Dr. Kelley Mingus provides TMJ sufferers with professional, holistic care at his Bend, Oregon practice. He prioritizes empowering patients to manage their symptoms effectively and for this reason, he has put together these recommended TMJ exercises for optimal relief.
Understanding TMJ
A complex condition, Temporomandibular Joint disorder (TMJ disorder) often stems from stress, arthritis, jaw misalignment, teeth grinding, or injury—leading to jaw pain, discomfort, and hampered mobility. While it’s essential to seek a professional diagnosis and treatment from a TMJ specialist like Dr. Kelley Mingus, it’s equally important to know and practice methods of self-care—especially when dealing with chronic pain.
Why Exercise Helps TMJ
Exercise is especially beneficial for people with TMJ disorder. Stretching and strengthening the jaw muscles can increase joint mobility, enhance comfort, and reduce pain. Similarly, gentle exercises can soothe tense muscles, thereby lessening discomfort. Over time, consistent practice can improve symptoms and further benefit overall oral health.
Dr. Kelley Mingus’s TMJ Exercise Recommendations
Dr. Kelley Mingus has years of experience dealing with TMJ disorder and has curated a list of TMJ exercises for optimal relief. Before embarking on these exercises, it is important to consult with a TMJ specialist like Dr. Mingus or a physical therapist to ensure the methods are suitable for your specific condition.
Relaxed Jaw Exercise
This exercise promotes relaxation and reduces muscle tension. Follow these steps for best results:
- Gently rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth behind your upper front teeth, allowing your teeth to come apart and relaxing your jaw muscles.
- Practice a minimum of five times a day, for a duration of five minutes.
Goldfish Exercises
This exercise helps improve jaw mobility without causing discomfort. Learn how to do the Goldfish exercise, in both partial and full variations.
- Partial variation: Position your tongue on the roof of your mouth and place a finger on your TMJ and your other finger on your chin. Lower your bottom jaw halfway and then close. Repeat this step six times per set and perform six sets per day.
- Full variation: This is similar to the partial variation; the only difference is lowering your bottom jaw completely.
Chin Tucks
An excellent exercise for strengthening your jaw and neck muscles. Follow these simple steps:
- Keep your chest up and back straight. Now pull your chin straight back, creating a “double chin”. Hold this position for three seconds and repeat 10 times.
Tongue Up
Helpful in stretching and relaxing the jaw muscles. The steps are simple:
- Slowly open and close your mouth while touching the roof of your mouth with your tongue.
- Repeat this exercise for five minutes three times a day.
Dr. Kelley Mingus advises being gentle and careful while performing these exercises.
The Role of Professional Care
While these TMJ exercises recommended by Dr. Kelley Mingus can provide significant relief, they are not a substitute for professional care. A comprehensive treatment plan for TMJ disorder can include these exercises alongside medication, dietary changes, wearing a bite guard during sleep, and in severe cases, surgical treatments. It’s important to work with a TMJ specialist to tailor a treatment plan specific to your unique needs and symptoms.
Contact Dr. Kelley Mingus
If you’re experiencing ongoing TMJ symptoms and need expert help, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Kelley Mingus and his team at their Bend, Oregon practice. He specializes in neuromuscular dentistry and offers comprehensive evaluations that integrate advanced imaging, computerized jaw tracking, muscle examinations, bite analysis, and diagnostic wax-ups. His patient-centered focus ensures you receive care tailored specifically to your needs.
Conclusion
Achieving optimal relief from TMJ disorder requires a multi-faceted approach, incorporating professional treatment and self-care. Dr. Kelley Mingus’s recommended exercises for TMJ can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. For professional diagnosis and personalized treatment plans, contact Dr. Kelley Mingus today.