Coupled Movements of the TMJ Muscles
The TMJ muscles often work in coupled motions to achieve complex jaw movements. For example, the masseter and medial pterygoid work together to close the jaw, while the lateral pterygoid and digastric muscles collaborate to open it. These coordinated actions ensure smooth and efficient function. Disruptions in this coordination can lead to TMJ disorders, causing pain and limited range of motion. Trigger points in any of these muscles can exacerbate the problem by creating referral pain patterns. Addressing muscle imbalances and trigger points is key to restoring harmony in TMJ movements.