What can the patient do to relieve trismus?

Applying heat is an effective way to relieve trismus, which refers to a restricted ability to open the mouth due to muscle spasms or inflammation. Heat can promote blood flow to the area, relax the muscles, and alleviate stiffness. This is beneficial for the patient as it encourages more movement in the jaw and can reduce discomfort.

In contrast, options like applying ice are typically more effective during the initial inflammatory response to reduce swelling rather than for long-term relief of muscle tension associated with trismus. Applying pressure is not advisable as this could exacerbate discomfort or mechanistically contribute to further muscle strain. Lastly, restricting jaw movements for days can lead to increased stiffness and may worsen the condition by preventing normal muscle use, which is counterproductive to recovery. Thus, the application of heat stands out as the most appropriate strategy for easing trismus symptoms.