There is nothing like a massive headache popping up out of nowhere to ruin an otherwise good day, right? One second you’re just minding your own business, and the next the pounding is so intense that you might as well just forget about trying to get through your to-do list. All hope isn’t lost, though. In fact, one physical therapist has a quick trick to help you banish the pain in 10 seconds flat.
Tension headaches – the most common headache, by the way – often start with something as simple as a clenched jaw. Tightening the masseter muscle – which connects your jawbone and cheekbone – can make other muscles in the area stiff, too, leading to brain – area pangs. When the force is too great you get tension headaches. This is from physical therapist David Reavy. So, knowing how to do masseter muscle massage comes in handy.
Putting it simply, tension headaches often start with a clenched jaw, and a masseter muscle massage could help get rid of them.
Two pictures of the masseter muscle are given below:
The exercise is a simple way to release the built-up tension in your jaw, which in turn helps loosen the surrounding muscles and gets rid of your headache.
Here’s how you do it:
- Find the masseter muscle on each side of your face and apply gentle pressure with your fingers. If you make a chewing motion, you’ll be able to feel it working and better pinpoint it.
- Now, slowly open your mouth as wide as you can, then slowly closes it.
- Repeat this motion until you feel your muscles relax.
To start, it is suggested that you do this a few times a day, especially if you tend to clench your teeth when you’re stressed.
Who knows? By taking the time to give your hard-working facial muscles some extra “tender love and care” during the day, you could totally banish your current tension headache and squelch a future one in its tracks.
That’s it for now; see you all the next time.
