TMJ Dysfunction

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), is a term that describes an entire group of disorders involving the temporomandibular joint or joints (TMJ).

The TMJs are the jaw joints. There is one on each side of your head just in front of your ear canals. Like many other joints in the body, they consist of:

  • Muscles that control joint movement,
  • Ligaments that hold the bones together,
  • Cartilage that provides a smooth surface for the bones to move on,
  • A disc that helps with proper movement, of the bones,
  • Elastic tissue that helps hold the disc in place.

One or more of the above tissues can cause symptoms. In fact, studies suggest that one third of the population at any one time experiences TMJ symptoms such as pain with chewing, yawning, or jaw opening. Women seem to have TMJ problems much more often than men and it is estimated that 3-6% of the population might benefit from treatment.

There are a variety of temporomandibular disorders. The muscles (myogenous), joint(s) (arthrogenous), or a combination of the two may cause pain.

Since physical therapists treat muscle and joint problems, they are ideally suited to address a TMD. Moreover, a majority of patients diagnosed with TMD, also have associated neck pain. Both respond well to treatment provided by a physical therapist. No other healthcare practitioner is better suited to address both the TMD and neck pain.

Reviews

  • Was injured in a pedestrian hit and run and was referred to Complete Care for physiotherapy. While it is a little far from where I live, the extra time is worth it! Alpa is so warm to work with and very intuitive about pain points. So far my treatment has been a great experience!

    – Meghan N
  • I was given hope to get better after a car accident with Dr. Ivan Kirov chiropractor – I was scared and visibly nervous. Geeta at front desk was great to Dr. Ivan Kirov himself. Dr. Ivan Kirov spoke to me in a manner that I could understand (I’m not a doctor) and I was given hope (which was so true) that I would feel better in becoming mobile and pain free. As a motor vehicle victim, I wouldn’t trust anyone else to make sure my body is exactly the way it needs to be- in order to age gracefully, and pain free. Thank you, Dr. Ivan Kirov, in helping me feel so much better, and dealing with my anxious hot mess self!

    – Piera F.
  • I find Complete Care Physiotherapy Centre staff to be very knowledgeable my body was in a lot of pain due to a car accident over a year and a half ago. Sometimes I could hardly get out of bed, I would try to get some relief by using muscle balm and pain killers. After a few sessions of physiotherapy I feel a lot better. I would definitely recommend Complete Care Physiotherapy Center.

    – Andrew C.
  • I was officially discharged from Complete Care today after 5 months and dozens of physical therapy sessions due to a car accident in December. I was in the worst pain I ever experienced in my life, and immediately met with Geeta who diagnosed all of the issues I had in specific parts of my upper body. She, Maria and the rest of the front desk team were extremely helpful in filling out my short-term disability forms for work. I switched between her and Alpa and they are both clear and kind in their therapy methods. I learned new stretches every session and never felt rushed. A big shoutout to Tariq who helped out as an assistant on all occasions as well.

    Bottom line: If you have the chance to go here, you are in the best hands no matter who your physiotherapist is. 5/5 stars!

    – Franco D.
  • I have been going to Complete Care since August following an motor vehicle accident. The staff at Complete Care are organized and pleasant. My therapist, Dr. Ivan, has been instrumental in my recovery. His approach is to thoroughly understand body mechanics before prescribing a treatment regimen. His treatment (combo of massage, accu, manual therapy and realignment) has worked to alleviate the pain and tension in my neck and shoulders.

    – Eileen T.
  • Great clinic to recover after a car accident. I would highly recommend Alpa, Wendy and Dr. Ivan Kirov. I would like to complement the reception team as well, Thank you

    – Vera

TMD may appear to be a complex condition and it shouldn't be. This website and your physical therapist can help to insure the following:

  1. You are properly educated,
  2. that your treatment is conservative, cost-effective, and reversible, goals are realistic,
  3. your examination is brief and meant to identify your source(s) of pain.

When a physical therapist performs the examination, they will be able to classify you as having one or more of the following:

  1. An inflammatory condition
  2. Limited jaw range of motion
  3. Excessive jaw range of motion
  4. Arthrogenous Disc Displacement
  5. Jaw muscle pain
  6. Neck pain causing related headaches (sometimes mistaken as TMD)

Once the involved structures are identified, the therapist will be able to provide you with the appropriate treatment.

If you would like to learn more about how our TMJ specialists can help you out, please give us a call.


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