Logan Steele
The medial pterygoid muscle is a muscle used for chewing, located on the inside of the mouth behind the bottom molars. When irritated, this muscle can restrict jaw movement and cause tenderness. To perform a self-massage for myofascial release, you can slide your index finger down the inside of your cheek, with the pad against your cheek and the nail against the molars. At the back of the molars, you will feel bone. Open your jaw and slide your finger inside that bone to locate the medial pterygoid. Apply mild to moderate pressure and hold until it relaxes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle function | Mastication (chewing) |
| Muscle action | Closes the jaw and shifts the jaw to the opposite side |
| Muscle irritation symptoms | Restricted jaw movement, tenderness, and pain around the TMJ |
| Self-myofascial release method | Slide index finger down the inside of the cheek, pad side against the cheek and nail against the molars |
| Massage technique | Apply mild to moderate pressure, hold until the muscle relaxes, perform 1-2 times daily |
| External access | Difficult due to bone structure and salivary glands |
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What You'll Learn
Locating the pterygoid muscle
The pterygoid muscles are two of the four muscles of mastication, located in the infratemporal fossa of the skull. They are divided into the lateral pterygoid and the medial pterygoid.
The lateral pterygoid is a two-headed, fan-shaped muscle located laterally in the infratemporal fossa of the skull. It is one of the four masticatory muscles, along with the medial pterygoid, temporalis, and masseter muscles. The lateral pterygoid is a craniomandibular muscle that plays a crucial role in the inferior temporal region. It is active during mastication and mandibular movements, including protrusion (forward movement of the mandible), abduction (depression of the mandible), and mediotrusion (mandibular condyle movement towards the midline). The trigger points for the lateral pterygoid are present below the cheekbone and are usually seen as two separate muscles—one vertically below the other.
The medial pterygoid muscle is a thick quadrilateral muscle that arises by two heads, a superficial and a deep head. The smaller superficial head originates from the maxillary tuberosity and pyramidal process of the palatine bone. The larger deep head originates from the medial surface of the lateral plate of the pterygoid process and the pyramidal process of the palatine bone. The medial pterygoid muscle is innervated by the medial pterygoid branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. It receives blood supply from the pterygoid branches of the maxillary artery.
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Applying pressure to the muscle
To apply pressure to the medial pterygoid muscle, start by opening your jaw. Slide your finger inside your mouth, along the inner side of the bone. You will find the medial pterygoid muscle right behind the bottom molars. It is important to note that you cannot easily touch this muscle from outside the mouth due to the bone structure.
Once you have located the muscle, apply mild to moderate pressure and maintain it until you feel the muscle relax. Remember to be gentle as this muscle can be quite tender. Hold the pressure for a duration of one to two times per day.
Alternatively, you can try contacting the muscle from the outside, being mindful of the salivary glands in the vicinity. Use your thumb and tuck it underneath your jaw, positioning it at the angle of the jaw. With your chin tucked down, use the pad of your thumb to apply pressure to the tender point of the muscle. Hold until you feel the muscle relax, performing this once or twice daily.
If you are experiencing pain or tenderness around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or have difficulty opening your jaw, these techniques may help provide some relief by releasing tension in the medial pterygoid muscle. However, it is important to be cautious and not apply excessive pressure to avoid further discomfort.
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How often to massage the muscle
The pterygoid muscle can be massaged from the outside (extraoral) or inside the mouth (intraoral). The medial pterygoid, in particular, is a muscle of mastication (chewing) and is located on the inside of the mouth just behind the bottom molars. It is responsible for closing the jaw and shifting it to the opposite side.
When it comes to how often you should massage the pterygoid muscle, it is generally recommended to perform massages or myofascial release techniques 1 to 2 times a day. However, it is important to note that the frequency may vary depending on the specific needs and conditions of the individual. For example, if you are experiencing severe pain or discomfort, you may need to massage the area more often to alleviate tension and reduce discomfort. On the other hand, if you are just maintaining muscle health, a less frequent massage routine may be sufficient.
It is worth noting that trigger points in the pterygoid muscle can cause pain in the jaw, throat, and ear, as well as difficulty swallowing and pressure on the ears. These trigger points can be "eliminated" through self-massage techniques. When performing self-massage on the pterygoid muscle, it is important to locate the correct area. This can be done by placing your index finger inside your mouth, behind your molars, and pushing diagonally backward. You should feel the hard tissue of the inferior part of the muscle.
