Your program integrates TMD specific physiotherapy and massage therapy, to target and alleviate your symptoms. Physical therapy is aimed to relieve jaw pain, reduce inflammation, and restore motor function/mobility. We provide you with self-management techniques to help you manage your TMD symptoms at home.
TMD Assessment
Due to the complexity of the condition, we conduct a thorough TMD assessment that includes:
​
-
Detailed history of symptoms
-
Questionnaires
-
Objective exam (range of motion, strength testing, ligament testing)
-
Communication and letters to your dentist and/or physician
​
From here a treatment plan can be formed.
.jpg)
TMD Treatment
From evidence and our clinical experience, we utilize a multidimensional treatment plan, including:
​
-
Education of your condition
-
Manual therapy
-
Home exercises
-
Self-management techniques
-
Acupuncture
-
Dry needling
​
We consistently follow up with you to progress your program, so you achieve your goals. We work with several Edmonton TMD specialists, dentists, and orthodontists, and we regularly communicate with them to form a collaborative team.
Collaboration
& Referrals
We work with TMD professionals in Edmonton, to ensure your physiotherapy treatment is as effective as possible. We send regular progress reports to your doctor, dentist, orthodontist, and TMD specialist to update them.
If you are looking to send us a referral, you can use our TMD referral form.
More about TMJ & TMD
What is TMJ vs. TMD?
TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint (jaw), whereas TMD refers to temporomandibular disorders. The temporomandibular joints are one of the most frequently used joint in the body, as they need to open and close up to 2000 times per day. They probably receive the least amount of attention. Simple daily techniques and exercise can help alleviate and prevent symptoms from occurring (Selvam & Ramachandran, 2017).
TMD is a collective term that includes disorders of the TMJ, of the masticatory muscles, and their associated structures. It is characterized by pain, headaches, joint sounds (clicking/popping), and restricted movement (Selvam & Ramachandran, 2017).
Why does TMD occur?
The cause of TMD is multifactorial and multidimensional, it involves neurobiological, biomechanical, neuromuscular, and biopsychological factors. Due to this we take a multidimensional treatment approach to physiotherapy and ensure that we offer explanations of why symptoms likely occur.
Why does TMD cause ringing in my ears?
Tinnitus is the term for hearing sounds in the inner ear that are not from an external source. The cranial nerves run close to the TMJ, and so hyperactivity of these nerves can cause ringing in the ears. The interaction between tinnitus and TMD is a complex issue, but it is known to be more prevalent among those suffering from TMD when compared to the general population. Physiotherapy is shown to provide significant improvements of tinnitus.
Why does TMD treatment often include the neck?
There is an association between TMD and other craniocervical conditions such as neck pain and headache. The relationship between the TMJ and cervical spine is complex, with many mechanisms at play. Due to this relationship, manual therapy along the cervical region can be beneficial. Evidence shows that treating the cervical spine manually leads to improvements in jaw range of motion, TMJ pain, and sensitivity.
