TMJ – A Case Study

How Physiotherapy Can Help Relieve Jaw Pain (TMJ Dysfunction)

Are you struggling with jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction? You’re not alone! Many people experience discomfort in their temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can make everyday tasks like eating or talking painful. Depending on the cause of your TMJ pain, physiotherapy can often help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What Can You Expect From Physiotherapy for Jaw Pain?

Let’s look at a typical case of a client visiting our clinic for jaw pain treatment:

 

Client Case Study:

TK, a 30-year-old woman, was referred to physiotherapy by her dentist for TMJ dysfunction. She had been experiencing pain on the right side of her jaw, occasionally affecting the left side as well. The pain began 6 months ago without any clear cause, and there was no history of clicking, locking, or injury to the jaw. TK also had recurring neck stiffness and occasional headaches.

Despite expecting the pain to resolve on its own, it became more persistent over time. Recently, she switched to a desk job that involves less physical movement, which she feels may have contributed to her symptoms. Additionally, TK grinds her teeth at night (bruxism), and her dentist fitted her with a night guard to help manage this.

 

 

Physiotherapy Assessment for Jaw Pain

When TK visited the clinic, the physiotherapist conducted a thorough assessment, focusing on her jaw and neck. This included:

  • Checking the range of motion and muscle strength in her neck and jaw
  • Assessing the ligaments and joints of the cervical spine and TMJ
  • Examining the muscles inside the mouth to assess jaw movement

The physiotherapist diagnosed TK with myofascial pain syndrome affecting her TMJ, particularly on the right side. She also had articular dysfunction in her upper cervical spine. In simple terms, this means her muscles were tight and the joint movement in her jaw and neck was not optimal.

Treatment Plan for TMJ Dysfunction

TK was advised to attend 6 physiotherapy sessions, scheduled once a week, which is typical for managing TMJ issues. Each session focused on relieving jaw pain and improving her overall function.

What Does Treatment Involve?

A physiotherapy approach usually involves manual therapy on the outside and inside of the mouth and jaw

  • Manual therapy on the muscles and joints in the jaw and neck
  • A customized home exercise program that includes:
    • Jaw and neck range of motion exercises
    • Strengthening exercises for the cervical spine and jaw
    • Relaxation techniques and diaphragmatic breathing to reduce muscle tension
    • Ergonomics tips for better posture at work and while sleeping

The Results

After several treatment sessions, TK reported significant improvement in her jaw pain, with only minor tightness remaining, which she managed through her home exercises. A follow-up appointment was scheduled 6 weeks later to ensure her progress was maintained. TK later contacted the clinic to share that her symptoms continued to improve, and she was discharged from physiotherapy care.

Why Physiotherapy for Jaw Pain?

If you’re suffering from jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction, physiotherapy may be the solution you need. Our team of experts can assess your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan to help you get back to living pain-free. Contact us today to learn more or schedule your appointment in Warman or Saskatoon!

*Pro Tip: both Shannon Domres (Warman, Saskatoon) and Kendra Usunier have keen interest in TMJ assessment and treatment!

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Naturopathy for Menopause: Hormonal Impacts and Natural Relief

Menopause is a significant transition in a woman’s life, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. Though it’s a natural biological process, the hormonal shifts it triggers can lead to a wide array of physical and emotional symptoms, often affecting daily life. While conventional medical treatments can help manage these symptoms, many women are turning to naturopathy for a more holistic approach. In this blog, we’ll explore the hormonal impacts of menopause and how naturopathy can support women through this transition.

What Happens to Hormones During Menopause?

