TMJ Services
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. The TMJ is like a hinge that connects your lower jaw to your skull, below your temple and in front of your ear. We use our TMJ every day - to eat, speak, yawn and breathe.
When you have a TMJ disorder (referred to as TMD or temporomandibular disorder) the movement of the joints is affected, becoming restricted and tight, potentially resulting to pain in this area.
Symptoms of a TMJ disorder include pain in the jaw, face, and around the ear when chewing, speaking, or opening the mouth, trouble opening, closing, and clenching the jaw, clicking/popping sounds when moving the jaw, dizziness, headaches, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
The causes of TMJ disorders are typically a combination of factors, such as: grinding your teeth, a trauma to the face/neck/head, an arthritic jaw joint, a misalignment of the teeth (an overbite or underbite), or even stress.
A TMJ disorder is diagnosed by describing your symptoms and performing a physical exam. Your doctor may feel along your jaw and ask you to open/close your jaw to assess range of motion, abnormal sounds, and pain points.
Common Conditions may include...
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder/Syndrome (TMJD/S)
Tension-Type Headaches & Migraines
Clenching &
Grinding (Bruxism)
Limited Range
of Motion
Malocclusion,
Misalignment
Postural
Strain
Who can treat TMJ, and how?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can be treated by various healthcare professionals.
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Chiropractors: Address posture, musculature, and joint function in the neck, upper back, and jaw.
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— Use manual and/or instrument- assisted (Activator) adjustments to improve joint mobility & biomechanics.
— Acupuncture - TMJ, Neck & Face.
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Naturopaths: Implement stress management regimes via acupuncture, supplements, and/or tinctures. Provide acupuncture for muscle relaxation, pain control, and stress relief.
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Massage Therapists: Utilizes several techniques to help treat TMJ and the approach will focus on relieving tension, improving range of motion, and reducing pain associated with TMJ.
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Dentists: Assess TMJ, dental health & obtain imaging to assess bony anatomy, make dental devices to protect teeth/tmj & reduce TMJD symptoms.
Oral & Postural Assessment
A comprehensive evaluation
of the oral cavity, including the teeth, gums, jaw, and surrounding tissues used to identify any oral abnormalities or conditions.
Extra-oral Massage
A massage technique applied outside the mouth to target the muscles of the face, neck, and jaw; promoting beneficial circulation.
Neck & Shoulder Massage
​A massage technique targeting the muscles of the neck and shoulders to relieve tension and stress, reducing stiffness altogether.
Intra-oral Massage
A gentle massage technique applied inside the mouth to target the muscles of the jaw, face, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Fascial Release
A gentle, non-invasive technique that targets the fascia, a web of connective tissue surrounding muscles, bones, and organs.
Hydrotherapy
A form of therapy that uses water to promote relaxation, reduce pain, and improve circulation; reducing inflammation as well.
Acupuncture is another form of treatment when exploring TMJ disorders, and involves the insertion of small, sterile needles into the body’s tissues (muscle, joint, fascia, etc) for various effects. It is a very effective modality for managing pain, reducing inflammation, and improving muscle tension.
ACUPUNCTURE:
TMJ Acupuncture Benefits:
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Decreased pain & muscular tension
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Reduce intensity & frequency of headaches/migraines
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Improved range of motion
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Stress Management - supports parasympathetic NS Activation
