Essex TMJ Holistic Solutions

18/11/2025

A tight jaw isn’t just tension — it’s a message.
At Essex TMJ Holistic Solutions, we look deeper than symptoms.

Tight jaw = tight body = trapped emotions.

You’re not “too anxious.”
You’re bracing — holding your body in protection mode because your nervous system still thinks it needs to defend you.

Jaw tension is often linked to:
• Unprocessed emotions
• Past trauma
• Old survival patterns
• Grief you never had space to feel
• Stress your body had to store instead of release

When the jaw stiffens, the whole body follows.
Your muscles tighten.
Your breathing shifts.
Your nervous system stays on high alert long after the moment has passed.

Your face, jaw, throat, and neck often carry the pain you never had the safety to express. That deep tightness isn’t just stress, it’s your body holding the words, emotions, and experiences that never made it out. When your nervous system is overwhelmed, it stores trauma in the muscles that protect you, creating silent tension that feels impossible to shake. The good news is your body isn’t broken. These patterns can unwind, the tension can release, and your nervous system can relearn safety again.

But here’s the healing part —
When you release the jaw, you release the story your body has been carrying.

At Essex TMJ Holistic Solutions, we help your body feel safe, supported, and ready to let go of what it’s been holding onto for far too long.

Your jaw isn’t the problem — it’s the key.
And your healing starts with one gentle release. 💛

17/11/2025

Why I Treat the Neck & Shoulders During TMJ Massage

When I work on the jaw (TMJ), I always include the neck and shoulders — and here’s why ⤵️

The posterior triangle of the neck is a key anatomical area located at the back-side of the neck. It’s bordered by:
• Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) at the front
• Trapezius at the back
• Clavicle at the bottom

This region is covered by strong neck fascia and supported underneath by deeper fascia — and in between sit several important muscles that influence posture, breathing, swallowing, and jaw movement.

One especially important muscle here is the omohyoid.
It has two bellies connected by a tendon. The lower belly crosses through the posterior triangle, dividing it into two, before passing under the SCM toward the front of the neck.

Because these neck muscles and fascia connect directly with the jaw and upper shoulders, tension here can:

✨ Pull on the jaw
✨ Limit movement
✨ Refer pain into the face
✨ Reduce the effectiveness of TMJ treatment

By releasing the neck, shoulders, and the structures of the posterior triangle, TMJ massage becomes far more effective — helping reduce tension, improve alignment, and support long-lasting relief.

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Essex TMJ Holistic Solutions

📍 Southend-on-Sea
📞 07740987519
🌐 essextmjholisticsolutions.co.uk
✨ Expert TMJ Therapy in Southend-on-Sea

12/11/2025

🌟 Another 5-star Google review — thank you so much to my wonderful clients for your kind words and support! ⭐ Reviews play a huge part in helping others discover Essex TMJ Holistic Solutions and understand how my treatments can help with jaw tension, TMJ pain, and overall wellbeing. If you’ve had a positive experience, leaving a Google review not only means the world to me but also helps others find the care they need. 💚 👊

09/11/2025

TMJ disorders are more than “just a click.”
Your TMJ is one of the most unique joints in the body — and when something goes wrong, it can affect your whole world.

Pain, headaches, jaw locking, ear ringing… TMD can show up in so many ways. That’s why spreading awareness is key.

At Essex TMJ Holistic Solutions, we specialise in expert, holistic TMJ therapy right here in Southend-on-Sea. Our goal is simple: to help you find relief, feel supported, and reclaim your quality of life.

This November, join us in raising awareness for TMD and giving this condition the recognition it deserves. https://essextmjholisticsolutions.co.uk

02/11/2025

So happy to have helped my clients this year and made a difference to their lives. 🩵 https://essextmjholisticsolutions.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A5U5Jf8Lp/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is small, but when it's not working right, it can have a massive impact on daily life. From jaw pain and tension headaches to difficulty eating, speaking, or even sleeping. TMJ disorders are often invisible but very real.

Too many people suffer in silence, often misdiagnosed or dismissed. This month, we’re breaking that silence. It’s time to start the conversation, share our stories, and raise awareness.

Whether you're living with TMJ, treating it, or just learning about it, your voice matters. Let’s talk about it.

31/10/2025

Wishing all my lovely followers and clients a happy Halloween.

