02/24/2026
Hands-On Treatment May Benefit Bruxism Patients.
Bruxism is a condition characterized by involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, typically occurring during sleep or periods of stress, and is often associated with jaw muscle pain, tooth wear, and temporomandibular joint symptoms. In a recent study, researchers found that applying myofascial release—a hands-on technique in which a doctor of chiropractic uses manual pressure (with the hands, elbow, or a tool) to reduce muscle tension and improve tissue mobility—to the masseter and sternocleidomastoid muscles led to significant improvements in jaw and neck pain, as well as maximal mouth opening, in individuals with bruxism. These findings support the use of myofascial release as part of a multimodal approach to managing bruxism.
Cranio, December 2025