Exploring the Medial Pterygoid Muscle in TMJ movement
The medial pterygoid muscle works in tandem with the masseter to close the jaw and stabilize it during chewing. It is located deep within the jaw, connecting the lower jaw to the skull. This muscle is also involved in side-to-side jaw motions, helping with grinding food. Trigger points in the medial pterygoid can cause pain that radiates to the ear, throat, or even the base of the tongue. This referral pattern can make it difficult to pinpoint the source of the discomfort. Releasing these trigger points through massage or manual therapy can provide relief and improve TMJ stability.