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Question:
Vibration Therapy for Trismus (lockjaw): You mention that massage is a good therapy to treat lockjaw / TMJ / trismus.
I'm wondering if the use of vibration (vibrators) applied to the jaw wouldn't be a possible therapy for this condition. Do you have any comments on this subject? ...Visitor from NM
Answer:
Massage does help because it relaxes muscles and probably increases oxygen in the muscles.
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy also helps because of increased oxygen to the muscle. A person on a TENS machine will have his or her lower jaw look like it is vibrating.
I really don't know if vibration will help, but found an exercise technique that claims that:
Vibration means a “recurrent change of position.” Physics: Vibration imposes hyper gravity activity due to fast and short changes in muscle length. Muscle activity (contraction) attempts to dampen the vibratory waves. Physiology: Vibration stimulates muscle fibers Creates reflexive contraction of the muscle EMG activity (muscle contraction) is higher with vibration than voluntary contractions against a load (weights). Stimulates collaterals of the central motor command (quicker firing and more active muscles).
Vibration may help and I can't think of how it could hurt, so you might try it.
The cause of "lockjaw" is spasm of the muscles that open and close the jaw.
You should also seek dental help. Your dentist will evaluate your bite and the underlying cause of your problems and may fit you with a nightguard to keep you from grinding your teeth when you sleep.
Hope this helps.
Corinne Scalzitti, DMD, MAGD
Austin Reconstructive Implant Dentistry
3900 RR 620 South
Austin, Texas TX 78738
(512) 263-3330
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