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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2012 Mar 1.
Published in final edited form as: Atlas Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2011 Mar;19(1):109–118. doi: 10.1016/j.cxom.2010.11.006

Table 2.

Synopsis of instructions given to the opening-only exercise group and the sensory-retraining group at each of the 3 training sessions. Subjects in the sensory-retraining group also were instructed and ask to perform the opening exercises.

Visit Opening Exercises (3x/day) Sensory Retraining Exercises (2x/day)
1 Week

  • Simple open/close and side/side using jaw muscles only

  • Movement until discomfort only not till pain

  • “Hold and Relax”

  • Alternate simple touch and stroke with cosmetic brush (Motion training).

  • Feedback from mirror.

  • Visualization with eyes closed.
1 Month

  • “Hold and Relax”

  • “Finger Stretch” for simple open/close

  • Movement until discomfort only not till pain

  • Alternate up/down and side/side strokes (Orientation training).

  • Feedback from mirror.

  • Visualization with eyes closed.
3 Months

  • If Opening ≥35mm

    Occasionally repeat exercises.

  • If Opening < 35mm

    Increase frequency of exercises,

  • Alternate up→down and down→up strokes (Directionality training).

  • Feedback from mirror.

  • Visualization with eyes closed.

From Phillips C, Essick G, Preisser JS, Turvey TA, Tucker M, Lin D. Sensory Retraining following orthognathic surgery: effect on patient perception of altered sensation. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 65:1162–73, 2007.