Case Study Integration (CSI): Temporomandibular Joint – Myalgia and TMD

15 Contact hours/ 1.5 CEU’s

This online self-paced course takes a general look at how dysfunction in the jaw contributes not only to local problems, but also perpetuates headache and neck pain. Clinicians treating patients with upper quarter problems will enhance their overall outcomes with the knowledge and skills gained from these lectures.

Course content consists of discussion of clinically applicable pathoanatomy and joint mechanics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and cervical spine, as well as demonstration of simple TMJ evaluation and cervical spine screening tools to diagnose common types of TMJ dysfunction. Differential diagnosis and treatment approaches are presented that incorporate patient education, modalities, exercises, and manual techniques. Special topics include cervical spine influences on the management of TMJ dysfunction, the role the TMJ plays in headache, and the team approach with other disciplines.

 Target Group: PT, PTA, ATC, OT, OTA, DDS

Educational Level: Basic

Course Outline

By the end of the course, the participant will be able to:

• Describe the general pathoanatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint and related pathologies with the ability to define the most common type of dysfunctions.
• By means of a systematic process, identify the key findings from a local examination and cervical screening that would indicate the involvement of the TMJ as either a local problem or the role a local dysfunction would play in headache and/or neck pain.
• Be confident in the assessment of the TMJ related to joint mobility and myofascial integrity as a part of the evaluation and treatment of orofacial and/or head and neck pain.
• Implement a variety of treatment strategies to positively affect the TMJ, to include soft tissue mobilization, joint specific techniques, and dry needling.
• Design 3 to 5 effective treatment interventions involving skills or exercise based on specific functional neuromuscular and sensorimotor control strategies.
• Integrate common and specific psychosocial approaches to engage and promote a patient-clinician relationship to allow better functional and clinical outcomes. Effectively create a therapeutic alliance with the patient.
• Select the appropriate multidisciplinary team for optimal benefit in patient outcomes.

• Financial: The instructor(s) receive an honorarium for presenting this course.
• Non-financial: The instructor(s) have no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
• Partial credit is not available. For online courses, passing module assessments and completing the course evaluation is required to earn continuing education credit. For live courses, attendance is confirmed by signing the attendance sheet at the course; ensure name and professional license number are accurate, and initial both morning and afternoon attendance.