Diagnosis/Assessment of TMJ

With hands on either side of head with index fingers anterior to external auditory meatus. Instruct patient to open and close mouth – note how far mouth opens (should be 2 fingerbreadths). Note asymmetry, crepitus, tenderness.

Steps for Treatment:

1. Patient lying in supine with physician standing behind at the head of the table placing their elbows on table next to patient head.
2. Interdigitate your fingers, allow palmer surface of hands to contact jaw with fingertips at point of chin.
3. Motion test mandible in various directions and find ease.
4. Stack in directions of ease.
5. Ask patient to try to straighten against isometric resistance for 3 seconds, relax for 2 secs
6. Reengage new barrier, repeat 2-3 times, end with passive stretch
7. Reassess

Video Tutorial: