Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

2-Week Rehabilitation Program Post Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

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This program is designed to alleviate pain, improve jaw mobility, and progressively strengthen the muscles surrounding the TMJ, all while protecting the joint during recovery.

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General Guidelines

1. Protect the TMJ: Avoid excessive chewing (e.g., gum, tough foods) or wide mouth opening during recovery.

2. Pain management: Use ice or heat therapy to manage discomfort or stiffness as appropriate.

3. Gradual progression: Begin with gentle jaw mobility exercises and progress to strengthening exercises as tolerated.

4. Monitor symptoms: Discontinue exercises if pain, swelling, or stiffness worsens, and consult your healthcare provider.

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Week 1: Pain Management and Gentle Mobility

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Goals:

• Minimise pain and inflammation

• Restore gentle jaw mobility

• Prevent stiffness

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Day 1–3: Rest and Recovery

• Activity:

  • Avoid hard or chewy foods; opt for a soft or liquid diet (e.g., soups, smoothies).

  • Limit jaw movement to comfortable ranges and avoid clenching or grinding.

• Pain Management:

  • Apply ice packs to the jaw for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times daily, if swelling is present.

  • Use heat therapy for muscle tightness once swelling subsides.

• Gentle Mobility:

  • Jaw Opening and Closing: Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and slowly open and close your jaw within a comfortable range. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Side-to-Side Movement: Gently move your lower jaw side to side, keeping the movements small and controlled. (10 reps, 2 sets)

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Day 4–7: Gentle Mobility and Isometric Strengthening

• Mobility Exercises:

  • Jaw Stretch: Place your thumb under your chin and gently open your mouth against light resistance. (Hold for 5 seconds, 10 reps)

  • Controlled Closing: Close your mouth slowly and evenly, focusing on symmetrical motion. (10 reps, 2 sets)

• Isometric Strengthening:

  • Isometric Opening: Place your thumb under your chin and resist gently while trying to open your mouth. (Hold for 5 seconds, 5 reps)

  • Isometric Side Movement: Place your fingers on one side of your jaw and resist gently as you try to move your jaw toward the hand. (Hold for 5 seconds, 5 reps per side)

• Postural Awareness:

  • Practice maintaining good posture (e.g., shoulders back, head aligned) to reduce tension on the TMJ.

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Week 2: Progressive Strengthening and Functional Mobility

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Goals:

• Strengthen TMJ and associated muscles

• Improve jaw stability and endurance

• Enhance functional movement

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Day 8–10: Light Strengthening and Mobility

• Active Mobility:

  • Jaw Opening Against Resistance: Use your fingers to gently provide resistance while opening your mouth slowly. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Circular Movements: Move your lower jaw in small circular motions, clockwise and counterclockwise. (10 reps each direction, 2 sets)

• Strengthening:

  • Tongue Resistance Exercise: Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth and hold while slowly opening your mouth. (Hold for 5 seconds, 10 reps)

  • Diagonal Jaw Movement: Move your jaw diagonally (toward the right and left sides) in a controlled manner. (10 reps each direction, 2 sets)

• Dynamic Stability:

  • Protrusion and Retraction: Gently move your jaw forward (protrusion) and back (retraction) in a controlled motion. (10 reps, 2 sets)

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Day 11–14: Functional Strength and Endurance

• Strengthening and Coordination:

  • Chewing Simulated Exercise: Place a small soft object (e.g., a cotton ball) between your teeth and simulate a gentle chewing motion. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Resistance Bands: Use a resistance band to lightly pull your jaw in one direction while resisting the motion. (Hold for 5 seconds, 5 reps per direction)

• Postural and Functional Mobility:

  • Postural Awareness: Practice chin tucks to maintain neck alignment, which reduces TMJ strain. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Mirror Feedback: Perform jaw exercises in front of a mirror to ensure proper alignment and movement.

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Additional Recommendations

1. Diet: Continue a soft or semi-soft diet for 1–2 weeks, gradually introducing solid foods as tolerated.

2. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to support healing and reduce muscle tension.

3. Relaxation: Incorporate stress management techniques (e.g., deep breathing, mindfulness) to minimize clenching or grinding.

4. Sleep Positioning: Avoid sleeping on your stomach or with your hand pressed against your jaw.