Menopause Symptoms

Hot flashes are a common symptom during menopause

Menopause involves a decline in the production of certain hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. they are key to regulating the menstrual cycle and overall reproductive health of women. As these hormone levels drop, the body experiences changes that may cause:

  • Hot flashes and night sweats: Sudden heat and sweating episodes that can be disruptive
  • Mood swings: Fluctuating hormone levels may contribute to irritability, anxiety, or depression
  • Sleep disturbances: Many women report difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Weight gain: Hormonal changes can slow metabolism, making it harder to manage weight
  • Bone density loss: Lower estrogen levels can affect bone health, increasing the risk of osteoporosis
  • Vaginal dryness: Decreased estrogen can lead to discomfort and reduced libido

Understanding these symptoms is key to exploring how naturopathy for menopause can help bring relief and balance during this transition.

The Role of Naturopathy for Menopause Relief

Naturopathic medicine offers a natural and personalized approach to managing menopause symptoms.  it focuses on supporting the body’s ability to heal itself, often through nutrition, herbal remedies, lifestyle modifications, and stress management techniques. Here’s how naturopathy for menopause works:

1. Nutritional Guidance

Diet plays a crucial role in balancing hormones and managing menopause symptoms from the root cause

2. Herbal Medicine

Many herbs have been shown to alleviate menopausal symptoms. play a central role in naturopathy for menopause.

3. Lifestyle Modifications

Exercise, stress reduction, and sleep hygiene are essential for managing menopause effectively. Naturopathy emphasizes:

  • Regular Exercise: Both weight-bearing and aerobic activities can help maintain bone density, boost mood, and improve sleep.
  • Stress management Techniques: Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and stabilize hormones.
  • Sleep hygiene: Creating a calming evening routine and management sleep environments can improve the quality of rest, even during times of hormonal fluctuation.

4. Hormonal Balancing with Bio-Identical Hormones 

In Saskatchewan naturopathic doctors are unable to prescribe bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which is derived from plant sources and chemically identical to the hormones the body produces. BHRT can be a gentler alternative to conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as it is customized to an individual’s hormonal needs. Referral for BHRT may be beneficial for some patients, and we are fortunate to share space with The Medicine Shoppe, a compounding pharmacy that is able to provide BHRT.

 

5. Mind-Body Connection

Menopause can often be supported with Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine always considers the mind-body connection, recognizing the role that emotional health plays in physical well-being. Techniques such as guided imagery, acupuncture, and mindfulness practices can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and balance emotions.

Why Consider Naturopathy for Menopause?

While conventional treatments like HRT can be effective for some women, they are not without risks and side effects. naturopathy offers a more individualized and gentle approach to managing menopause symptoms, focusing on lifestyle changes, nutrition, and natural remedies that support overall health without the potential complications of pharmaceuticals.

If you’re experiencing menopause symptoms and seeking a holistic approach, working with a licensed naturopathic doctor can be a valuable way to navigate this transition. By addressing your unique needs and symptoms, a naturopath can help you regain balance and feel more in control of your health during this pivotal time in life.

Conclusion

Menopause is a significant and sometimes challenging life stage for many women. The hormonal changes can affect various aspects of well-being, but with the right support, these symptoms can be managed effectively. naturopathy provides a natural, holistic approach to menopause, empowering women to embrace this transition with grace and strength.

For more information about how naturopathy for menopause can help you, contact Warman Physiotherapy & Wellness to book a consultation with Dr Nicole Michaud or book online HERE for Saskatoon, and HERE to request an appointment on the waitlist in Warman. In person doesn’t work but you live in Saskatchewan? No problem! You can book a virtual appointment with Nicole HERE.

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Counselling Abuse Support Group for Healing

Healing from any form of abuse—whether emotional, physical, or psychological—can be a challenging and lengthy journey. Survivors often feel isolated and overwhelmed by their experiences. A counselling abuse support group offers a supportive space where individuals can connect with others who truly understand what they are going through. These groups are essential in reducing feelings of loneliness and creating a sense of community, which plays a vital role in the healing process.

Why Join a Counselling Abuse Support Group?

At Warman Physiotherapy & Wellness, our Registered Counselling Therapist, Shireen Abedi, Counselling TherapistShireen Abedi, will be leading a monthly counselling support group designed to guide survivors on their path to recovery. These sessions allow participants to share personal stories, receive emotional support, and gain practical tools to cope with the effects of abuse.