Once you have located the muscle, you can use various massage techniques such as ischemic compression, precise massage strokes, or the pressure-motion technique. Apply mild to moderate pressure and hold it for 30 to 60 seconds, performing short massage strokes around the tense area. You can also try squeezing the area with a circular motion, breathing deeply through the mouth, for 10 to 15 seconds per side. Remember to wash your hands before performing any intraoral massage techniques.
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Avoiding the salivary glands
To avoid the salivary glands when massaging the pterygoid muscle, it is important to first understand the location of the muscle and the glands. The pterygoid muscle is a muscle of mastication, or chewing, and it is located inside the mouth, just behind the bottom molars. It attaches to the jaw near its angle but is not easily accessible from the outside due to the bone. The salivary glands are located near the pterygoid muscle, and you may start to salivate if you accidentally stimulate them during the massage.
To effectively massage the pterygoid muscle while avoiding the salivary glands, follow these steps:
- Stand with your knees slightly bent and place your fingertips lightly under your ribs, close to the sternum.
- Bend at the waist and take a deep breath, inhaling into your stomach.
- As you exhale, relax your abdominal area and allow your fingers to reach and massage deeply under your rib cage. This may be uncomfortable, but it is important to continue.
- Exhale as deeply as you can and hold your breath for as long as possible, continuing to massage the area.
- When you inhale again, stop massaging and let your abdominal area expand freely.
- Repeat the above steps 3 times, and perform this routine as often as you can.
Additionally, when massaging the pterygoid muscle, you can try the following:
- Use your index finger to slide down the inside of your cheek, with the pad against your cheek and the nail against your molars.
- When you reach the back of your molars, you will feel a bone. This is the area where the pterygoid muscle is located.
- Place your thumb and fingers on the outside and inside of your mouth, with your thumb pad beyond your last tooth, centred between your upper and lower jaw, and behind your teeth.
- Massage the area with a circular motion, applying pressure as tolerated.
- Hold this position and massage for 10 to 15 seconds on each side, breathing deeply through your mouth.
- Repeat this exercise 2 to 3 times per day, or more often if needed for tension relief, pain reduction, or other therapeutic benefits.
Remember to be gentle and not overly aggressive when massaging the pterygoid muscle, as it can be quite tender. If you feel like you are starting to salivate, adjust your finger placement to avoid stimulating the salivary glands.
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When not to massage the muscle
While self-massage can be an effective way to relieve pain and tension in the pterygoid muscle, there are some instances when it is not recommended.
Firstly, if you have long fingernails, it is advisable to trim them before attempting a self-massage. Long fingernails can make the massage uncomfortable and may even break during the process.
Secondly, it is important to note that massage should not be the only treatment method for pterygoid muscle issues. If you are experiencing severe or persistent pain, difficulty swallowing, or pressure on your ears, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Self-massage can be a complementary therapy but should not replace professional medical advice and treatment.
Additionally, while massage can help with muscle fatigue caused by prolonged clenching or diving activities, it is essential to address any underlying habits or mouthpiece issues that may be contributing to the problem. Customized mouthpieces, for example, can help reduce strain on the pterygoid muscle during diving.
Lastly, it is important to listen to your body and discontinue the massage if the pain aggravates. While massage can help eliminate trigger points and tensions, it is not a cure-all, and there may be times when rest and gentle stretching are more beneficial than massage.
In summary, while self-massage can be a useful tool for managing pterygoid muscle pain and tension, it should not be the only tool in your toolkit. Consulting healthcare professionals, addressing underlying causes, and listening to your body's signals are all crucial for maintaining overall muscle health.
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Frequently asked questions
The pterygoid muscle is located on the inside of the mouth, just behind the bottom molars.
Open your jaw and slide your finger inside, onto the inner side of the bone. Apply mild to moderate pressure and wait for the muscle to relax.
Perform this massage once or twice a day.
The pterygoid muscle is a muscle of mastication, or chewing. It is responsible for closing the jaw and shifting it to the opposite side.
When the pterygoid muscle is irritated, your ability to open your jaw may be restricted, and it can be tender to touch. You may also experience pain around the TMJ.
