Exercise Library
Controlled mouth opening
What it does
Practise slow, comfortable mouth opening and closing. Light tongue contact can guide a small movement, with the aim of improving jaw coordination and movement tolerance.
How to do it
- Rest the tip of your tongue lightly on the roof of your mouth, just behind your upper front teeth.
- Open slowly through a small, comfortable range, keeping tongue contact light and unforced.
- Pause briefly at the maximum comfortable opening.
- Slowly close your mouth, ensuring the tongue remains in position throughout the entire movement.
Progression
Progress by applying gentle isometric resistance against the opening motion using two fingers placed lightly under the chin.
Regression
Use a smaller comfortable opening. Stop for pain or locking; painless clicking alone is not a reason to force or avoid the movement.
