Pain In Your Jaw
Over the years I developed a special interest in treating temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMD. The most common complaint related to TMD is pain in the jaw area but people could also experience:
Pain in the face or head (headache)
Muscle soreness/tiredness in the jaw area with chewing or at rest
Clicking or popping noises
Inability to fully open the mouth
Neck pain
Ear ache
My Approach
Most of my patients greatly benefit from manual therapy and self-care routine alone but I can also collaborate with your dentist, orthodontist, physician, psychologist, chiropractor (and so on) to ensure you are maximizing the therapeutic benefits.
Treatment of TMD can be sought alone or as an integrative part of physiotherapy care for other head, neck or shoulder conditions.
Research shows that a conservative, non-invasive approach to TMD treatment is recommended, tailored exercise programs and manual therapy being supported by best evidence.
If you want to know more about how you could take care of your jaw on your own, head over to my self-care page.
For professionals
To evaluate each patient presenting with jaw symptoms I use a tool based on Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders by Schiffman et al, (published in the Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache, 2014). More information can be found on International Network for Orofacial Pain and Related Disorders Methodology website.
The assessment tool was made specifically for physical therapists and taught by Steve Kraus and it includes treatment guidelines. More information regarding his work here.
If you would like to refer a patient you can use the form below or send a letter of introduction to my office (email or fax).