What is TMJ Dysfunction or Jaw Pain?

TMJ Dysfunction (jaw pain) is a common condition affecting the jaw. It can make things like eating and chewing difficult. Patients with this condition may clench their jaw or grind their teeth at night. Maybe you have been prescribed a night guard for your jaw pain. This only helps to save your teeth, and may not address the underlying TMJ dysfunction. As highly trained Physiotherapists we look at the root cause of the issue, to fix the problem for good. 

What causes Jaw Pain?

There are several muscles involved in chewing that might be the culprit. Masseter, temporalis and lateral pterygoid. There is also a disc in there that may get stuck, making it difficult to open your mouth. The condition is called anterior disc displacement. Interestingly, the lateral pterygoid is attached to this disc and can cause it to get stuck or not move like it should.

What types of treatment are available?

As your go to Physiotherapy Clinic treatment for TMJ issues, we utilize techniques such as manual joint glides, dry needling, muscle release techniques, as well as exercises. We empower our patients to take rehabilitation into their own hands. We find this yields better results than months of passive treatments. At Excite Physiotherapy you won’t get hooked up to any machines, or sit with a heating pad. You’ll be learning about your jaw pain, headaches and how you can accelerate the healing process. 

What else may be causing TMJ pain?

The upper neck is intimately related to the TMJ with direct nerve connections as well as proximity to each other. In some cases the C1 is so rotated that it is almost touching the mandible. We believe that having your neck assessed and treated in conjunction with your jaw is imperative to full symptom resolution. 

This link will take you to a series of exercises called the Rocabado 6×6. They were created by expert Mariano Rocabado.

TMJ Pain

About Us:

We are a small boutique clinic located in Downtown Barrie. We are highly skilled in the assessment and treatment of TMJ and Headaches. Clinic owner Christine Pratt, PT is a Fellow of CAMPT (Canadian Academy of Manual Physiotherapists, an internationally recognized organization) and is an assistant instructor in their education system. She uses her training and experience in UBC’s GunnIMS technique as part of her neck and TMJ treatment. Our number one priority is to deliver exceptional care using highly specialized skills.

 

 

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Top Rated Physio Clinic in Barrie

Get in Touch

63 Mary St

Barrie, On

L4N 1T2

info@excitephysio.com

(705) 279-2759

Experience. Exceptional Skills. Results.

Whether you are experiencing back pain for the first or have been suffering with pain for years, we have the experience and the skills necessary to help you get relief quickly. Located downtown Barrie, Ontario.

Land Acknowledgement 

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of Anishinaabeg people, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We are dedicated to moving forward in the spirit of respect and reconciliation by honoring the history and culture of Indigenous people. 

Safe Space 

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