R TMCC Pattern (Right Temporomandibular Cervical Chain)

TMCC: Temporomandibular Cervical Chain

The other polyarticular chain described in Postural Restoration Institute ® is TMCC (Temporomandibular Cervical Chain). The main function of the TMCC is;

to control your neck
to provide stability for the neck during respiration
to provide support for the scapula
to provide support for the voice box
to provide the base for your skull and jaw (Temporomandibular joint)

The dominant pattern is the right TMCC pattern to compensate

Muscles: Temporalis (ant. fiber), Masseter, Medial pterygoid, Rectus capitis posterior major, Obliquus capitis, Rectus capitis anterior, Longus capitis, Longus colli

The right TMCC pattern is often associated with the Left Sideband of the cranial strain. As you can see from the picture below, the pattern affects the jaw (Temporomandibular joint), occlusion, as well as alignment of the teeth.

Left sidebend cranial strain

The other common cranial pattern associated with the Right TMCC pattern is the Right torsion.

Right torsion cranial strain

Symptoms often associated with Right TMCC are:

TMJ disorders such as:
Jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and clicking and locking of the jaw joint are some of the symptoms
Occlusion issues (although it is not a scope of physical therapy) such as:
- Open bite, crossbites, crowded teeth, intorsion
Airway restriction due to the position of the cervical spine, tongue, jaw, and muscular imbalances
Autonomic imbalance (including direct stress on the vagus nerve)
Headache
Voice production issues due to mechanical dysfunction or the vagus N. dysfunction
Sphenobaisier Symphysis dysfunction¹
- Dysfunction of the endocrine system
- Dysregulation of internal processes (Sensory Integration issues)
- Impaired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow
- Decreased or imbalanced motion of the craniosacral system
  R TMCC PRI picture in Funcphysio
- Treatment
- In the PRI approach, the right TMCC pattern is characterized by:
  1. Decrease asymmetrical alignment and function of the jaw, head, and neck
  2. Normal range of motion in the jaw, neck, and head
  3. Optimal muscle function and coordination in the head, neck, and jaw region
  4. Reduction of stress and asymmetrical force patterns in the TMCC and other regions of the body
  It is important to note that the right TMCC pattern may vary for each individual, and an assessment by a PRI-trained physical therapist is necessary to determine the best course of treatment to restore optimal TMCC function.

1, Magoun, H.I., Sr., A.B., D.O., F.A.A.O., Osteopathy in the Cranial Field, Third Edition, The Journal Printing Company, Kirksville, Missouri, 1976.