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Jaw Exercises for Disorders of the Temporo-mandibular Joints (Jaw Joints)

Jaw Exercises (Standard Programme)

This exercise programme is designed to improve muscle coordination, relax tense muscles, increase the range of movement of the lower jaw and increase general muscle strength in this area. This should ease any pain or discomfort you are in. The success of the programme is dependant on your cooperation and compliance.
The programme consists of a series of exercises and should be performed at least 2 or 3 times a day. It may take as long as 2 to 3 months to notice any significant improvement in your symptoms so it is advisable to continue with the programme even if there are no noticeable immediate benefits.

We will demonstrate each exercise to you before you start the programme if you wish.

EXERCISE 1 Sit in a chair. Relax your shoulders and cheeks as much as possible. Place the lips together and keep the teeth apart. Retain this position for 2 to 3 minutes. This is also a useful exercise to use in situations of stress.

EXERCISE 2 Active mouth opening. Open your mouth as far as possible and hold it in the widest open position for 4 to 5 seconds. Repeat this movement 8 to 10 times.

EXERCISE 3 Alternate right and left movements. Open your mouth approximately midway. Now concentrate on m6ving the jaw to the LEFT as far as you can, followed by the same movement to the RIGHT side. Repeat this alternating movement from left to right 8 to 10 times. Forward movement. Open your mouth approximately midway. Move the lower jaw horizontally forward as far as you can. Hold this position for a few seconds. Repeat this exercise 8 to 10 times. REPEAT EXERCISE 1

Jaw Exercises (Resistance movements)

In some patients, with extreme muscle tension, it is recommended that in addition to completing the standard programme of jaw exercises, you complete the following exercises. We will demonstrate the exercise techniques to you prior to you commencing the programme, since they may seem a little strange at first.

EXERCISE 1 Sit in a chair. Relax your shoulders and cheeks as much as possible. Place the lips together and keep the teeth apart. Concentrate on relaxing and retain this position for 2 to 3 minutes.

EXERCISE 2 Hold 2 fingers horizontally under the chin in contact with the skin. Open the mouth slowly toward moderate resistance produced by upward pressure by the fingers. The mouth should be opened to the maximum degree and held in that position for a few seconds. Repeat this exercise 8 to 10 times.

EXERCISE 3 Open your mouth as far as possible. Place 2 fingers on the lower front teeth, placing gentle downward pressure on the teeth. Now close the jaw against this resistance.

EXERCISE 4 Open your mouth approximately midway. Place 2 fingers flat against the RIGHT cheek, pressing gently against the skin. Slowly move the jaw sideways to the RIGHT against the resistance of the fingers. Hold this position for a few seconds. Return to the centre. Repeat this movement to the RIGHT side 8 to 10 times. Repeat this exercise now to the LEFT side. REPEAT EXERCISE 1.