Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Physical Therapy Perspective

"Temporomandibular Dysfunction: A Physical Therapy Perspective"

with Jenna Goar Physical Therapist at Head and Neck Physical Therapy

Course Description:

Temporomandibular dysfunction can negatively impact dental care for patients who battle this condition. These patients often have restricted mouth opening and/or pain that makes dental procedures difficult. This can lead to avoidance of routine dental care as a result. Unfortunately, the topic of TMD is not covered well in most professional education programs, so it can be hard to identify and treat this condition. Interdisciplinary care amongst healthcare providers can improve outcomes for patients with TMD and improve quality of life. This presentation will share an overview of what TMD is and how it presents in the clinic. You will see a live, hands-on demonstration of how a physical therapist evaluates and treats patients with TMD, and clinical pearls will be shared that can be used in the dental clinic. This presentation will also cover the close relationship of the cervical spine with the jaw and how posture plays a role in patients with TMD. Lastly, you will learn briefly about benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, which commonly occurs in a dental office as patients lie back in the chair or sit up at the end of an appointment.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand muscle, joint, and nerve anatomy of the jaw and explain the kinematics of the TMJ.
• Describe common disorders of the TMJ and how they present clinically.
• Discuss common pain referral patterns for jaw and cervical muscles.
• Explain the important role posture plays in assessing and treating TMD.
• Understand a physical therapist’s approach to evaluating and treating patients with TMD, including important treatment techniques for these patients.
• Understand the most common vestibular dysfunction (BPPV), how it presents in the clinic, and how a physical therapist can diagnose and treat this condition.

Location: 55 Caren Ave. Suite 270 Worthington OH 43085

Cost: $100 per person

(Free for Gold & Platinum Members)

CE: 2

Time: Happy Hour and dinner starting at 6:00, Lecture 7:00-9:00 pm