TMD & Symptoms
TMD is a collective term that includes disorders or the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), of the masticatory muscles, and their associated structures.
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It is characterized by:​
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Jaw pain
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Headaches
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Joint sounds in the jaw (clicking or popping)
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Restricted movement
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Tinnitis
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Teeth grinding
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Jaw clenching
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Feeling of fluid in the ears
How We Can Help
From evidence-based practices and experience, we provide a comprehensive treatment plan that includes:
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Education of your condition
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Manual therapy
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Acupuncture
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Dry needling
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Home exercises with
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Self-management techniques
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Continual monitoring as needed
What to Expect
Every treatment plan begins with understanding your conditions, goals, and creating a plan that's right for you.
Due to the complexity of the condition, we conduct a thorough TMD assessment that includes:
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A detailed history of symptoms
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Questionnaires
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Reviewing communication between your physician and/or healthcare provider
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An objective exam (range of motion, strength testing, ligament testing)
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From the assessment we educate you on what's going on and create a treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.
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You get treatment in the clinic and are provided the home exercises and self-management techniques.
Follow up is important to ensure your program is effective and that you're on your way to achieve your goals.
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We work with several Edmonton and area TMD specialists, dentists, and orthodontists, and we regularly communicate with them to form a collaborative team ensuring that you get better.
Lasting results come from treating the root cause and not just the symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
TMD is a complex condition that can be influenced by many factors, including how your:
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Jaw moves,
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Muscles and joints function,
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Nervous system functions, and even
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Stress
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That's why we take a comprehensive, personalized approach to treatment. We help you understand the underlying causes of your symptoms while creating a plan that's tailored to your needs and goals.
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Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears without an external source.
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For some people, it can be associated with TMD because the jaw joint, surrounding muscles, and nearby nerves are closely connected.
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While the relationship between TMD and tinnitus is complex, research has shown that tinnitus is more common in people with TMD than in the general population.
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When tinnitus is related to TMD, physical therapy may help reduce symptoms by improving jaw function, relieving muscle tension, and addressing contributing factors.
The jaw and neck are closely connected, which means pain or restricted movement in one area can often affect the other.
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It's common for people with TMD to also experience neck pain, headaches, or muscle tension. Because of this relationship, your physical therapist may include treatment for the neck as part of your care.
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By improving movement, reducing muscle tension, and restoring normal function, physical therapy can help improve jaw mobility, reduce pain, and support long-term recovery.
