SIDE THRUST

Myofunktional Exercise  Collect ion

Application:

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In case of acute complaints in the temporomandibular joints this exercise aims at momentary relief of the joint by manipulated stretching (Anatomy: Area VII, Page 31).

Contents:

Manipulated medial-caudal-rostral version of the mandible in relation to the conspicuous joint side by exerting a push/pressure with the flat hand from laterally against the Corpus Mandibulae of the acute side.

Materials:

(Manipulation).

Procedure:

- Previous exercises: THE PEA, ,DRAWER-IN’-EXERCISE (CHIN- IN) .

-Starting position: BASIC-POSITION (The therapist is standing behind the patient who sits on a stool or a gym ball.

- Step-by-step-description:

This exercise will generally be carried out by the therapist but, in special cases, may also be performed by the patient in self manipulation.

-1 The flat hand is supporting the head on the contralateral side of the conspicuous joint by resting on the plain of occiput-temple, one fingertip controlling the inactive position of the condyle (THE  PEA ).

The Thenar of the other hand, positioned on the mandibular angle region, is pressing the Corpus Mandibulae in the direction of the opposite hand. This is resulting in a minimal movement of the affected condyle in an inward direction, the pressure being exerted with “some” power.

-2 The gained position is maintained for two to three minutes then returned to ,L-M’-  or the BASIC-POSITION.

-Timing: Besides the feeling of strain through the stretching the patient will immediately sense a relief. If this is appearing hesitantly the exercise may be repeated two to three times. One application is termed one sequence.

Characteristics:

Stretching, Manipulation, Mobility.

Remarks:

Caution should be used in situations of violent pain or an uncertain discus situation.

Discussion:

As this exercise is carried out in a typical way of manipulation (physiotherapeutic) the procedure should not be termed typically function therapeutical. Never the less it appears quite valuable for relaxation in situations of acute painful spasms which would else impede a muscular work-out and, secondly, to demonstrate laterotrusion without a protrusive component.

Instructions:

If you once again have maltreated your jaw joint that it is aching with strain this exercise will be very helpful for you:

The inactive hand will support the head. Therefore it takes up situation on the other side behind the jaw angle which is more at the temple and the neck.

On the painful side the ball of the thumb is situated under the ear against the jaw angle; if the other hand is in its correct position the thumb ball, now, pushes with a steady pressure against the neck towards the opposite hand.

Push the jaw deliberately and with some power towards the supporting hand and keep the position for one to two minutes. The follows a recreation phase; afterwards all may be repeated.