Cervicogenic Pain & Temporomandibular Jo

Physical therapy education relative to an understanding of the various types of headaches, orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD), as well as their inherent patho-physiological mechanisms, are commonly not covered sufficiently within the entry-level or graduate physical therapy curriculum. This specialty course has been designed to fill the void, which exists beyond the evaluation of the cervical spine and provide knowledge as well as training in definitive evaluative and therapeutic skills unique to this specialty area.

This course is designed to provide the information and necessary skill to delineate the major types of headaches, orofacial pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) movement disorders and associated symptoms that originate from the craniofacial and temporomandibular regions from those of a cervicogenic and/or comorbid origin. An in-depth understanding of the anatomical and neurophysiological factors relative to the trigeminocervical, sub-occipital and temporomandibular complex, as well as the cranium in relation to headaches and orofacial pain will be presented. Sub-occipital, orofacial, temporomandibular and cranial pain/dysfunction syndromes will be analyzed with emphasis placed upon their delineation and subsequent development of comprehensive therapeutic paradigms. Workshop sessions will follow the lectures and focus upon case study analysis, proper sequencing and use of manual upper ¼ and craniofacial (intra & extraoral) soft tissue and joint mobilization techniques, therapeutic exercise, adjunctive modalities, dry needling as well as postural and ergonomic intervention for the reduction of pain and inflammation, restoration of function and prevention of recurrence.