28/10/2025

Custom Night Guards & Splints: Protecting Your Teeth & Jaw

Night guards and splints that are custom-fitted to your mouth can play an important role in protecting both your teeth and jaw joints from the damaging effects of tooth grinding (bruxism) and clenching. These habits are often linked to stress, tension, or fatigue and commonly occur during sleep.

While a guard can’t always stop grinding or clenching from happening, it provides a protective barrier between the teeth. Regular use can help to:

• Prevent wear and fractures of teeth and restorations
• Reduce jaw aches and morning headaches
• Promote more restful, comfortable sleep

Splints may also be recommended as part of more complex dental treatment — for example, to help find a stable jaw position if your bite is being adjusted or restored.

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What Type of Night Guard Is Right for You?

Your dentist or prosthodontist will assess your individual needs before recommending the most suitable option. These may include:

✅ Soft guards
Ideal for light grinding or clenching — comfortable, flexible, and often easier to adapt to.

✅ Hard guards
Best for heavy or severe grinding — made from durable copolyester or PETG materials for maximum protection.

✅ Hybrid guards
A combination of a hard outer shell with a soft inner layer — offering both comfort and strength for moderate to heavy grinding.

✅ Michigan
This splint was developed with the object of treating TMJ dysfunction and to control Bruxism. It works by providing a stable, balanced contact surface that prevents excessive forces, protects tooth enamel from damage, and can help reposition the jaw to reduce muscle strain and pain. The splint is often used at night and can also serve as a diagnostic tool to evaluate how a patient's bite can be improved.

I work alongside a lovely team of clinicians and can happily guide or refer patients to the most appropriate dental professional to support their care.

25/10/2025

✨ Migraines & TMJ — What’s the Connection? ✨

Migraines aren’t just “bad headaches” — they’re a complex neurological condition often affected by stress, hormones, sleep, diet, and even jaw function.

Many people don’t realise that TMJ disorders can trigger migraines, and migraines can make TMJ symptoms worse. Why? It’s all connected through the trigeminal nerve, which carries pain signals from both your jaw and head 🧠➡️🦷

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✅ Common Migraine Triggers
• Stress & anxiety
• Hormonal changes
• Certain foods & alcohol
• Too much or too little sleep
• Bright lights, loud noise, strong smells
• Weather changes
• Poor posture, jaw clenching, dehydration

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😣 TMJ & Migraine Link
• Shared pain pathways
• Muscle tension from clenching/grinding
• Inflammation in the jaw affecting the head

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💡 What Can Help?
• Track your symptoms & triggers
• Stay hydrated, manage stress & sleep
• Seek support for jaw issues — it may reduce migraine frequency 🙌

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If you struggle with headaches, jaw pain, or teeth grinding, TMJ therapy could help you feel relief.

📍 Essex TMJ Holistic Solutions
📞 07740987519
🌐 essextmjholisticsolutions.co.uk
✨ TMJ Therapy in Southend-on-Sea

16/10/2025

💆‍♀️ Why Massage Therapy Helps TMJ Pain

At Essex TMJ Holistic Solutions, we specialise in targeted massage techniques that relieve tension and restore balance in the muscles responsible for jaw movement — helping to ease TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) pain naturally.

✨ Here’s how it works:

• Masseter muscles: These powerful muscles are the main ones used for chewing. When they become tight or overworked, they can cause jaw pain, headaches, and restricted movement. Gentle, focused massage helps release built-up tension and improve mobility.

• Temporalis muscles: Located on the sides of your head, these muscles assist in closing the jaw. Tension here often leads to temple headaches and clenching discomfort. Massage reduces strain and promotes relaxation through the entire jaw area.

• Pterygoid muscles (medial & lateral): These deep, lesser-known muscles control jaw opening and side-to-side movements. Releasing trigger points in the pterygoids can significantly ease jaw clicking, locking, and facial pain.

💫 By combining precise muscle work with holistic relaxation techniques, our treatments not only reduce pain but also restore comfort, balance, and ease to your jaw.

📍 Essex TMJ Holistic Solutions
Expert TMJ Therapy in Southend-on-Sea
🌐 essextmjholisticsolutions.co.uk
📞 07740987519

07/10/2025

Home care advice 🩵

For jaw pain relief, try a combination of strategies like applying heat or ice, massaging the area, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Also, avoid chewing gum, biting fingernails, and hard or chewy foods. Good posture and stress management can also help reduce jaw pain.

