5 Singing Secrets to Release Tension in the Jaw Muscles

5 Singing Secrets to Release Tension in the Jaw Muscles

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. 

Jaw tension is a big topic for singers and there is a lot to cover. In today’s blog I’ll focus on a couple of highlighted areas to reduce tension. The easier your jaw can open, the more it contributes to a fuller sound and range. 

Here are my Top 5 Singing Secrets to Release Tension in the Jaw Muscles:

• Micro Stretches for the Jaw
• Self Massage to Release Jaw Tension
• Micro Movements to Realign the Jaw
• How the Neck and Back Tension Affects the Jaw
• Natural Modalities and Remedies to Help the Jaw 

1. Micro Stretches for the Jaw

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.

2. Self Massage to Release Jaw Tension

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. Sign up for my FREE Better Voice Challenge 4-1 Hour Workshops where you can learn my Cole Vocal Method Release Sequences that stretch the muscles of the voice and free the instrument. Experience more sound and power while decreasing strain. Click here to learn more.

3. Micro Movements to Realign the Jaw

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

Here is one. 

Try this:

• Stand 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.

4. 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. Natural Modalities and Remedies to Help the Jaw 

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:
  • Acupuncture may provide some relief for TMJ pain by relaxing muscles and reducing inflammation, although evidence of its effectiveness is limited and varies among individuals. It’s advisable to consult with an acupuncture professional to determine if it’s a suitable option for you.

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