What is the Masseter Muscle And How We Treat It

I often get to talk about various muscles and their function while working on my clients. Usually it happens when we are trying to rectify an ache, pain, the result of spasm or treating an injury.

Today I have chosen to talk about the masseter muscle. I made this choice for one particular reason. The masseter is the strongest muscle in the human body based on its weight. When all the jaw muscles are working in unison, it gets the capacity to close the teeth with a force of up to 25kg on the incisors or 90kg on the molars. This amazing muscle originates at the zygomatic arch and inserts along the angle and lateral surface of the mandibular ramus (on the farther upper side of your mouth, at the point the upper and lower jaws meet together). The muscle’s primary function is mastication (chewing).

When it contracts, it causes elevation of the mandible (lower jaw) thus causing the muscle to close.

In the course of my practice I have come across a surprisingly high number of cases when the tightness or presence of pronounced myofascial trigger points in the masseter was the reason for considerable disruptions in my clients’ lives such as severe headaches, teeth grinding, speech impediment and even sleep deprivation and subsequent chronic fatigue. Quite a few of my clients reported waking up in the morning with painful jaws. I have observed almost every case was preceded by exposure to recent and unusually high stress levels.

Modern healthcare is well equipped to deal with such situations and has a few solutions available to the sufferer. The options range from Botox injections to osteopathy. However, I would like to talk from the standpoint of massage and my personal approach to the issue.

Just like many other massage therapists, I prefer to begin such treatments with a neck massage. I carefully check the platysma (a superficial muscle on the front of the neck that goes from the chin down to the clavicle bones) and the sternocleidomastoid (the muscle responsible for the rotation of the head and flexion of the neck). Depending on my findings, I might perform neck stretches either before or after deep tissue massage. Needless to say, I am always ready to proceed to Trigger Point Therapy if, in my opinion, it becomes necessary. It is particularly tricky in this area of the human body due to the presence of numerous veins, arteries and lymphatic nods, which must be avoided. This particular part of the treatment requires active communication between the therapist and the client to ensure that the right amount of pressure is being applied so that the client can experience “good” or “constructive” pain (the pain associated with the subsequent sense of relief).

The neck massage is followed by a deep tissue massage of the face. I always try to ensure that this part of my work is as relaxing as possible. I often use a mix of lavender and chamomile oil to enhance the sensation of calm. Orbital cavity massage (slightly inside the area where the eyes are located) tends to be particularly effective and beneficial if I am dealing with clients who wear glasses, contact lenses or spend a considerable amount of time in front of a computer.

When the client is sufficiently relaxed and their muscles have become more responsive to the treatment, we proceed to the external massage of the masseter starting with the superficial strokes directed along the fibres of the muscle gradually increasing the pressure. I always look for myofascial trigger points along the way and apply Trigger Point Therapy to maximise the effect. Sometimes I perform massage on the inside of the client’s mouth to further release the tension from the muscle and enhance the sense of relief. Naturally, such massage is performed with surgical gloves on to ensure that the procedure is totally hygienic and safe for both the therapist and the client.

I have personally observed how my clients have changed with each session as their masseter improved. No headaches and the easing of the jaw pain greatly contribute to the reduction of their stress levels. Most reported improved sleep, better communication articulation and fewer headaches. For me, as a therapist, this is very rewarding.

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