  • Building healthy boundaries
  • Managing emotional triggers
  • Practicing mindfulness to enhance mental well-being

The Benefits of a Support Group

One of the biggest advantages of joining a support group is the opportunity to learn from others. Seeing fellow participants make progress can be incredibly motivating and provide a sense of hope. The group setting also offers structure and accountability, helping participants stay committed to their healing journey.

Moreover, having a group to lean on reminds us that we are not alone in our experiences. The shared understanding creates a sense of belonging that is crucial for emotional recovery.

Abuse Support GroupUpcoming Group Sessions

If you or someone you know has experienced abuse and is seeking support, consider joining our counselling abuse support group. Shireen Abedi will be hosting sessions on October 29, November 19, and December 17 in 2024 for 90min sessions which can be booked online. These sessions offer a safe, therapeutic space for survivors to connect, learn, and heal together.

Shireen also offers individual counselling sessions at both our Warman and Saskatoon locations for those seeking one-on-one support.

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We are Hiring Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

The time has come! I am looking for someone to mentor that is interested in my specific areas of expertise. As a pelvic health and pediatric pelvic health physiotherapist, I see a huge demand in this area; for clinicians that are not only well versed in pelvic health and it’s intricacies, but also willing to treat the whole client. This includes the orthopedic components that impact the pelvis!

I am looking for a physiotherapist that has training in the area of pelvic health, or is willing to learn. Someone looking for a supportive team environment for developing their skills through mentorship and collaboration.

About us

Our clinic vision is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to our clients in a non-judgmental environment that allows our clients to reach their health and wellness goals at any age.

Warman Physio has built a strong team of therapists with close working relationships with many allied healthcare providers and organizations. We are grateful to have been nominated for and won several local and provincial awards for business management and client care. We do this specifically to be involved in and helping the communities we are a part of.

At this time a focused mentorship will be available to any candidate including:

  • Pelvic Health
  • Pediatric Pelvic Health
  • Manual Therapy
  • TMJ assessment and treatment
  • Integrated Systems Model (ISM) approach
  • Dry needling
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • Case management
  • Third party payers

Want to know more?

We believe that our clients need holistic care, management, and support; with this in mind, we treat our staff and providers with a holistic lens as well. This means that we strive to achieve a supportive and playful workplace where we can cultivate a culture of trust, enjoyment, and excellence.

Our vision, mission, and overall values encourages our providers to cultivate and create the client-base that will bring them work satisfaction, passion, and desire to continue learning. This makes for a unique experience for not only our clients, but our staff as well.

A Successful Candidate

We are looking for someone that is a good fit for our team on a variety of facets. Some key attributes will including striving to be a life-long learner, being self-motivated and possess an authentic enjoyment in helping people to help themselves. This position will have room for growth and development and great opportunity for leadership and management moving forward if desired.

Applicants with manual therapy levels, acupuncture or dry needling, vestibular therapy, pelvic health training, and other coursework would be an asset but is not required to apply, and will be considered in renumeration at onboarding.

Wondering about renumeration?

Competitive compensation with opportunity for advancement is available in one of two formats. There is significant support and guidance in building and maintaining a caseload, including file management, follow-up care, and ensuring client resolution. There can be the opportunity to set-up various monetary incentives and allowances for sick days, education, and family days in addition to RRSPs. Each of our clinics hosts private treatment rooms, and will have available clinical mentorship.

Minimum requirements:

  • Registered member (in good standing) with SCPT
  • Training/coursework within pelvic health (or plan to achieve the same)

Interested? Email Haylie at haylie@warmanphysio.com

 

Looking for a new clinic and not a pelvic health physiotherapist? We are always on the lookout for an orthopedic therapist that is the right fit for our team as well. Send us an email and we will see what opportunities are available for you!

