TMJ Exercises & Stretches to Relieve Jaw Pain - Ask Doctor Jo

More Details About This Video:
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause severe jaw pain. The jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw are often involved. Clicking, popping, pain, and deviations in the movements of the joint are common symptoms. Stretching the TMJ and strengthening the muscles around the joint are just as important as any other part of your body.

First, take your palm and slowly push on one side of your jaw. The pressure is on your chin. Push back with your jaw, but make sure your teeth are aligned. Start off gently, and if there is no pain, push a little harder. Do both sides; this will increase the strength and control of the joint.

Next, push down on your bottom teeth with your fingers, and push up with your jaw. Try to keep your jaw in one place, and don't bite down.

Finally, hold your mouth slightly open and aligned. Then, with your palm, push your chin straight in towards you. You should feel a stretch on your TMJ.

Hold these for about 5 seconds each, and build your time up to 30 seconds, doing 3-5 each.

DISCLAIMER: This video and any related comments are not medical advice. Doctor Jo is a licensed Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy; however, she is not YOUR Physical Therapist and can't possibly diagnose you through the Internet. So don't use this information to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they have given you. This information is only intended to show you the correct technique for physical therapy exercises and should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any medical condition. If you are not properly diagnosed, this information won't help, and it could make things worse. So seriously, check with your healthcare professional before doing these techniques. If you experience any pain or difficulty while doing these exercises, stop immediately and see your healthcare professional.

[AskDoctorJo]

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[donutqueen]

I was in such extreme pain, close to tears and the last exercise gave me relief almost immed!! Such a blessing

[chrishowson]

I always thought it was normal for your jaw to click and pop when talking/eating and for it to feel sore at the end of the day, this is amazing! I’m going to try these every day for a month and see if you can save my health again! Love you Dr Jo!!!

[AskDoctorJo]

You should try to do them at least 2 times a day until the pain starts to decrease, then you can do them once a day, until you don't feel any more pain. For maintenance, you should still do them 2-3 times a weeks for several weeks. I hope that helps!! Good luck!!

[SamiL]

Oh my goodness, I have been having pain on my TMJ on the right side. Did these excercises with the video and I have instant relief!

[Cweasy]

THAT LAST EXERCISE HAS ME FEELING BETTER. Omg thanks!

[Vrsenese]

I’ve had extreme pain for a couple years and haven’t made the time to go to therapy yet but I am going to try these out daily thank you!

[now]

I’ve been suffering with a TMJ flare (I have hyper mobility syndrome) for weeks now and this relieved it soooo much! I could cry thank you so much!

[CHROMATICFILMS]

Out of all the TMJ stuff I have seen on YT this one worked the best for me. Thank you : )

[christopherflores]

Its been 10 years and im not sure if you still come back to look at comments but the 2nd one gave me SO much relief. Thank you so much!!!

[oakley]

I've been having TMJ pain for weeks and I'm finally feeling better. Thank you so much!

[sunny_runny_eggs]

Thank you for this!!! My jaw used to click but has since escalated to a dull ache, as if a rubber band is pulling my jaw together, in the left side. Hurts especially when I eat. This really helped ease the tightness. It's incredible...thank you:)

[andrewcapraro]

You are a legit lifesaver! I’m going to be a physical therapist in a couple years and had no idea what was going on 😅 thank you so much Doctor Jo! 😌

[muddysneakers]

Thank you! I've been having a severe TMD flare up this week and these exercises are already giving me some relief.

[hrekkjavaka]

This helped so much. It’s twice this year I’ve had TMJ pain and this helped relieve it within minutes.

[chantalfournier]

I’ve been having TMJ pains all week, likely from grinding my teeth. I’ve got Invisalign which helped me greatly but it still comes back periodically.

I just tried these method, already felt so much relief. Will be trying to do more excersices as such to help strengthen the area! Thank you ❤

[AskDoctorJo]

You're welcome! Glad to hear they helped!!

[laffytaffytimes]

Dr. Jo, I was looking for some TMJ exercises and yours were the first that I saw listed. I can only thank you from the bottom of my heart for the instant pain relief that I felt! I am a gum chewer and didn't realize that little piece of minty freshness could aggravate my TMJ!! These exercises are absolutely AMAZING!!! Thank you again and

[tannabarker]

My jaw has been killing me for 3 days. I just did those exercises and I can't believe the difference. Still hurts and clicks...but I don't have that constant pain. How often do I and can I do those exercises?

[carmzlegaspi]

OMG! I've been experiencing jaw clicking sounds for few months now and having a hard time to eat normally since I'm afraid my jaw might locked. Jaw clicking sounds started after a year I had my lower left wisdom tooth removed. I have bite problem since my teeth are not aligned well. But thanks for this video! after trying the exercise, I can open now my mouth without the jaw clicking sounds. Hopefully this gets better and better... Thank you so much!