Limiting my Practice to TMJ Disorders

To my valued patients,

I wish to thank you sincerely for the past 4 years, allowing me to grow my practice in this community. I truly feel blessed that I have found a neighborhood to both work and raise my children in. Moving to Canada from NY during the pandemic with newborn twins was not an easy feat, however, each of you played a role in making that experience more comfortable.

Over the past 8 years I have been on a professional development journey of my own. As many of you know, this has led me to focus my attention on Orofacial pain and Headache. This includes the evaluation and treatment of TMJ disorders and cervical spine disorders (Orofacial Pain, Neck Pain, and Headache/Migraines).

TMJ disorders and associated headaches are the second most common pain behind only low back pain. It is estimated that this accounts for up to 55% of the population. Working in the world of Orofacial pain has allowed me to work side by side with some of the best dentists and orofacial pain specialists in the city and in the world. In 2023 I successfully passed my boards to become a Certified Cervical & Temporomandibular Therapist (CCTT). A certification only 10 physiotherapists in Canada and 2 in Ontario have attained as of today. Please see www.ptbcct.org for more info on this certification and the rigorous requirements in order to sit for the exam.

The world of TMJ disorders is unlike any other injury in healthcare. Medical doctors tend to refer you to your dentist however most dentists don’t learn about TMJ in their entry level graduate programs. Many of these cases are referred to dental specialists at the hospitals in the city. Physiotherapy programs also barely scratch the surface of how to examine and treat this complex disorder. Usually this area is given less than a week in the masters or doctoral PT programs. As I continue to progress my own knowledge in this area I have truly found my passion and place in the world.

What this means for my clinical practice, is that I will be limiting my practice to the treatment that falls under my expertise - orofacial pain and headache. Often this area can also be referred to as craniofacial pain and headache.

Starting June 1, 2024, I will be no longer be seeking out cases that are not falling within this area of focus. What does this mean for those I have worked with in the past on other areas of the body? If we have worked together previously, then I will always help you the best I can with any injury. I will never abandon you! If you are here for the head, neck and jaw, and something else hurts, we can also work on those areas after we evaluate them.

Thank you again so much for your understanding. I am very excited to continue to share my passion with this community and appreciate your support in this next phase of my career.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wellness journey,

​- Brett Weiss, PT, DPT, CEAS, CCTT