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Pelvic Health – for ANYONE!

The public is becoming more aware of the benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy (PFPT). When we first opened in Warman in 2014, about 20-25% of people had even heard of PFPT! Now there appears to be an assumption that leakage or pelvic floor pain issues ONLY happen to people that have had kids. That it can’t happen for those who have never been pregnant or given birth before – but that is not the case!

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

There are people of all backgrounds and ages of any gender, who suffer from pelvic floor problems. There are many different reasons for why this may be the case. First, here are some issues that are common symptoms:

  • low back or hip pain
  • leaking of urine (or stool)
  • pain (with intercourse or otherwise)
  • night wetting (or waking to void)
  • constipation
  • hemorrhoids
  • pressure/heaviness (feeling like things will fall down/out)
  • tailbone pain
  • pelvic girdle pain (SIJ, hips, pubic symphysis)

 

Some of the reasons for pelvic floor dysfunction include post op complications or side effects from surgeries performed in the abdominal or pelvic region, radiation therapy to the pelvis due to pelvic cancers, prostate issues, and menopause. Stress, anxiety, and overall pressure system problems can also be an underlying cause.

Weigh the Risk

There are some risk factors that may contribute to leakage of the bladder including:

  • chronic strain to the pelvic floor from a persistent cough (ie smoking or asthma/COPD)
  • chronic constipation
  • highly athletic populations (especially with a vagina)
  • individuals that have obstetric injuries
  • someone that has had trauma to the pelvis
  • anyone that has received abdominal surgery

Our athletes in particular may have some leakage issues or heaviness/prolapse symptoms. This may be associated with heavy lifting or running/jumping sports due to the strain that can be placed on the pelvic floor with these activities. The exercise itself is unlikely to be the culprit, but the strategies being used may be contributing.

 

The Pelvic Floor and What you Consume

There are some behavioral components that may impact urinary leakage as well including:

  • consuming or drinking caffeine(!!) and carbonated beverages
  • spicy foods
  • citrus foods
  • alcohol (red wine in particular!)

 

Our Pelvic Floor Helps us Compensate

Sometimes anxiety can have a role as well if we have a tendency to hold too much tension in the pelvic floor muscles. This in turn can contribute to pelvic pain or incontinence issues – or even constipation!

People with chronic pain conditions such as:

  • endometriosis
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • inflammatory bowel diseases
  • interstitial cystitis

…for example may have tightness in their pelvic floor muscles which may be contributing to some of their pain presentation. Sometimes back or hip pain can actually be originating from the pelvic floor. When someone has had “problems forever” and they haven’t seen a PFPT – this is often a good place to start.

 

How does PFPT Help?

A PFPT can be helpful as part of the medical care team in addressing pain that may be contributed to by the pelvic floor muscles. PFPT utilize various techniques, either with internal manual therapy techniques or external techniques. If the client is comfortable with internal, this via a vaginal or rectal exam. Some people are not comfortable and we can proceed with education and exercises for relaxation/stretching of these muscles.

 

If there is urinary leakage then there can be behavioural techniques that a pelvic floor physiotherapist can teach to help address these issues. This is especially true if there is leakage preceded by a strong urge to pee. Should there be weakness of the muscles then this can contribute to leakage of the bladder or bowel as well. Although this weakness is not a common finding, it can happen post operatively in the pelvis or abdomen. Regardless of the reason, a PFPT can be helpful in teaching specific exercises to address the issues.

 

If you are having problems with any of these issues seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist may be beneficial:

  • leaking with laughing/coughing/sneezing
  • leaking due to urgency of the bladder
  • chronic constipation
  • pain with intercourse
  • pelvic pain/low back or hip pain (especially if addressing the back and hip tissues with prior rehab does not appear to be resolving the issue)

If you are finding yourself worried about what to expect as an adult coming for a first appointment, check out this blog!

 

Ready to take control? Book your assessment today in Warman HERE and in Saskatoon HERE

 

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