Trismus — a restricted or "stuck" feeling when trying to open your mouth — can develop from muscle spasm, joint changes, or stiffness after an injury or dental procedure. This program uses gentle, progressive stretches often used in physical therapy to help gradually restore a more comfortable opening range.
Progress gradually. These stretches should feel like mild tension, never sharp pain. Consistency several times a day matters more than pushing hard once.
Apply a warm compress or heat pad to the jaw and temple area for about 10 minutes before stretching. This relaxes the muscles and helps them tolerate a deeper stretch.
With your mouth relaxed and open as far as comfortable, gently press down on your lower front teeth with your thumb to add a mild additional stretch. Some clinicians use stacked tongue depressors for this same stretch — use whichever method feels more controlled to you.
Instructions: Hold for 30 seconds.
Repetitions: 3-5 times
Place your thumb on your bottom teeth and index finger on your top teeth (a "scissor" grip), and gently assist your jaw open slightly beyond where it stops naturally. Hold briefly, then release.
Repetitions: 6-10 times
Place one hand on the side of your jaw. Apply gentle resistance as you attempt to open your jaw laterally toward your hand. Repeat on both sides to build control through the improved range.
Repetitions: 6 times per side
Slowly move your jaw side to side within your comfortable limits, gradually working toward a fuller range as tolerated.
Repetitions: 10 times
Aim for short stretching sessions 5-6 times a day rather than one long session — frequent, gentle repetition tends to work better for restoring range of motion than infrequent, intense stretching.