Exercises for Temporomandibular jaw – limitation of jaw opening

1. Opening Exercises

   Try to open your jaw against fist pressure for 15 seconds. The mouth should be kept open 1 or 2mm only and should not move during the exercise. Then remove hand support and open jaw smoothly. Repeat from the beginning 5 times.

2. Lateral Movement

   Gently press your jaw against firm fist pressure for 15 seconds. Use the left fist against the chin with the forearm parallel to ground. Take care not to swing the jaw but keep it well centred in the midline.
   Then swing the jaw smoothly without fist pressure.
   Repeat from the beginning of lateral movement – 5 times.
   Change hands and repeat the above exercise but pressing to the right. (You may like to do this exercise whilst looking in the mirror)

3. These Exercises

   should be done 3 times a day, morning, noon and night for 4 weeks. These exercises should not hurt if done gently and slowly. If your jaw is painful whilst doing the exercises apply a hot flannel over the area before and after the exercises. If necessary, take two soluble aspirin or similar tablets twenty minutes before commencing the exercises.

For Temporomandibular jaw pain / clicking, complete exercises 1 and 3 only.