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.
Yoga at bedtime can help you fall asleep faster and sleep better. Trudy, a registered yoga teacher and fellow Physical Therapist, stops by to show me a therapeutic yoga bedtime routine.
Have you ever tried to go to sleep, but you just ended up lying there and getting frustrated because sleep seems just out of reach? If so, these simple stretches and the 4-7-8 breathing technique should help relax your body and help you fall asleep fast.
Want to improve your posture? Here are some simple things you can do. Having bad posture can cause pain in your neck, shoulders, back, and our whole body.
Tinnitus is a ringing in your ears. For some people, this simple technique may stop tinnitus immediately giving you instant relief. Tinnitus can also be another noise like buzzing, roaring, hissing, etc.
Exercise Snacks are short bursts of activity that can provide great health benefits. It can be as little as 30 seconds, and up to five or 10 minutes. It can be any type of movement like climbing stairs, walking, doing squats, wall pushups, or modified jumping jacks.
These simple breathing exercises are great for people with COPD or for people who want to be able to hold their breath longer like swimmers or surfers. These are also great for relaxation.
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.
These simple stretches are easy to do every day to help seniors stay mobile, independent, and pain free from head to toe! They can also help improve balance, gait, and decrease the risk of falls. And they are not just for seniors, they are also great for anyone looking for a simple every day routine.
This standing exercise routine for seniors can help loosen up and strengthen the muscles in the neck, shoulders, back, hips, knees, and ankles. This routine is performed in real-time, so it’s easy to follow along.
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.
