Lateral Pterygoid Release | Leigh Miller, PT, DPT, CertDN (TMJ specialist)

OH, how we LOVE our muscles of mastication! ♥️ This week we're shining a light on the fun and ever problematic "Lateral Pterygoid" As you chew on a tasty piece of steak or bite into a big, juicy apple, it’s doubtful you’re conscious of your lateral pterygoid muscle! But when it ISN'T functioning properly, it suddenly becomes front and center! As one of the four muscles of mastication (chewing), it helps you eat, talk and move your lower jaw. Other fun facts about this muscle includes: It's Fan Shaped Connects RIGHT ON the capsule of the TMJ It protrudes (chin out) and depresses (mouth open) your mandible It helps rotate your mandible It helps produce a "gliding motion" of your disc (between your joints) So why does this muscle cause so much pain??? It is widely understood that this muscle has the PRIMARY responsibility of opening the mouth, and is the STRONGEST muscle involved in MOVING the jaw side to side and forward and back so that you can grind and chew food!🍖🍗 Just think about how many times a day you open your mouth to talk or chew food! It’s no wonder the lateral pterygoid is considered one of the hardest working muscles of mastication. Well.. this amazing yet hard-working muscle can develop a trigger point, which is similar to a knot you may get in your neck when you sleep in an odd position. This trigger point can lead to discomfort and pain in the TMJ! If you can relate to this at all...If you've ever experienced jaw pain with or without clicking...and pressure on your TMJ causes pain...try this release technique! It just might buy you some quick relief! Please watch and enjoy! Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments. As always, if the pain persists, please GIVE US A CALL or DM us today! 🤙📩 Let our TMJ specialist help you reduce and manage your pain! 😊 PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! _____________________ Visit links below: WEBSITE: https://millerconciergept.com/ FACEBOOK:   / millerconciergept   INSTAGRAM (TMD) :   / tmdwithdrleigh   INSTAGRAM (BoxDoc) :   / tmdwithdrleigh   #tmj #tmjd #Pterygoids #lateralpterygoids #tempromandibulardisorders #tempromandibularjointdysfunction #jawpain #jawdysfunction #headaches #neckpain #physicaltherapy #tmjspecialist #raleigh #durham #chapelhill