Even more than those symptoms, mine is dyfunctional enough where it shoots pain down into my low back and leg and causes severe spasms. We spent 6 years trying to figure out what’s wrong and just recently finally figured out it’s coming from my jaw, this muscle is for sure involved we’re in the process of figuring out what else in that area is contributing.
Have you heard of other patients say that the jaw refers pain all the way down to the low back and hip? I am also located in Portland, are you seeing new patients? I have my first TMJ specialist appt with kaiser this week but they schedule so far out and i can’t be in this pain any longer
Yes, I have seen this before. Glad you’re not too far away from my office! And yes, we’re accepting new patients.
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
I'm not sure what you mean by eardrum spasms?
I love your channel
Thank you!
oh my god i cant believe the relief i got from doing this it made me wanna cry lol
I'm so glad it helped!
How long can I continue to do this exercise? Definitely helped. I stopped after doing it for a few days . The pain came back.
indefinitely! just don't do it too aggressively or more than once per day.
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 😢
Doing this release will not have long-lasting effects - whether it helps with discomfort or on the off chance makes it worse.
Thanks so much. All really helpful.
You're very welcome!
Awesome! Works well!!
Good I’m glad!
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.
Sorry to hear that!
Thank you
You’re welcome!
Thank you for posting! What exactly causes this muscle to tense?
My left one is ALWAYS tight but my right side is completely fine
It can become dysfunctional with chronic clenching, chronic bruxing or simply even the way the teeth fit together.
Yea same for me, did it got resolved??
Very good - thx!!
You’re welcome!
Thank you 🙏
you're welcome!
Thnx miss
Most welcome 😊
Great vid, thank you!
You’re welcome!!
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
I wish I could tell you more! We treat with orthotics and we typically see vertigo go down.
Where are you from? You can come visit my clinic.
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 )
Yes, i suppose so.
I love your videos they're so cute but so full of knowledge. You can never have TMI with TMJ that's too cute 😎
Thank you!
Thanks 👍👍👍
Welcome 👍
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.
Typically to resolve those symptoms, we use orthotics.
@@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.
@@mr.darlingdopamine9551 I’m so glad you find them helpful!
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 :)
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.
Good video.
Thanks!
I just found this--this is my problem
Thank you!
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!
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.
same. I think I'm just pressing a bone, don't feel anything soft at all
thankyou so much for this, i started feeling pain on my right lower jaw a couple days ago. I massaged it just like you showed but it kinda hurts more at that spot, is this normal?
my lower right jaw is not getting any better too its only been a couple days though
if the muscles are very dysfunctional, massaging them can hurt but this isn't common.
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!
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!
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
@@Alsmilloy1 thank you for sharing your knowledge! 🙏🏼😊
The lateral is tense because of lack of vertical height on the teeth!
@@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
It works! Thank you !!
You’re welcome! 💕
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. 🙂
Yes an unstable bite can cause that!
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.
Please watch my video “neck pain and tmjd” and lmk if you have any questions :)
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.
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.
@@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.
@@H0VA thank you for your kind words :)
Hi. Thank you for the information. Is there any way we can access lateral pterygoid from the outside. ?
No there is not.
@@theTMJdoc thank you for the reply. The pressure applied is from the pinky finger pad or the tip? & the pressure is superolateral correct?
When I feel bone, do I have to go back past the bone with my finger?
yes, you go up and lateral past the bone.
Am I supposed to be pressing against the bone? Or a different spot? It definitely is sore on the bone.
it should not feel like bone.
does the glove make it more effective?
Yes definitely
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.
Yes! Not everyone can reach this muscle on themselves!