TMD/TMJ Physiotherapy
What is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)?
The TMJ acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. It enables essential functions such as talking, chewing, and yawning.
What is Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)?
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD), also known as TMJ disorder or TMJ dysfunction, refers to a group of conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Symptoms of TMD include:
- Limited jaw movement
- Jaw tenderness
- Locking of the jaw, making it difficult to open the mouth
- Jaw pain: pain in one or both TMJs that may spread throughout the face, jaw, or neck
- Stiff jaw muscles
- Clicking sound or popping in the jaw
- Severe pain in and around the ear
- Headache
- Difficulty or pain during chewing
What causes Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)?
There are multiple conditions that can trigger TMD symptoms such as:
Joint Disorders: Often Arthritis which involves the TMJ itself and the disc within the joint.
Muscle Disorders: These conditions often impact the muscles involved in chewing. These conditions can cause pain at the muscle itself, refer pain to other parts of the head, neck, or jaw, or could cause muscle spasms.
Headaches Associated with TMD: Some TMD symptoms manifest as headaches, often related to jaw dysfunction.
What can I expect during a TMD/TMJ physiotherapy appointment?
Your first visit to a physical therapist will involve an initial evaluation. The practitioner will discuss your condition, ask about your symptoms, and assess your jaw movement and function. This evaluation helps tailor a personalized treatment plan.
TMD/TMJ physiotherapy treatments aim to:
- Decrease inflammation and pain.
- Improve posture.
- Enhance jaw mobility.
- Restore normal function of your jaw.
- Educate you on the source and cause.
- Provide self-management strategies.
Specific treatment methods and approaches may include:
- Strengthening, flexibility, and range of motion exercises for the jaw.
- Posture training to correct jaw positioning.
- Mobilization exercises to enhance jaw movement.
- Moist heat therapy to improve blood circulation.
- Cold therapy to reduce swelling and pain.
- Massage therapy to decrease muscle tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does the TMD/TMJ physiotherapy assessment?
Daniel Krasner is a Registered Physiotherapist who completed his Masters of Physiotherapy at the University of Ontario and who has completed specific TMD training in Victoria, BC, through the Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia, completing the course “Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain – Evaluation and Treatment.” He completed his Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto.
Daniel has a strong interest in getting to the root cause of each issue, taking a holistic approach to pain management. He has experience working with clients of all ages and in a variety of settings. He is passionate about providing individualized treatment for each of his clients and will work with you to reach YOUR goals! Your treatments with Daniel will include hands-on and exercise-based approaches as well as education to guide you on your path to rehabilitation. Daniel understands that each client is different and will work with you to find what works best for your lifestyle!
Will the therapist be looking at my neck and posture?
The neck, including the joints, ligaments, and other structures, plays a significant role in Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). As such, assessment of neck and posture is often part of the initial assessment.
Do I need a referral?
No. You do not need a referral from your doctor to be assessed by a physiotherapist. In Ontario, registered physiotherapists are considered primary healthcare practitioners. However, if you have coverage for physiotherapy treatment through an extended health benefits plan, the insurance company may require you to provide a physician’s prescription.
What should I bring to the assessment?
You can bring any diagnostic imaging, test results, and doctor’s notes you may have. The physiotherapist will review these documents during your initial assessment.
Is TMD/TMJ physiotherapy covered by OHIP?
The physiotherapy therapy services at ALPHA Health Services are not covered under OHIP. However, all physiotherapists at ALPHA are licensed and registered physiotherapists, and many extended health benefits provide coverage for these services.
Can you bill my extended health insurance company directly?
We can bill directly for most extended health insurance plans, including but not limited to Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross, and many more. Please bring your plan information to the appointment, and we will be happy to set up a claim submission for you.
In cases where your insurance plan does not allow us to bill directly, you must pay us upfront. We will provide an official receipt with all the required information (including your therapist’s license number) to collect your reimbursement. Please let your practitioner know if your insurance company needs any other information, and we will gladly provide it.
Will there be an intra-oral part to the assessment?
During a TMD/TMJ physiotherapy assessment, an intra-oral examination may be performed, always with your consent.
Here’s what you can expect from the Intra-Oral Assessment:
- The therapist will assess structures inside your mouth related to the TMJ.
- This involves examining:
- Jaw alignment: Checking how your teeth fit together.
- Muscle tension: Palpating muscles within the mouth.
- Joint mobility: Assessing movement of the TMJ.
- Bite: Evaluating how your upper and lower teeth meet.
Communicate openly with your physiotherapist, provide feedback during the sessions, and discuss any concerns or discomfort you may experience. They can adjust the treatment plan accordingly to ensure your comfort and safety.
Is TMD/TMJ physiotherapy painful?
TMD/TMJ physiotherapy should not typically be painful, although some discomfort or sensitivity during specific interventions may occur. Each person’s experience may vary, so discussing any concerns or potential discomfort with your physiotherapist is crucial to ensure your comfort and adjust the treatment as needed.
My doctor referred me elsewhere for physiotherapy. Can I come to ALPHA Health Services instead?
Absolutely! Clients can choose a physiotherapy location and practitioner that feels right for them. Your comfort level with your physiotherapist is critical. This helps promote communication and compliance, which will help support your recovery.
With your consent, we will provide your physician with your assessment findings and treatment plan after the initial assessment. This enables and promotes open communication between your physiotherapist and physician.
How much does TMD/TMJ therapy cost at Alpha Health Services Toronto?
The cost of physiotherapy varies depending on the recommended treatment and duration. Assessments are $140 and follow-ups range from $100-$115. The cost of your physiotherapy appointments may be partially or fully covered by insurance.
Daniel Krasner – Registered Physiotherapist –
Certification in Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain
2024 TMD/TMJ Physiotherapy Rates
- 60min Initial TMD/TMJ Physiotherapy Assessment: $140
- 30min Follow-up TMD/TMJ Physiotherapy Treatment: $100
- 45min Follow-up TMD/TMJ Physiotherapy Treatment: $115
Have More Questions?
Email us at info@alphahealthservices.ca. Your email will be directed to one of our physiotherapists, who can answer your pre-assessment questions.
ALPHA Midtown
40 Holly Street, Suite 901 Toronto, ON
info@alphahealthservices.ca
416.545.1881
ALPHA East
14 St. Matthews Rd G.008 (Located within Bridgepoint Active Healthcare) Toronto, ON M4M 2B5
info@alphahealthservices.ca
416.545.1881