Procaryote
Jaw

TMJ disorder: exercises for jaw pain

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder combines jaw pain, clicking and sometimes limited mouth opening.

The exercises aim to control opening, relax the chewing muscles and improve tongue and neck posture.

Stages of rehab

  1. Muscle relaxation and self-massage.
  2. Controlled opening and closing of the mouth.
  3. Coordination exercises and neck posture.

Recommended exercises

Active mandibular mobilization in lateral movementActive mandibular lateral movement, 3 sets, 8 repetitions per side, seated, mouth slightly open Assisted mouth opening with mandibular controlAssisted mouth opening, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, mandibular axis control Cheek Puff and Suck ExercisePuffing and hollowing cheeks, 2 sets, 10 repetitions Closed-mouth SmileClosed-mouth smile, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, hold for 5 seconds Controlled mouth opening with fingers on the chinControlled mouth opening with fingers on the chin, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, mandibular axis control Kiss in a Chicken Cul-de-sacKiss in a chicken cul-de-sac, 2 sets, 10 repetitions, slow and large movements Lower Lip FoldingLower lip folding, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, hold 3 seconds Mandibular lateral movement with tongue against the palateMandibular lateral movement with tongue against the palate, 3 sets, 8 repetitions each side Opening the mouth with the tongue against the palateMouth opening with tongue against the palate, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, control of mandibular axis Protraction and Retraction of the JawJaw protraction and retraction, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, slow and controlled movement Retractive Jaw MobilizationRetractive jaw mobilization, 3 sets, 10 repetitions, slow and controlled movement Wide Smile with Visible TeethWide smile with visible teeth, 3 sets, 8 repetitions, hold for 3 seconds

See all jaw exercises →

Practical tips

Are you a physiotherapist?

Add this exercise to a personalised program in Physia: the AI builds the program in 30 seconds from the condition, then you send it to your patient by link, QR code or email.

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Patient? Ask your physio to send your program to the free Physia Move app. Open Physia Move

Frequently asked questions

What exercises help jaw pain?

Controlled mouth opening with the tongue on the roof of the mouth, masseter self-massage and relaxation exercises.

Can a physiotherapist treat TMJ?

Yes, physiotherapy for the jaw and face is part of the treatment of temporomandibular disorders.

This information is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Ask your physiotherapist or doctor before starting, especially if you have pain, a recent injury or have had surgery.