The Speed2Treat Protocol for JAMSS is a comprehensive care plan to manage and evaluate acute jaw joint and muscle sprain/strain over a 2 to 4-week period from injury onset. It is an orthopedic model of care that recognizes the unique characteristics of the jaw joint and facial musculature. Additionally, the protocol stratifies results and provides the practitioner with a clearly defined path for next steps in care. Extensive training in TMJ disorders is not required for implementation by front-line care providers. 

The Speed2Treat Protocol for JAMSS is based on the MEAT protocol for acute injury, which stands for Movement, Exercise, Analgesic, and Treatment. Unlike a sprained ankle or knee which can be rested, the temporomandibular joint region and associated muscles, tendons and ligaments are used for swallowing, chewing, speaking and smiling, and thus are difficult to immobilize. The JAMSS Speed2Treat Protocol specifies the use of QuickSplint, for short-term use at night to reduce pain signals and aid in recovery along with analgesics, movement and prescribed exercises.  

The Speed2Treat Protocol for JAMSS was and its complementary protocol, the S.A.F.E. Protocol for prevention of JAMSS during dental procedures, were developed by Bradley Eli, DMD, MS, and James Fricton, DDS, MS, Diplomates of the American Board of Orofacial Pain, and Lee Ann Brady, DMD, Clinical Education Director at the Pankey Institute.

Speed2Treat for JAMSS Protocol

Download this complete document for step-by-step Protocol guidelines for diagnosing and treating acute Jaw and Muscle Sprain/Strain. The Speed2Treat for JAMSS Protocol consists of the following steps:  

Step 1:  Initial evaluation

Step 2:  Diagnosis

Step 3:  Deliver QuickSplint for overnight wear

Step 4:  Patient education on self-care measures

Step 5:  Follow-up Appointment at 1-week

Step 6:  Follow-up Appointment at 4 weeks

Initiate the JAMSS Speed2Treat Protocol immediately There is a critical 30-day threshold for the treatment of JAMSS injuries. If not addressed within the first 30 days, injury to jaw joints and muscles have a greater than 50% chance of progressing to a more complex case to treat. 

Patient Risk Assessment for SAFE and JAMSS

Use this questionnaire to evaluate patients for risk factors associated
with Jaw Joint and Muscle Sprain/Strain. If the patient exhibits symptoms, implement the Speed2Treat Protocol for JAMSS.  If the patient has a prior history or has other risk factors, consider the S.A.F.E.
Protocol to manage higher risk patients and procedures using prescribed injury prevention measures.

H.E.A.L.S. Self-Care Measures

(Heat, Exercise, Analgesics, Lifestyle, Strain)

Because Jaw and Muscle Sprain/Strain can sometimes take two to four weeks to return to normal function, this handout is designed to provide patient self-care training on managing pain, daily jaw care and how to avoid risk factors for delayed recovery. 

Jaw Rx-Ercises 

Jaw Rx-Ercises are a set of jaw exercises designed to help patients avoid daytime clenching (muscle guarding) or setting of teeth that causes jaw and temple muscles to overwork and become sore. For patients with acute JAMSS, daytime exercises maintain blood flow to the muscles and joints to improve range of motion over time.

Masseter or jaw muscle soreness can be a trigger for headaches and/or jaw pain. Performing Jaw Rx-Ercises throughout the day for up to one week will retrain the jaw muscles and brain to relax the jaw in a comfortable resting position, keeping teeth apart and tongue up.