Can I Play Sports After Jaw Surgery?
Returning to sports requires patience. Here is a timeline for when it is safe to resume different sports.
When you can return to sports depends on the type of sport and the risk of facial impact.
Non-contact sports timeline:
| Sport | When to Resume |
|---|---|
| Walking | Immediately |
| Running/jogging | 4β5 weeks |
| Swimming | 6 weeks (after incisions heal) |
| Cycling | 6 weeks |
| Weightlifting (light) | 4β6 weeks |
| Weightlifting (heavy) | 8+ weeks |
| Golf | 6 weeks |
| Yoga (no inversions) | 3β4 weeks |
Contact sports timeline:
| Sport | When to Resume |
|---|---|
| Basketball | 10β12 weeks |
| Soccer | 10β12 weeks |
| Football | 12+ weeks |
| Rugby | 12+ weeks |
| Boxing/Martial arts | 12+ weeks |
| Hockey | 12+ weeks |
- Why contact sports require more waiting:
- The jawbone is weakest during the first 8 weeks of healing
- A blow to the face could displace the healing bone or loosen the plates
- The bone reaches full strength at 6β12 months
- Even after returning, a mouthguard is strongly recommended
Signs You Are Not Ready
- Your jaw still feels sore after light activity
- You have pain when biting down
- Your surgeon has not cleared you yet
Clinical Guidance
Return to non-contact sports at 4β6 weeks. Contact sports require 10β12 weeks of healing. Always wear a mouthguard once you return. Get your surgeon's clearance before resuming any sport with facial impact risk.