Home Management Techniques:

* Diet:
Opt for soft foods like pasta, rice, noodles, omelettes, and yoghurts during an episode of pain. Avoid hard, chewy, or crunchy foods. Cut larger pieces of food into smaller, easier-to-chew sizes.

* Heat and Ice:
Apply heat or ice packs (wrapped in a towel) to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time.

* Massage:
Gently massage the muscles around the jaw joint, scalp and neck.

* Pain Relief:
Consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, or a topical ibuprofen gel, as directed by a doctor or pharmacist.

* Relaxation:
Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

* Posture:
Be mindful of your posture, especially when sitting at a desk or standing, and try to maintain good posture.

* Avoid Habits:
Refrain from chewing gum, biting fingernails, or chewing pen tops, as these can put additional stress on the jaw.

* Rest:
At rest, try to keep your teeth slightly apart and your tongue resting on the roof of your mouth.

Other Important Considerations:

* Clenching/Grinding:
Be aware of any clenching or grinding habits, especially during sleep, and consider consulting a dentist about a mouthguard if needed.

* Stress Management:
Stress can exacerbate jaw pain, so practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or yoga.

* Consult a Professional:
If jaw pain persists, is severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, consult a dentist or doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

* Exercise:
Specific jaw exercises, as recommended by a healthcare professional, can help with jaw function and pain relief.

By following these guidelines, you can help manage jaw pain and find relief from discomfort.

Contact me for 1-1 advice and massage treatment. Kathie Rawlinson

https://essextmjholisticsolutions.co.uk

18/09/2025

✨ Worldwide 1-1 Video Call Consultations Now Open! ✨

Struggling with jaw pain, clenching, TMJ symptoms, or tension headaches?
Stop scrolling through endless forums and support groups – let me guide you with tailored advice that actually fits you.

🌍 No matter where you are in the world, you can now book a private, up to one-hour video call with me.

Here’s what you’ll get:
✔️ A detailed questionnaire covering your medical, dental, social & lifestyle habits
✔️ Personalised advice based on your situation
✔️ Tools and techniques to ease discomfort and support long-term TMJ health

💷 Investment: £40 (approx. $50 USD)

I’ve already helped clients find clarity, relief, and confidence in managing their TMJ symptoms – and I’d love to help you too.

💡 With over 35 years’ experience as a Lead Dental Nurse, working alongside Oral Surgeons and Prosthodontists, I’ve seen how deeply TMJ issues can affect daily life. That’s why I created holistic, gentle therapies that support both the jaw and the whole body.

👉 Ready to start your journey to a more comfortable, pain-free life?
Send me a message to book your session.

⚠️ Please note: I do not diagnose. Your dentist or medical practitioner is responsible for diagnosis – my role is to provide support, education, and practical tools to help you manage your symptoms.

💳 How to Pay

🇬🇧 UK & Europe Clients
✔️ Pay by card via SumUp Payment Link
💷 £40

🇺🇸 USA & International Clients
✔️ Pay safely via PayPal
💵 $50 USD (~£40)

16/09/2025

When you catch a cold, the symptoms (like congestion, sneezing, coughing, or sinus pressure) can often make your jaw feel worse.

Here is some advice that helps you manage your cold symptoms.

General Cold Relief (jaw-friendly):

• Stay hydrated – warm teas, water, or broths keep mucus thin and reduce sinus pressure that can trigger jaw tension.
• Gentle steam inhalation – inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or a shower can ease sinus pressure without overstraining the jaw.
• Warm compresses – applying to the sinuses and jaw area can help with both congestion and muscle relaxation.
• Soft foods – colds often make chewing more tiring, so soups, smoothies, yogurt, and mashed foods reduce jaw strain.
• Nasal saline sprays or rinses – help clear congestion, easing sinus pressure that may worsen jaw pain.

Jaw-Specific Advice During a Cold:
• Avoid excessive coughing or wide yawns if possible (support the jaw with your hand if yawning is unavoidable).
• Rest the jaw – minimize gum chewing, crunchy foods, or unnecessary talking if the jaw feels sore.
• Jaw relaxation techniques – gentle stretches or placing the tongue lightly on the roof of the mouth with lips together can prevent clenching.

When to seek further support:
• If ear pain or pressure worsens (since colds can affect the eustachian tubes and aggravate TMJD).
• If you notices a flare in jaw locking or severe pain that doesn’t settle as the cold eases. 💆