Barnes Myofascial Release Benefits the Neck, Jaw, and Eyes

ByRob Crampton, LMT
Senior woman touching jaw line with fingers, close-up

I was recently talking with a friend about what I can treat with myofascial release. On that topic, we got into how one of the MFR seminars I took, we learn intra-oral work. This went in depth about ways one can affect the head and all its parts.

The mainstay with what I treat are areas of the body that show hypertension (excessive tightness) or poor mobility. These can manifest in the head as well as the rest of the body. And if you read my earlier blog post about how fascial tension presents itself in the body, you can understand how it is all connected.

Techniques-wise, I cannot give specifics on technique but a few of my pics below can give you a general idea.

Cartoon with frogs receiving jaw, neck, and eye myofascial release.

Jaw Pain You Say? TMJ Disorder You Say?

I can work with your jaw. Jaw tightness. Jaw pain. What kind of jaw pain? All types. However TMJ(temporomandibular joint) disorders manifest. The jaw joint is close to the trigeminal nerve, the ear canal. It is involved with any action of opening or closing your mouth.

  • pain in the muscles
  • pain in the neck and shoulders
  • chronic headaches
  • jaw muscle stiffness
  • limited movement or locking of the jaw
  • ear pain, pressure, fullness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint when opening or closing of the mouth
  • a bite that feels “off”
  • dizziness
  • vision problems
  • teeth grinding (bruxism)

The jaw also works with the tongue and the throat. A lot of congestion or tightness in the tissue here has its share of effects.

  • poor, painful, or restricted swallowing
  • poor, painful, or restricted breathing
  • awkward or strained vocal ability (singers and public speakers)
  • speech problems
  • restricted motion in the neck
  • breastfeeding issues for babies

I remind the viewer that any of these problems have a whole body relationship, not isolated at the location of the symptom, and are interconnected from head to toe via the fascial system.

Get Treated by a John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Therapist

If you struggle with any neck, jaw, or eye issues, seek out your local John F. Barnes Myofascial Release therapist to gain a new normal and ease in your life. Find a local MFR therapist HERE. If you live in Richmond, VA or the surrounding central Virginia area you can see me at James River Myofascial Release. Find me at James River Myofascial Release to schedule a Myofascial Release treatment.