Jaw Mobility?

[Cam]

Hello all,

I recently had the pleasure of watching the Freedom By Degree videos. It really catapulted my initial exploration and development of a daily DROM program. However, I found it curious that there was no discussion of jaw mobility. The jaws are used hundreds of times per day and are often a point of great residual tension.

My rugby career has blessed me with my fair share of jaw-to-head, -knee, -hip, etc. collisions. This has left me with a very noticeable chink in my jaw ROM. As a result, I am including basic open/close/left/right and circles to improve my jaw mobility. (I am not sure if I will ever progress to infinities or cloverleafs, but who knows?)

Has anyone experimented with jaw mobility? Any suggestions?
Was the omission from FBD intentional? Why?
(I have not viewed the Warrior Wellness series. Please inform me if the answers to my questions are addressed in this material.)

Thanks for your insight. Keep on rockin'.

Cameron

[Scott Sonnon]

Cameron,

It was not included simply because it's the only joint (after puberty) which still receives nutrition from blood flow, unlike each of the others which must be mobilized in order to provide nutrition and lubrication.

Multi-Planar Mobilize (http://www.circularstrengthmag.com/23/sonnon.html) the jaw in the same manner you would any joint. Most people carry tension in their jaws, grind their teeth and have chains of tension which carry from toe to head (including the jaw).

[Cam]

Thanks, Coach, for your prompt and thoughtful reply.

What is physiologically unique about the jaw that allows it to be nourished with blood flow?

Cam

[Scott Sonnon]

Interesting question. Beyond my element. Perhaps it receives blood-flow throughout our life because we flap it more than any other joint. :wink:

[Cam]

I respect a man who knows when to say, "I don't know."
Thanks for your replies.
-CD