Evaluation and Management of the TMJ and Associated Muscles: A Physical Therapist’s Approach-Demo #4: Evaluation and Management of Restricted Mandibular Range of Motion

Demo #4: Evaluation and Management of Restricted Mandibular Range of Motion

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In the video, the speaker discusses how to assess and treat patients with limited jaw opening. They emphasize the importance of determining the severity of the restriction and whether the pain is coming from the joint or muscle. For patients with muscle tension and pain, heat and self-massage are recommended before stretching. The speaker demonstrates exercises for straightening the jaw range of motion, stretching the jaw using knuckles or fingers, and training lateral deviation. They suggest gradually increasing the range of motion and avoiding strain or discomfort. The goal is to achieve a jaw opening of 35-40 millimeters or two knuckles.

Keywords

assessing patients

treating limited jaw opening

joint or muscle pain

heat and self-massage

jaw exercises