Physiotherapy for the jaw
Jaw physiotherapy is an approach that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Jaw physiotherapy is an approach that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The jaw joint is not only complex, but did you know that it is one of the most used joints in the human body? The jaw is used when we speak, eat, yawn, we use it two to three thousand times a day!
Jaw alignment can be influenced by many factors, including head and neck position, muscle tension, occlusal disorders and even breathing! There are many causes of jaw problems such as posture, dental treatment, falls or accidents, bruxism (or teeth grinding) and many others.
The physiotherapist with an expertise in TMJ disorders evaluates, treats and relieves the tensions related to your problem in order to improve your condition and quality of life. They will suggest exercises and may also suggest changes in your habits (posture, breathing) to reduce your discomfort.
What happens during an appointment?
At your first appointment, the physiotherapist will do a complete assessment including a subjective evaluation (discussion), an objective evaluation (physical tests) and based on the panorex (x-ray) and the dentist’s referral (if applicable). At the end of the evaluation, the therapist can give you his opinion and establish a treatment plan with you. Chances are you will also be given exercises to do at home to speed up the healing process.
What to expect on your first appointment?
Remember to bring your toothbrush if you want to brush your teeth before the appointment. Also, if you have a mouth guard, bring it with you!Close collaboration with your dentist, orthodontist, maxillofacial specialist
The physiotherapist works closely with your dentist, orthodontist or maxillofacial specialist. A follow-up report is sent following the evaluation to ensure that all your health care professionals are aware of the findings.
Interesting facts :
Did you know that there are two discs (or menisci) that make up the temporomandibular joints, one on each side?
Jaw disorders are very common after a car accident.
Did you know that breathing has a great influence on the rehabilitation of the jaw?
Our professionnals
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Maxime BesnerFounder & Physiotherapist -
Stephanie BakerPhysiotherapist
Maxime Besner
Maxime's reputation is well established when it comes to jaws, headaches, migraines, concussions and other neck, face and head disorders. An expert in the field, he teaches health professionals about jaw disorders and works with the majority of dentists in the west of Montreal. He is compassionate, treats his clients as a whole and does not hesitate to work with other professionals to optimize his clients' results.
Involved with sports teams since his graduation, Maxime has recently been working mainly with elite soccer players, the Quebec Freestyle Ski Team (moguls) and with local schools (Cité-des-Jeunes and the sport-études program at Chêne-Bleu).
Father of 3 children and self-described as a passionate, Maxime plays several instruments. Mainly mastering the guitar and the piano, he also plays percussion, ukulele and recently started playing the cello. Playing music is the best way for him to take a break and, as he says himself, “it helps stop the 8 hamsters running around in his head”. Camping and the outdoors are other hobbies that Maxime values as a way to take care of his mental health.
For his physical health, Maxime likes to ride his bike to work. He plays soccer, tennis, golf and also enjoys water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding.
Stephanie Baker
Stephanie completed her placements at this clinic in Vaudreuil, at the Royal Victoria Hospital in orthopedics, oncology and in the ICU, and at Constance Lethbridge in neurology.
Although she loves treating all types of chronic pain and sports injuries, she takes a special interest in treating TMJ dysfunctions and headaches.
Throughout her studies, Stephanie played competitive volleyball and did horseback riding. In more recent years she has picked up kickboxing, weight training and aerial sports. Outside of work you can find her running, biking and hiking.