Tips for Temporomandibular disorders

By Dr. Allie Hakamaki, PT, DPT

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) refers to a group of problems related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles that control jaw movement.

The TMJ is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull, allowing for jaw movement such as talking, chewing, and yawning. TMD can cause a range of symptoms including pain and discomfort in the jaw, face, neck, and shoulders, difficulty opening and closing the jaw, and a clicking or popping sound in the jaw.

The symptoms of TMD can be managed with physical therapy below are 5 exercises to help with TMD

1. Slow, controlled opening with your tongue on top of your mouth 10 repetitions

2. Massage masseter and temporalis muscle groups

3. Upper trapezius stretch hold 30-60 seconds

4. Levator scapulae stretch hold 30-60 seconds

5. Place fist on sternum under chin when you yawn to help control the mouth opening

For a video demonstration of the exercises check out Tips for Temporomandibular disorders.