TMJ therapy session being conducted at Vancity Physio, a physiotherapy and sports medicine clinic located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

TMJ Physiotherapy

Clinical Physiotherapy - In Person and Virtual Sessions

WHAT IS TMJ PHYSIOTHERAPY?

Your temporomandibular joint is one of the most overused joints in your body. The TMJ connects your jawbone to your skull with two joints on either side. If you experience pain in this area, you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder. Physiotherapy for TMJ can be used to reduce inflammation in the joint and relieve TMJ-related symptoms such as headaches, neck problems, and ear pain.

IS TMJ THERAPY RIGHT FOR ME?

TMJ disorders can be caused by arthritis, dental trauma, disc displacements, car accidents, and muscular strain. TMJ disorders often affect speech, swallowing, eating, and breathing. The ligaments attached to the TMJ can also cause acute pain in the neck, ear, and head. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be a sign your TMJ needs treatment. Our physiotherapists can help treat your TMJ in a holistic manner through posture correction, jaw exercises, manual therapy, laser, and ultrasound treatments.

HOW IT WORKS

If a patient is assessed to have TMJ arising from a stiff joint (usually as a result of past trauma that resulted in stiffness) our physiotherapists can use manual therapy techniques to get the joints moving properly again. We will then prescribe specific stretches that will help you to maintain the range of motion improvement between visits. This can help in reducing muscle spasms, strengthening hypermobile joints, pain relief and TMJ dysfunction. Other physiotherapy techniques, such as laser therapy and ultrasounds, may also be used on a case-by-case basis.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Our physiotherapists will assess your TMJ and create a treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery. Treatments can include manual therapy, Myofascial treatment, IMS, acupuncture, and range of motion stretching. All of our treatment methods use the latest TMJ rehab technology to ensure your recovery process is effective and efficient.

HOW TO PREPARE

Whenever starting a new physiotherapy program, bring a list of any medications to your first appointment, along with any relevant X-rays and MRIs. If you’re experiencing pain symptoms beforehand, make a note of them and be sure to tell your therapist ahead of time. If you are involved in an accident claim with ICBC, be sure to get treatment approval before your sessions begin.

Masks are manditory for in-person treatment, in compliance with BC's mask mandate. Please read our Covid-19 procedures for more information.

POST-SESSION

After a physiotherapy session, You will receive advice specific to your needs. This could include resting the jaw, trying to control habits that cause jaw pain, and avoiding chewing foods that stress the joint.

View our Resources

FEES

To book, please select Clinical Physiotherapy from our online booking platform. To maximize your session’s value, and take advantage of our diverse treatment options, fees are inclusive of all treatments used during your session. Your physiotherapist will work with you to help assess which treatments will be most beneficial during your visit.

VanCity Physio offers direct billing.

I saw Ranko for my first physio visit. I am a dentist and experience tightness in my neck and shoulders a lot. Ranko did a thorough assessment and recommended the proper treatment best suited for my needs.

My body felt so relaxed and relieved after my visit with Ranko. He gave me suggestions on how I can best prevent further injuries due to my work. Since them I have noticed huge improvements in my range of motion and less discomfort in my head and shoulders.

I have also referred my TMJ patients and my fiancé to him. I fully trust his expertise :)

— Dr. Neda R.
1 / 2

I wanted to take a moment to write you a note of gratitude for your time and efforts during my recovery. Your attitude, depth of knowledge, and commitment really helped me through one of the roughest times in my life.

— M. Goddard
2 / 2

Gemma Greig

Meet Gemma, the newest addition to our Vancity physiotherapy team all the way from Scotland!

Graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2018, Gemma brings a wealth of experience to our clinic. Her background includes working in various settings, such as NHS Scotland in outpatient musculoskeletal/orthopedics, sports clinics, and private physiotherapy practices. Since arriving in Vancouver three years ago, Gemma has expanded her expertise by working in acute care within the Fraser Health Authority and in private practice.

Gemma’s lifelong dream of living in Canada has become a reality, and she has found her passion in helping people in the beautiful city of Vancouver. Known for her ability to effortlessly create a safe and comfortable environment, Gemma’s clients consistently praise her dedication and professionalism.

Continual growth and development are essential to Gemma, both personally and professionally. She recently completed training in “Dive into the Coach Approach” and is on her way to becoming a certified coach within the field of physiotherapy. This additional expertise allows her to combine her interest in counselling with her role as a healthcare professional. Gemma is also certified in advanced vestibular rehabilitation and treatment, enabling her to effectively address conditions such as vertigo, cervicogenic dizziness, and concussion. She is enthusiastic about mentoring future physiotherapy students and sharing her knowledge.

Gemma’s experience on the Covid and general medical wards at Surrey Memorial Hospital has sparked her interest in respiratory physiotherapy services. She is excited to offer her expertise in this area and assist clients in improving their respiratory function. In addition to her specialization in respiratory physiotherapy, Gemma has a strong background in advanced vestibular rehabilitation and treatment.

Outside of work, Gemma loves exploring the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia. Whether it’s indulging in an ice cream treat at Granville Island or cycling along the seawall, she embraces an active and creative lifestyle. Gemma is known for her forward-thinking mindset and attentive listening skills. And if you’re up for a game of golf, she also possesses a mean swing!

Whether you’re looking to improve your mobility, enhance your respiratory health, or elevate your golf game, Gemma is here to guide you on your journey. She is passionate about helping you achieve your goals and looks forward to assisting you with her expertise and enthusiasm.

Our team. Vancity Physiotherapy located in Vancouver, British Columbia. Your trusted Physiotherapy experts.

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 Masters 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 in University of Navada 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.

Our team. Vancity Physiotherapy located in Vancouver, British Columbia. Your trusted Physiotherapy experts.