Manual Therapy Treatment of the Temporomandibular Joint
Course Description
This course will provide the clinician with a thorough and in-depth understanding of temporomandibular anatomy, biomechanics, and temporomandibular dysfunctions and how they create pain. Learn to treat the temporomandibular joint through joint mobilization, myofascial release, posture re-education, and exercises. Each participant will use the skills to immediately apply the methods learned in this course.
This course has been developed with the physical therapist and physical therapist assistant in mind. This is an intermediate course, no prerequisites are required and new graduates are welcome.
Please visit our Resource Center to check for course approval in your state.
TMD Schedule
Course Objectives
At the completion of this seminar, the participant will be able to:
- Given a patient record, quantify progress represented in the four objective measurement results for the treatment of the temporomandibular joint and cervical spine
- Correctly palpate the primary and accessory muscles of the temporomandibular joint and neck
- Design a treatment plan of care for the primary and accessory muscles of the temporomandibular joint and neck
- Correctly and independently perform at least 8 basic mobilizations of the temporomandibular joint and cervical spine as shown in the manual
- Design an instructional program or materials for posture, strengthening and stretching exercises for the temporomandibular joint and neck as shown in the manual
Course Instructors
Katherine Tan
PT, MS, CCTT, CFMT
Katherine graduated with a Master of Science in physical therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1999. She practices physical therapy in the areas of orthopedics and manual therapy and is certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association. In 2008, she became a Certified Cervical and Temporomandibular Therapist (CCTT). By earning this advanced specialty certification, Katherine has been recognized by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain for her dedication to the treatment of neck, jaw, and head pain. She currently works for Fishbein Physical Therapy in New York City and is enrolled in a residency program in Functional Manual Therapy.

Course Outline
Saturday
Continental Breakfast
Lecture: Anatomy of Bones, Joint, Articular Disk, Disk Attachments, Ligaments
Lecture: Anatomy of Primary Muscles of Mastication, Suprahyoid, Infrahyoid
Lecture: Motions of the TMJ
Lunch (on your own)
Lecture: Gathering Subjective Information
Lab: Measure Posture, Observe Respiration, Inspection of Teeth, Measure Jaw Motions
Lab: Palpate Joint Opening, Begin External Muscular Palpation and MFR
Lab: Review of Evidence-Based Literature
Adjourn
Sunday
Continental Breakfast
Lab: Muscular Palpation and MFR cont.
Lab: Intraoral Palpation
Lab: TMJ Mobilizations
Lunch (on your own)
Lab: OA Joint Dysfunction, Cervical Joint Dysfunctions
Lab: Case Studies, Speed Mobilizations, MFR
Lab: Review of Evidence-Based Literature
Adjourn