​BROHM THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Who is This Treatment For?

People receive this treatment for many reasons and no referral from a dentist, doctor or other health care provider is needed.

For TMD:

• people who clench or grind their teeth
• difficulty chewing
• guarding against a big yawn
• noisy jaw joint with opening or closing
• post dental procedures - such as a cleaning with the mouth open for a long time
  
• associated with other conditions as whiplash, headaches, head forward postures
  

For tongue, voice and swallowing concerns:

• people who speak for a living (overuse) such as teachers, coaches, actors and singers
• hoarse, weak, or strained voice (muscle tension dysphonia)
• lump in the throat sensation or discomfort when swallowing (muscle tension dysphagia)
• reduced vocal range, muffled voice or heavy tongue feeling (tongue root tension)
• extreme stress and grief where you feel you have no voice or choose not to speak
• post-op with surgeon approval with frenectomies (lip or tongue), lipoma removal on the neck, laryngectomies and various cancer treatments

​How Is This Treatment Different From Others?

The general principles are the same with respect to goal setting, obtaining consent and treatment procedures and communication.

The treatment time is longer, typically 75 - 90 minutes.  This alows for a more detailed assessment based on your symptom presentation and to allow for all indicated structures to be treated in a relevant manner with communication that includes anatomical models.  You will know when and how each technique is applied, with your consent.

It is important after the treatment to rest the area.  Resist the temptation to look for improved range of motion, eat food that requires excessive chewing or challenge new vocal range.

Homecare can include hydrotherapy and rehabilitative exercises.  A great resource is from one of my instructors and clinic owner, Jules Poulin RMT, at From The Neck Up Clinic in Toronto.

How Did I Get Interested In This Work?

I have mild hypermobility that includes my jaw (TMJ).  You will hear clicks, pops and clunks from mulitple joints - this is my normal.

My history also includes braces, retainers, invisalign and a tonsillectomy as an adult after a year of chronic tonsillitis and laryngitis.  

Fortunately, I am pain free and my voice is generally strong thanks to self care and my health care team.

In school, I was comfortable with intra-oral techniques and the front of the neck treatments whereas most of my classmates were hesistant.  I realized then how undertreated this area was and began a journey of extending my knowledge and skills through continuing education and collaboration.

Thankfully more RMTs and health care providers are recognizing the impacts involving conditions of the jaw, tongue, voice and swallowing have on overall quality of life.  We are working together to achieve the patients' goals.