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.
When the pectoralis (pec) muscles are strained, overused, or even tightened due to bad posture, it can cause chest pain and tightness. These easy chest pain relief techniques should help, but it’s always important to check in with your doctor if you are having chest pain to rule out any serious conditions.
Breathing exercises can be a great way to help relieve stress and anxiety. This video focuses on two relaxing breathing techniques: Square breathing (aka box breathing, 4x4 breathing, 4-part breath, etc.) and Pursed breathing.
People often have poor posture when they are working at a desk or gaming all day. These quick exercises will help improve bad posture fast, and they are easy to do at your desk or chair.
PTs will often analyze your gait by watching you get up and walk across the room, but most of the time we are analyzing your gait as soon as you walk into the clinic. If you have been diagnosed with gait abnormalities, these stretches and exercises might help.
The pelvic floor muscles are often overlooked, and people don’t think about strengthening them. Since the pelvic floor muscles are small, it doesn’t take a lot of movement to work them, so it’s best to start with a little and slowly progress.
This seated stretching routine for seniors focuses on simple stretches that can help loosen up the muscles in the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and knees.
Tension headaches can cause a lot of pain. Stress is a common cause of tension headaches. Relaxing the muscles around the neck and shoulder area can help decrease the pain caused by tension headaches.
Sitting in front of a computer all day for school or work can tighten & weaken muscles in the neck, shoulders, chest, hips, knees, and feet. These sitting stretches & exercises may help.
Struggling to get a good night’s sleep? You’re not alone! But here’s some good news: short strengthening exercises in the evening (like the ones in this video) can help improve sleep quality so you wake up refreshed.
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.
