UPDATE ANNOUNCEMENT {april 10th, 2019}

I am fully booked with Friday TMD clients,  who are currently going through a series of massage 
treatments lasting till end of June. I will then be off on maternity leave in July.
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* I still recommend you submit your contact info at the very bottom of this page, as I do get the occasional cancellation from my regular clients. In which case I will let you know if I have an availability in my schedule.

WHAT IS TMJD/TMD MASSAGE?
​(Temporomandibular  Joint  Dysfunction)

TMD soft tissue massage treatment generally requires a series of 3-6
​massage treatments or more as needed for maintenance.

each  appointment  is  60  minutes  in  duration. 

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some SYMPTOMS OF ​TMD:

•  Chronic frequent headaches or 
    migraines.
•  Jaw pain or tension. 
• ​ "Clicking or Clunking" sound
    when chewing or talking.
•  Jaw that locks closed or open.
•  Difficulty chewing certain foods.
•  Grinding or clenching of teeth. 
•  Cracked teeth or tooth
    sensitivity.
• ​ Tinnitus - ringing in the ears.
​

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frequently  asked  questions:

1.  Is an entire hour spent massaging inside MY mouth?
No. Often time will be divided between focusing on the neck and jaw as well as other possible musculoskeletal imbalances such as hip/ SI joint, and lumbar/thoracic spine which may also be contributing to TMD symptoms. At each appointment, time will be spent on  assessment during massage treatment and reassessment afterwards.
2.  Do you wear protective gloves while working in my mouth?
Yes. ​TMD massage utilizes intra-oral massage techniques on the mastication (chewing) muscles. The massage practitioner will always wear Nitrile (latex-free) Gloves for safety and hygiene when working within the client's mouth.
3.  How will working inside my mouth help my jaw pain
​     and other symptoms?
By alternating frequently from side to side for short durations, an environment can then be created to re-pattern the opening/closing mechanics of the TMJ.
4.  WHAT IS THE EXPECTED TREATMENT GOAL AND OUTCOME?
The treatment goal is to help reduce symptoms and the treatment outcome effectiveness will depend on the stage of severity of the TMD, in which case the treatment goal is modified to simply maintenance and managing symptoms.​ ​​
   Treatment effectiveness is measured in one of two ways:
  1. After the 1st appointment, which had an assessment done of the TMJ joints to determine which joint was delayed (Left or Right side) when the client opened their jaw. Is that side now more symmetrical after 2, 3 or more appointments when reassessed by massage practitioner? Yes or no.
  2. Is the clients TMD related symptom complaints mentioned in the initial client history form now occurring less often? For Example: Reduced headaches, "clicking" less noticeable, increased joint Range of Motion, reduced tension or pain experienced in the neck/jaw/shoulder/back/hip etc. 
5.  What education have you taken to specialize in TMJ massage?
    I graduated from a 2 year diploma program in 2017 completing 2550 hours of training from Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapy. Afterwards I wanted to learn more about the "chewing muscles" of the jaw and how it can negatively impact clients day to day lives when the mechanics of the jaw are not functioning symmetrically. 
   I continuously seek further post education training, so that I may specialize my massage practice in the intra-oral massage treatment of TMD. 
​•  November 2017: attended a 3 day  "TMJ MASTERY" course taught by John W. Corry
​•  March 2019: attended a 2 day TMJ work shop taught by Owner/Principle Randy 
    Ellingson of Wellington College.
​•  May 2019: 1 day workshop: Assessment & Rehabilitation of the Cervical Spine
​    with Glen Bergeron
6.  So why do you only do tmD massage on fridays?
Due to the fact that I have a  regular full clientele base, I had to block off my schedule one day a week and reserve it for taking new clients who may be experiencing symptoms of TMD. I chose Friday's but I do my best to fit a TMD client in where I can.
7.  So WHY DO YOU CARE SO MUCH ABOUT TMD?
I specialize my clinic in treating TMD because I am very passionate about this area of the human body and the complicated associated conditions that often coincide with TMD. I invest my clinic time to the focus of this condition because I myself chronically experience the uncomfortable symptoms of TMD, after a car accident when I was 18.  
  • I genuinely care about making a positive difference with your own unique history with TMD utilizing massage therapy to help.
  • Also Studies from TMJ workshops I've taken say that 1 in 4 people will experience TMD symptoms at some point in their lifetime ... that's 25% of the population and massage therapy should accommodate all those people in need. 
8.  Do you charge a higher rate for specializing in TMJ massage?
No. Although there is my added cost for using lots of nitrile gloves as well as the cost of continuous education TMJ workshops, I charge the same rate as the other massage services I provide.
  • $75.00 (includes GST) for a 60 minute massage.
If you're at all curious about learning more about the anatomy of the TMJ structure and how it becomes dysfunctional I highly recommend first time clients seeking TMD treatment to read through this info guide provided below. The 4 page read should help in preparing you for what to expect on your initial and subsequent series of  massage treatments, as well as some ​home care you can do for post treatment soreness.

click image BELOW to make bigger or download  file

parkwood_massage_-_tmd_newsletter.pdf
File Size: 6398 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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Submit  your  contact  information  below
​TO  BOOK  YOUR  FRIDAY​  TMD   MASSAGE  appointment.

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Natalie will book you her soonest available appointment. You will receive 2 emails from Parkwood Massage Therapy.
  1. Email confirms an appointment with time and date has been booked for you.
  2. Email is sent with a link for you to fill out your confidential (PHIA regulated) Client History form at home before your massage appointment.
* ​If you leave your cell phone number below you will also receive an automated text message reminder 24 hours before your appointment.