Exercise guide
Jaw Stretch
- Beginner
- Isolation
- Timed hold
- Neck
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
This stretch targets the masseter and temporalis muscles to alleviate jaw tension and reduce stress-related tightness in the upper neck and face. It is highly effective for improving mobility and relieving symptoms of TMJ dysfunction.
Reviewed by the Crucible Fit team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Sit or stand with a tall, neutral spine and your shoulders relaxed away from your ears.
- Keep your head in a neutral position, looking straight ahead.
- Rest the tip of your tongue gently against the roof of your mouth, just behind your upper front teeth.
How to do it
- Slowly drop your lower jaw as far as is comfortable while keeping your tongue in contact with the roof of your mouth.
- Inhale deeply through your nose, holding the stretched position for 5-10 seconds.
- Exhale slowly as you return your jaw to the starting closed position.
- Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining a slow and controlled tempo.
Form checklist
- Avoid jerky or sudden movements; keep the motion fluid.
- Keep your neck and shoulders completely relaxed throughout the stretch.
- Stop immediately if you feel any sharp pain or excessive clicking in the joint.
- Ensure your head does not tilt forward or backward during the movement.
Pro tips
- Focus on 'melting' the tension in your jaw muscles rather than forcing the mouth open with effort.
- Lightly massage the masseter muscles—the fleshy part of your cheeks—with your fingertips during the stretch to enhance the myofascial release.
Make it harder
- Place two fingers on your lower teeth and apply very gentle downward pressure to safely increase the stretch depth.
- Perform lateral jaw slides by gently moving the lower jaw from side to side while in the slightly open position.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the jaw stretch work?
- The jaw stretch primarily targets the neck, and also works the biceps, deltoids, and trapezius as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the jaw stretch?
- The jaw stretch requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the jaw stretch good for beginners?
- Yes. The jaw stretch is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.