Exercises for Temporomandibular Disorder

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the most widely used joint in the body. It is estimated that 50-70% of the adult population will suffer from at least one symptom of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in their lifetime. However, many people do not realize the symptoms they experience are a result of TMD.

Temporomandibular disorder presents with many symptoms, including:  

  • Headaches
  • Facial or TMJ pain
  • Neck pain
  • Limited mouth opening
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Earache, fullness, or tinnitus
  • TMJ joint noise, clicking, or clenching
  • Toothache
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty with speech

When assessing the TMJ, we typically assess both sides of the jaw as they function as a pair. We also assess the individual’s posture as this could place increased force on the jaw. If you are suffering from temporomandibular disorder, here are some exercises to help manage symptoms and pain.

 

 

1. CERVICAL CHIN TUCK WITH OVER PRESSURE (OP)

Place your hand on your chin and slowly push your head back into a chin tuck so that your ears line up with your shoulders.

Hold for 5 seconds, then release and return to the original position. Repeat this 10 times to complete one set. Perform the set three times daily.

2. SCAPULAR RETRACTION PINCH

Tuck your chin back as you pinch your shoulder blades together. Hold your shoulder blades together for 5 seconds, relax, then repeat 10 times to complete one set. Perform the set three times daily.

3. TMJ Tongue on Roof of Mouth

Stand or sit in front of a mirror if possible. Open your jaw slightly and relax your face keeping correct alignment. Press the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Hold for 6 seconds, then slowly close your mouth. Repeat 6 times to complete one set. Perform the set three times daily.

4. TMJ Resisted Lateral Opening

Stand or sit in front of a mirror if possible, open your jaw slightly, keeping correct alignment. Move your jaw to the side as directed by your physical therapist, using your hand to provide mild resistance. Hold for 6 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat 6 times to complete one set. Perform the set three times daily.

5. Protrusion Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

Start by sitting tall with good posture, head over your shoulders and jaw relaxed. Perform the movement by moving your jaw forward. Your bottom row of teeth should move forward in front of the top row of teeth as far as possible. Hold for about 6 seconds and then relax to the starting position. Repeat 6 times to complete one set. Perform the set three times daily.

The therapists at Sheltering Arms Institute can create a plan catered to your specific needs to treat TMD. To make an appointment with a TMJ therapist, please visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com/conditions-services/tmj.

References:

Ho, Sally (2012). Physical Therapy Management of Patients with TMJ and Associated Symptoms. Sally Ho. (pp. 2-3, 19, 28, 32-33). USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy.

 

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

5 Types of Adaptive Equipment for Individuals with Limb Loss

Navigating your home environment and daily life following limb loss can feel challenging at first. Fortunately, there is a robust market of adaptive equipment and assistive technology designed to make life safer, more accessible, and more efficient. Here are five key categories of adaptive equipment that can be highly beneficial following an amputation.

How to Prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery: 5 Ways to Support a Smoother Recovery

Preparing for a knee replacement involves more than scheduling surgery. The steps you take beforehand can make a real difference in how you move, feel, and recover afterward. Building strength, improving mobility, and knowing what to expect can help you go into surgery feeling more confident and better prepared. This approach is called prehabilitation, or prehab. Here are five ways to set yourself up for a smoother recovery after knee replacement.

How to Safely Exercise in the Summer Heat: 4 Essential Tips

Exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but during hot summers it can pose a health risk. If you are someone who prefers to exercise outdoors, it is important to follow precautions and know your risk. As we exercise, our muscles work and our core body temperature rises. Our circulatory system is responsible for transporting heat to the skin surface, which causes us to sweat. When it is hot and humid outside, our bodies cannot evaporate sweat as easily, trapping more heat in the body.

Connected Pain: How Your Neck May Be Causing Your Headaches

If you have ever dealt with nagging neck pain, you are far from alone. In fact, research shows that roughly half of us will experience a significant episode of neck pain at some point in our lives. Whether it stems from a sudden whiplash injury, age-related changes like arthritis, a pinched nerve, or simply the daily muscle strain of looking down at our phones or computer screens, neck pain is incredibly disruptive. It can present as a dull ache or a sharp, catching pain, and it often robs you of your ability to turn your head comfortably. But there is another common symptom of neck stiffness that surprises many people: headaches.

Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) are distinct, separate professions, each requiring its own specialized education, licensing, and expertise. Because both fields share the ultimate goal of improving a patient’s independence and quality of life, their roles can sometimes seem to overlap.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.