The lateral pterygoid (TEHR-uh-goyd) muscle
is known for the source of pain and
dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In addition, the trigger points in the lateral pterygoid refer pain
to the cheek, which resembles sinus pain, as with the masseter.
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| lateral pterygoid |
The muscle is hidden behind the cheekbone and the jaw, so
only the portions can be accessed from inside and outside the mouth. To reach the muscle, you have to stick
your index finger inside the mouth farther into the back of your upper molars. And then, press back as far as you can,
and push both inward and upward with short strokes.
Other trigger points contributing to pain around the eye, over the bridge and side of the nose are found
in the orbicularis oculi (or-bic-yu-LAIR-iss
AHK-you-lye), levator labii (luh-VAY-ter
LAY-bee-aye) and zygomaticus (zi-go-MAT-uh-cus) muscles.
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| orbicularis oculi, levator labii, and zygomaticus |
The orbicularis oculi is a circular
muscle surrounding the eye. The trigger points are indicated with the yellow
circles. Massage around the eyes gently with the fingertips.
The levator labii and zygomaticus
muscles elevate the upper lip and generate diverse facial expressions such as a
simile, grimace, and disgust. Trigger points in these muscles indicated with
the blue and green circles can cause allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. They may be the source of sinus pain or tension headaches. Massage the area below the eye down to the upper lip with
the fingertips by stroking firmly.
You can also knead the area below the cheekbone between your fingers and
thumb.