TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is your jaw. Your joint needs exercising the same as any other joint in your body in order to function properly. TMJ lateral glide exercises concentrate on stretching and strengthening your jaw's supporting muscles so performing everyday activities such as chewing, biting, sneezing and laughing can occur without undue pain or stress. As with any exercise, consult with your medical care professional prior to starting any new exercise program.
Include Free Glides
TMJ lateral glide exercises can involve putting your jaw joint through its range of motion by using free-gliding maneuvers. Working on your jaw joint flexibility helps improve swallowing and speech capabilities, according to a webpage on the University of Louisiana website. Start by sitting upright in a firm chair. Slowly move your jaw to the right until you feel a stretch. Hold this stretch for five seconds. Slowly return to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Do the exercise again to the left side.
Combines Stretches
TMJ lateral glide exercises can combine range of motion maneuvers to stretch different muscles in your jaw joint. Start doing a jaw mobility exercise that uses lateral glides and functioning opening motions, according to the online physical therapy resource site at CyperPT. Sit upright in a firm chair. Gently slide your jaw laterally to the left. Slowly and gently open your mouth as far as possible. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Slowly return to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise five times. Do the exercise again to the right.
Controls Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms can be a common symptom of TMJ disorders. Controlled TMJ lateral glide exercises that result in distracting your jaw joint can help improve range of motion, blood circulation restore flexibility while also lowering occurrence of muscle spasms, according to CyperPT. Start by sitting upright in a firm chair. Gently move your jaw to the right until your top canine tooth aligns with your bottom canine tooth. Do not stretch any farther. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Slowly return to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Strengthens With Resistance
Keeping your temporomandibular joint muscles strong helps improve functioning levels and make performing everyday items such as chewing less painful and possible. TMJ lateral glide exercises can use resistance to strengthen your jaw's lateral ligaments, according to CyperPT. Sit upright in a firm chair. Keep your mouth closed and gently open your jaw to a neutral, comfortable level. Place your index and middle finger on your lower jaw. Slowly move your jaw to the left until the top canine tooth aligns with the bottom canine tooth. Gently move your jaw back to the right by pushing against your fingers. Use your fingers to resist the movement. Hold this tension for 10 seconds. Slowly return your jaw to the neutral position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
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