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VanCity Physio

Ranko Vukovic

Physiotherapist | GUNN IMS Practitioner

Ranko is a Registered Physiotherapist (RPT) licensed with the College of Physiotherapists of British Columbia and a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. 

He graduated from UBC in 2015 with a Master's of Physical Therapy. A passion for sport saw Ranko work as a BCRPA Certified Personal Trainer and Kinesiologist, creating tailored training programs for a diverse group of clients, educating and motivating them to reach their personal fitness goals. 

Ranko has post-graduate training in treating jaw pain, otherwise known as TMJ and Orofacial pain.  He’s also a Certified CGIMS Practitioner and has completed his training at UBC. In addition, Ranko finished his Functional Dry Needling (FDN) certification at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Ranko's training also includes ShockWave Therapy, Mobilization with Movement and Kinetic Link Training. He was featured in the Top 100 Canadians Magazine for 2020.
Ranko VukovicRanko Vukovic

Case study

Ranko's Case Study – TMJ Relief Through Whole-Body Assessment

A client seeking TMJ relief didn’t realize her jaw pain was linked to a recent back strain. Ranko’s whole-body assessment revealed the connection, and by treating both areas, he achieved fast, meaningful improvement.

From the patient

Five out of five star review

First time ever with a TMJ issue and I'm so thankful that I came across reviews of Ranko and his expertise in the field. He takes the time to explain and is generous with his knowledge. His treatment approach is caring and client centric.

I booked an appointment for TMJ and happened to walk in with a tweaked back that day - Ranko diagnosed my back as well on the spot and got me feeling as good as new that same day. Will definitely return for any future physio needs.

- Margaret Lung, Google Review

From Ranko

When a client arrives with a specific complaint, especially seeing them for the first time —like Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) discomfort—I see my role as more than just treating the jaw. The body is not a collection of isolated parts; it is a unified, interconnected system. This principle is what allowed us to achieve such significant results for your back as well.

  • The TMJ-Spine Connection: TMJ disorders (TMD) are frequently accompanied by, or even caused by, underlying issues in the cervical spine (neck) and upper thoracic region. The muscles and fascia connecting the jaw, the skull, and the shoulder girdle are complex and interwoven. Often, releasing tension in the upper back or realigning a subtle spinal issue can immediately take the pressure off the jaw muscles, leading to faster and more comprehensive TMJ relief.
  • Listening to the Whole Story: While the client booked in for TMJ treatment, the tweaked back presented an immediate, acute problem. To a clinician trained in recognizing postural and biomechanical patterns, the back issue wasn't a separate accident. It was a crucial piece of information. The way the client was holding herself to compensate for your back pain might have been directly influencing the tension that was aggravating her TMJ. By addressing the acute back issue first, we likely unlocked the body's ability to relax and accept the TMJ treatment more effectively.
  • Client-Centric Approach as a Necessity: My commitment to being "caring and client centric" is simply the only way for me to practice effectively. I believe in empowering the client with knowledge. When you understand why your jaw is hurting, how your back contributes, and what the treatment is designed to achieve, you become an active partner in the recovery process. This shared knowledge accelerates healing and helps prevent future recurrence.