Here in Texas, in the dead of a long August summer, a swim sounds more than refreshing. Also, if you have kids... take them to the pool! Nothing knocks kids out better than an entire 8 hour day at the pool. For you moms out there, that means a decent amount of quiet in your home that night. Just saying.
I went swimming earlier today and it was so long overdue in this my bout of TMJ spasm. The water was the perfect temperature: not too hot nor too cold, so it did not irritate my jaw or teeth. Also, the MOTION OF SWIMMING involves the entire shoulder, upper back, neck, and jaw area. I used my right arm as much as I could, using the water as a type of muscular resistance training. Did a casual backstroke using only my right arm as the propeller. Felt great to be moving my right arm again with NO PAIN. I emerged a better-breathing woman.
If you can't find a swimming hole (or are just not in the mood to leave the privacy of your own home), you can also do "The Swim" a la 1960s American Bandstand.
I say do what you gotta do. No judgments.
Before Olympic spirit wears off, head to the pool and channel your inner Michael Phelps. And doesn't each of these guy's back position look amazing for stretching out your neck and alleviating your pain?
