Complementary Techniques

Some people are helped by complementary techniques while others are not.  The quality and amount of research supporting these approaches varies from therapy to therapy.  Always talk to your health care provider first before using a complementary/integrative therapy.

• Acupuncture – Invented in China thousands of years ago, this practice involves putting long, thin needles into specific points along the body to relieve pain and discomfort. Acupuncturists believe that a healthy body contains channels through which energy flows. When these channels are blocked, energy cannot flow and bad health can occur. Needles are inserted into the blocked areas to correct imbalances and open up the energy channels again. Acupuncture may provider short-term help for TMD pain but more research needs to be done.
   
• Biofeedback – This involves a learning process using visual or sound-based feedback. Biofeedback allows you to train your mind and body to control or normalize the way you respond to pain. It makes you more aware of your body and helps you learn how to relax and relieve pain. Electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback may be helpful for patients with TMD. Patches are put on the skin. The EMG machine measures muscle activity and makes a sound to tell you how tense and stressed your muscles are. You can use these sounds to practice techniques for relieving muscle tension and discomfort caused by TMD. EEG (Brainwave) Biofeedback is also available and helpful. Your therapist will decide which is most appropriate for you.
   
• Feldenkrais Method – The Feldenkrais method is a type of bodywork that uses gentle movements to promote personal awareness of the body, increase flexibility and improve coordination. One of the key philosophies of the Feldenkrais method is that there is no separation between the mind and body and that, as the body strengthens and gains new forms of movement, the mind will also strengthen and improve. Unlike manipulative physical therapies such as massage or Rolfing, Feldenkrais practitioners generally view the work as a way to expand one’s knowledge of self and promote the connection between the mind and the body. Classes – called “Awareness through Movement” – focus on teaching small, precise movements that can be beneficial to people of all fitness levels and abilities. One-on-one Feldenkrais is called “Functional Integration.” Many people find the experience relaxing and helpful. For more information, please see our full article on the Feldenkrais Method or visit www.feldenkrais.com.
   
• Hypnosis – This involves entering an altered state of consciousness whereby suggestions inserted while in that state can lead to changes in behavior. For example, using hypnosis to treat pain may help to alter your physical sensations. Self-hypnosis involves inducing an altered state of consciousness – and thus controlling pain sensation – by yourself.
   
• Relaxation breathing – Breathing techniques help your body relax and take your mind off of everyday worries. Practice relaxation breathing by breathing in through your nose, holding the breath, and then breathing out through your mouth. It may seem silly or uncomfortable at first, but relaxation breathing will feel more natural with practice. Slow, steady relaxation breathing can help you relax tense muscles. Truly focusing on your breathing can help you break a cycle of negative thoughts.

 

More Information

Massage and Acupuncture
Using Complementary Therapy to Relieve Pain
US National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine