Trigger point pain from Temporalis Trigger Point #One and how to find relief

STEP 1: How to Locate the Temporalis Trigger Point #One

The Temporalis is a muscle that helps in jaw movements. It connects your skull to your lower jaw on either side. It is shaped like a ‘C’ from your temples to back behind the ear and connecting to the lower jaw. Its main function is to help bring the lower jaw up (i.e. closing the mouth). It also helps in the retraction of the jaw. To locate the muscle, draw an imaginary line from the tip of your eye to the top of your ear and place your hand about one finger breadth over this line. When you clench your jaw, you will feel the Temporalis muscle contract. Most trigger points are present between your temple and this imaginary line. Feel for hard sensitive spots over this area; these are your trigger points.

STEP 2: How to Self-Release the Temporalis Trigger Point # One

Massaging the Temporalis muscle is very simple and requires the use of your thumb. Place the pads of your thumb on the trigger point, close to the middle joint as indicated in the location video. Supporting your thumb with your other fingers, reach your arm over your head and apply gentle pressure on the thumb. Alternatively, you may want to place your hand over a table, keeping your elbow against a wall for support. For this method, you’ll lean your head in as opposed to pushing with your arm. You will feel sensation radiating along the same areas that you initially reported feeling pain. Hold for 30 seconds, breathing normally, and release.
When this muscle gets overworked, it can lead to pain and headaches, especially if you tend to clench your jaw or grind your teeth. This pain can increase during periods of heightened emotion, so remember to try and stay calm, avoiding those reactions as much as possible. This practice will further help with headache relief.