5 Effective Techniques for Singers to Release Jaw Tension

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5 Effective Techniques for Singers to Release Jaw Tension

Jaw tension is a common problem among singers that can make singing difficult. There are several options to reduce tension, most of which you can do quickly and easily on your own. WIth consistency you can come to see real results. 

To sing well, the jaw needs to be free of tension. The jaw plays a crucial role in singing by influencing the position and movement of the tongue and larynx, which are essential for sound production. 

Tension in the jaw can lead to rigidity in these areas, negatively affecting vocal quality and ease of singing including a limited range and problems with health and longevity.

Many singers struggle with tight jaws, TMJ (Temporal Mandibular Jaw Disorder) which restricts range, sound, and resonance.

In addition working with a vocal coach and consulting with a physical therapist can also help. So don’t let jaw tension stop you from singing with confidence. 

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Here’s a quick outline of the topics covered in today’s blog:

• Open Your Jaw Slowly in Front of a Mirror 
• Jaw Massage 1 
• Jaw Stretch 1
• Jaw Stretch 2
• Daily Routine + Natural Modalities 

Let’s dive in!

1. Open Your Jaw Slowly in Front of a Mirror

Jaw tension in singers can significantly affect vocal quality and performance. It often leads to issues like pitch instability and fatigue, making it essential for singers to manage and reduce this tension for better vocal freedom.

Let’s start by seeing where the tension is coming from. 

Try this:  

• Stand or sit in front of a mirror.
• Place your fingers on your jawbone on either side of your face meeting at the chin.
• Slowly pull the jaw open allowing it to open slowly.
• As you open the jaw, notice any slight movements to one side or the other.
• This gives you information about what areas of your jaw muscles are tightened or shorter.
• If it moves slightly to the right as you open, this indicates that the right jaw muscle is shorter than the left etc.
• And now close with the same slow movement so you can see where it grabs as you close.
• Now try the motion again and when you hit that spot where it pulls to one side—go even slower—trying to guide the muscles to stay straight and not grab there. If you go slow enough, it can start to align.

This motion accomplished well retrains the jaw to align more.  Doing this micro-movement every day will teach the jaw to slowly release tension in those spots and start to realign.

2. Jaw Massage 1

Self massage techniques for the jaw are a great way that you can chip away at your jaw tension. There are many stretches that help release the jaw muscles. I’ll focus on one of the most important and effective here. This is just a start.

Try this:  

• Place your fingers just under the cheekbone in front of your ear about an inch and a half. You’ll be on the masseter muscle, a small triangular muscle that is responsible for chewing and issues with teeth grinding can make it super tight.
• Once you feel the muscle, go ahead and apply some pressure with small circles massaging the area.
• Relax the jaw as you massage. Let it fall open and feel heavy. This helps it to relax.
• Then do a few movements pulling down along the jaw muscle.
• Massaging this area daily will help to reduce tension in the jaw. 

This blog post is just a start to releasing the jaw. 

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3. Jaw Stretch 1

Tension in the jaw is a result of shortened tightened muscles in the jaw accompanied by issues like misalignment, injuries or structural issues. 

To release the jaw you want to use slow gentle movements as fast, pulling, yanking motions cause more contraction instead of release. 

Try this:  

• Hold your jaw with your hand with your thumb and forefingers getting a nice gentle grasp.
• Close the jaw and teeth.
• Now gently and slowly pull downward allowing the jaw to feel heavy in your hand.
• Open as far as is comfortable, take a deep breath into the jaw muscles and as you exhale gently pull a little more downward. 
• This motion helps to relax the jaw and stretch the jaw muscles at the same time which help to release tension.

4. Jaw Stretch 2

Small micro-stretches will help the jaw release. The more you force, the less result you’ll get. Gentle but precise movements are the way to go. 

How the Neck and Back Tension Affects the Jaw 

Addressing the Deeper Roots of Jaw Tension. Some of the tension in the jaw can actually come from tight neck muscles pulling on the jaw and interfering with jaw movement. And the neck muscles inserted into the spine in between the shoulder blades and tension in the upper back can affect the jaw as well.

Try this:  

• Raise your right (R) arm straight up.
• Put your left (L) hand behind you.
• Hug your head with your R arm.
• Let your bicep meet your ear.
• Let your head fall into your arm and fall to the R.
• Breathe into the L side of your neck and as you exhale fall further to the R and pull gently with your R hand to stretch your neck.
• Repeat.
• Slowly return your head to an upright position.
• Now repeat on the left side.
• Raise your left (L) arm straight up.
• Put your R hand behind you.
• Hug your head with your L arm.
• Let your bicep meet your ear.
• Let your head fall into your arm and fall to the L.
• Breathe into the R side of your neck and as you exhale fall further to the L and pull gently with your L hand to stretch your neck.
• Repeat. 

Learn my CVM Release Sequences and Micro-Stretches inside my Free Better Voice Challenge to release the neck and vocal muscles. Learn more here.

5. Daily Routine for Your Jaw + Natural Modalities

A quick daily routine for your voice will help keep it freer of tension. 

Try this:  

• Apply moist heat to loosen and soothe a tight jaw. Soak two washcloths in warm to hot water. Wring them out and hold to your cheeks for 5 minutes in the morning or before singing. 
• Jaw stretch (above) – 2 minutes
• Jaw massage – 2 minutes

Other modalities:

Herbs, homeopathy, massage, acupuncture, and body work like Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique are some of the tools singers use to help release tight jaw muscles.

Here’s a quick list of some of these tools: 

• Herbs:
  • Young Living Essential Oil Blend called “Valor” helps to release jaw tension and realign the jaw. If you are in the US with access to Amazon, you can find that here. Otherwise do a search.
    
• Homeopathy:
  • Here are some of the formulas that help the Jaw and TMJ:
  • Rhus: Toxicodendron: Useful for relieving joint pain and stiffness, especially when aggravated by cold or damp weather.
  • Bryonia Alba: Helps with TMJ pain worsened by movement, pressure, or touch. The person may prefer to remain still and avoid any motion.
  • Ruta Graveolens: Beneficial for TMJ pain resulting from strain or overuse, often seen in individuals who clench their jaw frequently.
  • Arnica Montana: Useful in cases where TMJ disorder is a result of trauma or injury.
  • Calcarea Carbonica: Effective for TMJ pain and discomfort worsened by cold temperatures and improved by warmth.
  • It is essential to consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner before trying any remedies to ensure proper individualized treatment. These suggestions are not replacements for medical advice just suggestions to guide you on your journey. 
  • This information is sourced from https://homeopathyremedies.org/
    
• Massage + Physical Therapy:
  • Massage can be very helpful for relieving TMJ pain and symptoms by reducing muscle tension and improving blood circulation in the jaw area. Techniques such as trigger point massage and gentle jaw exercises are often recommended for effective relief.
  • Physical therapy can be very helpful for TMJ disorders by reducing pain, improving jaw movement, and addressing underlying issues through exercises and manual techniques. It is often recommended as a first-line treatment for managing symptoms associated with TMJ dysfunction.
  • Acupuncture can  provide some relief for TMJ pain by relaxing muscles and reducing inflammation.

There are other modalities that help as well like Craniosacral Therapy, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique, Somatic Release, Fascia Release (Human Garage), Chiropractic, Craniosacral Therapy, Rolfing, Structural Integration etc.

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