title: Postsurgical temporomandibular joint hypomobility. Rehabilitation technique.
abstract: Specific techniques to treat temboromandibular joint (TMJ) hypomobility caused by capsular restriction are explained. Initially inflammation must be controlled. TMJ manipulation by condylar distraction during opening, protrusion, and lateral movements, and a simple stretching exercise to maintain increased mandibular range of motion, are described. Resistive opening and closing exercises at full opening to relax the lateral pterygoid muscles are prescribed. For all exercises five repetitions, repeated five times per day, are prescribed. These techniques are demonstrated in the successful treatment of a child with a presurgically and postsurgically hypomobile right TMJ.
authors.affiliation: New York Medical College, Valhalla.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Weisberg
authors.forename: F L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Weber
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003286:Contracture / Q000628:therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005096:Exostoses / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic / Q000379:methods; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011626:Pterygoid Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery