Jaw Release

S:Jaw Release-Both finger pads/fingers on check bones, resting gently on the checks. Palpate on checks and jaw/mandible, slowly relax your hands, shoulders. M:Will ask the client to self report how many times he practiced. A:Client will practice anytime of the day for 1 week, 2-5 minutes each day. R:Reduce stress. T:1 week, daily, 2-5min

Male, 49 years old, high stress career. Constantly in high stress meetings, bi monthly work travel, stress of supporting family, has 2 children in college to pay for and 2 elderly parents to worry about. He has gout, gained weight in the last 2 years, sleep apnea and some ringing in the ears.

I envisioned explaining & then demonstrating to my client the jaw release technique. Sitting/standing I'll bring my clients attention to his feet & ask him to feel the earth beneath his feet. Once we were grounded, I'll ask my client to slow down his breathing. Inhaling for a count of 4 & exhaling for a count of 4 or a breath or 2 longer. Once he felt calm, gently placing his finger pads & fingers on both sides of his face-palms on the check bones. Gently, palpating down the layers of skin, muscle until he reached the bone. Relaxing his face and shoulders, slowly letting gravity & time release his jaw. Explaining, he'll probably start to notice more saliva in the mouth as his salivary glands will start to produce more saliva (Parasympathetic NS) & his lips will start to part open & his jaw will start to move down as time & gravity starts to release the jaw muscle.

- IY Branch: Human Body - skeletal and muscular system. Myofascial release of the mandible.

-IY Branch: Hatha Yoga - Sukshma Vyayama - Sukshma is a Sanskrit word meaning "subtle" or "dormant." Sukshma yoga is an excellent relaxation technique that promotes physical and mental calm.

- IY Branch: 8 Limb - Pranayama - breath control, slowing down the heart rate.

My client was receptive, able to demonstrate and said he hopes he will remember. I suggested setting a daily reminder on his phone to practice the jaw release.

My client will practice once a day for 1 week on his own for 2-5 minutes. We would meet again after 1 week on zoom.

Yes, goal was mostly achieved. He self reported practicing 5 times during the week but didn't know the exact minutes he practiced. Even though he didn't practice everyday he did report it helped him release some stress, and his jaw felt relaxed afterwards.

Although, I had requested he practice once a day for 7 days, I knew in reality, he probably wouldn't do it 7 times. My real goal was to set the number high and hope he'd practice at least 3 times during the week and he practiced 5 times! My other goal was for him to come into some stillness and quiet during his busy, high stress day. Allow him to feel grounded, slow down his breathing, and to regroup, even for just a few minutes. My goal was exceeded and I am extremely happy.

- No, I didn't have to adapt my plan.
- I learned that my client was receptive and am extremely happy with his results.

I would approach it in the same way. Everything went well and my client was able to incorporate it in his daily life. I asked my client if he had set a reminder on his phone, he said no, he had too many reminders on his phone and didn't want to add another one. Maybe next time, if the client didn't want to add a reminder to their phone, suggest a "post it" at his/her work space or maybe I should have some pre-made, laminated reminder cards to give them so they can remember.

• The-Fascial-Network-TMJ-Health-Blog-Arancia-Physical-Therapy.pdf
• What-is-Sukshma-Definition-from-Yogapedia.pdf
• Sukshma-Vyayama-Yoga-for-Relaxation-Sukshma-Yoga-Relaxation-Technique-The-Art-Of-Living-Glob.pdf