Jaw discomfort and limited mobility are typical symptoms that patients undergoing TMJ treatment experience. Expert Dr. Kelley Mingus, at his practice in Bend, Oregon, encourages TMJ sufferers to incorporate a set of TMJ exercises into their daily routine. These exercises are designed to alleviate pain and enhance jaw mobility, complementing professional treatments on your journey to recovery.
Understanding TMJ
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to the temporal bones of the skull, facilitating jaw movement for speech and eating. However, when disrupted by stress, misalignment, or teeth grinding, it can lead to TMJ disorder.
Treatment by Dr. Kelley Mingus
Dr. Kelley Mingus offers expert TMJ diagnosis and treatment at his practice in Bend, Oregon. Alongside professional treatments, he recommends specific exercises that improve jaw mobility and reduce pain.
The Significance of TMJ Exercises
Study findings suggest that TMJ exercises significantly improve mouth-opening ability, alleviate TMJ pain, and reduce the frequency of TMJ noises. Essentially, TMJ exercises assist in enhancing jaw mobility while restoring the comfort and functionality of your everyday life.
Top TMJ Exercises
1: Controlled Mouth Opening and Closing
This exercise instigates coordinated movement of both jaw joints. It is effective in restoring symmetrical jaw motion without pain or joint noises.
2: Maximal Mouth Opening
This exercise promotes maximum jaw opening capacity, a critical aspect of enhancing jaw mobility.
3: TMJ Stretch
This exercise offers a gentle stretch to the jaw muscles, encouraging increased blood flow and resulting in reduced muscle tension and stiffness.
4: Resisted Movement Exercises
From resisted mouth opening to closing and side-to-side movements, these exercises strengthen jaw muscles, enhancing their endurance and overall functionality.
5: Relaxation Exercises
Relaxation exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, can help manage TMJ-induced pain.
While TMJ exercises prove beneficial, they must be attempted under professional guidance to ensure effectiveness and eliminate the risk of injury. Therefore, an appointment with a TMJ expert like Dr. Kelley Mingus is essential for personalized guidance and care.
Continuing the TMJ Treatment Journey
TMJ treatment is an ongoing journey requiring consistency and patience. Implementing TMJ exercises, alongside practicing stress management and engaging in regular consultations with Dr. Kelley Mingus and his team, will make this journey smoother, leading you towards a life free of TMJ-related pain and discomfort.