Massage Tipof the week
Anatomy lesson: Stress and your Masseter Muscle
Your masseter muscle is one of the four muscles responsible for the action of mastication (chewing). When the masseter contracts, it produces a powerful elevation of the mandible, closing the mouth. Its insertion along the angle and lateral surface of the ramus also allows it to aid in the protrusion of the mandible, allowing for the anterior motion of the jaw.
Sometimes your jaw just hurts! To relax your masseter muscles:
- Place the knuckles of both hands just beneath the cheekbones and press in.
- Slowly open your mouth and press in against the jaw muscles with your knuckles.
- End the compression and stretching when you meet the edge of the jawbone.
- Repeat at least 10 times. Feel better!
Sources: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov • oshercenter.org • Image: Wiki Commons
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Tony Easlick, LMT, founder, Licensed Massage Therapist: District of Columbia, Virginia, Fairfax County
The founder and CEO of Mobile Tranquility, Tony specializes in deep tissue and sports massage.
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