MSK Neurology
To this date I have not seen a single TMD patient who didn't open their mouth by depressing and retracting the mandible. This is dysfunctional and detrimental, as it shears the TMJ. The mandible should protract (come FORWARD) as it opens, using the pterygoid muscles.

This is why it is IATROGENIC to force further mouth opening capability with patients who have underlying dysfunctional TMJ movement. This must not be done under any circumstances unless proper TMJ mechanics are ensured first!
['Trainingandrehabilitation.com', 'TMD', 'temporomandibular dysfunction', 'temporomandibular joint dysfunction', 'TMJ', 'jaw pain', 'biomechanics', 'pain']
Faulty mouth opening mechanics in patients with TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder)
Physical_fitness