TMD/TMJ Rehabilitation

Did you know that the tempormandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the body? Our jaw works all day long allowing us to talk, laugh, smile, yawn, eat, sing, and more! The TMJ connects the mandible (jawbone) to your temporal bone (skull) and is located just in front of your ears, on either side of your head.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) is a broad term encompassing a variety of conditions that impact the TMJ. Causes of TMJ dysfunction include a direct or indirect trauma, arthritis, dislocations, fractures and prolonged periods of mouth opening (such as during a dental procedure). However, in many cases the exact cause is not clear. It is thought that habits such as clenching or grinding, nail biting, gum chewing, poor diet, and poor posture may make symptoms worse.

TMD is not unlike any other injury you may seek treatment for by your physiotherapist. Similar to a standard knee or elbow assessment, your physiotherapist will evaluate how your jaw moves. They will assess range, strength, joint movement, etc to identify the source of pain or dysfunction. Treatment typically includes a combination of education, exercise, manual therapy, and postural retraining.

Common conditions treated by physiotherapy

  • Internal derangement such as disc displacement with our without reduction

  • Inflammatory conditions/Capsulitis

  • Arthritis

  • Hyper or hypo mobility

  • Muscle spasms/myalgia

  • Postural disorders

Common signs and symptoms of TMD

  • Pain located in the region of the jaw

  • Pain with certain functions such as chewing, talking, and yawning

  • Pain or soreness that is more prevalent in the morning or late afternoon

  • Headaches

  • Noises in the jaw joint (clicking, clunking, grinding)

  • Locking of the joint, making it difficult to open or close your mouth at times

  • Limited opening range of motion

  • Ear pain, tinnitus, and stuffiness

  • Neck pain/stiffness

Why choose Focused Care Physiotherapy & Wellness?

 

  • We have advanced training and extensive experience in treating Temporomandibular Disorders

  • We successfully treat numerous patients suffering from various Temporomandibular Disorders each year

  • We work together with local dentists and oral surgeons to optimize patient outcomes

  • We will provide reports to your dentist or oral surgeon as needed, to ensure continuity of care

Suffering from TMD?

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  • Colleen is very kind and knowledgeable! I have had issues with my TMJ for years and was finally referred for some physiotherapy treatments. Thank God I was! Colleen is not only extremely helpful in releasing tension and pain, but she shows you how to maintain that relief yourself. I no longer have headaches or migraines, my jaw pain is completely manageable with my self release exercises AND my clenching/grinding has improved immensely! Colleen is the BEST in the bizz!

    Vanessa