Jaw Pain & TMJD

A whole-body, fascially-integrated approach to assessment and treatment of the temporomandibular complex

COURSE OVERVIEW

Temporomandibular dysfunction is rarely a local problem. The jaw is a crossroads,  mechanically, neurologically, and fascially,  where the cervical spine, the vestibular and ocular systems, the hyoid and tongue, the respiratory and oral diaphragms, the shoulder girdle, and even the pelvis converge. Treat the jaw in isolation and results are inconsistent; treat it as a node within these systems and presentations that resisted local care begin to resolve.

This intensive, hands-on day equips manual practitioners to assess and treat TMJD through that integrated osteopathic lens. Participants leave with a structured assessment framework, a toolbox of joint mobilization, soft-tissue and intra-oral techniques, an understanding of the global fascial chains driving the jaw, and a practical model for exercise prescription and multi-session treatment planning. The day balances concise lecture with extensive supervised lab time.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This course is designed for licensed and student manual-therapy professionals with a working knowledge of regional anatomy, including:

• Osteopathic manual practitioners and students
• Registered Massage Therapists
• Physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants
• Chiropractors
• Athletic therapists, kinesiologists and other rehabilitation professionals working within their scope

Intra-oral techniques are taught and practised within professional scope-of-practice and consent standards. Participants are responsible for confirming intra-oral treatment is within the scope of their own regulatory college or association.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the functional anatomy and biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint and masticatory system.
2. Differentiate myogenous, arthrogenous, and disc-related TMJD presentations, including disc displacement with and without reduction.
3. Perform a structured TMJD assessment incorporating history, range-of-motion analysis, extra-oral and intra-oral palpation, joint play and special tests.
4. Recognize red flags and identify appropriate indications for referral and interprofessional co-management.
5. Explain the fascial and neurological relationships linking the jaw to the cervical, vestibular-ocular, hyoid, scapular, pelvic, lingual and diaphragmatic systems.
6. Apply joint mobilization and soft-tissue techniques to the masticatory and related structures.
7. Safely deliver intra-oral treatment using appropriate consent, hygiene and contraindication screening.
8. Prescribe graded exercise, postural and breathing strategies for self-management.
9. Construct a regionally-integrated, multi-session treatment plan for complex TMJD presentations.

   CEU, REGISTRATION & POLICIES

   This course is CEU eligible and confers 8 continuing-education contact hours. Participants should retain their certificate of completion for submission to their regulatory college or professional association.

   Investment

   • $650 CAD 

   Registration

   • DM @Osteopathycorner on Instagram, or call/text 6475602627.

   Location

   • 100 Tempo Avenue, Toronto, Canada

   YOUR INSTRUCTOR

    

   Christopher Lochan, DOMP

   “Chris the Pain Killer”  ·  Faculty, Royal Academy of Clinical Osteopathy

   Christopher Lochan is a manual osteopathic practitioner (DOMP, National Academy of Osteopathy) who holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuropsychology and Genetics from the University of Toronto. With over a decade of clinical experience treating complex pain presentations, he is a faculty member at the Royal Academy of Clinical Osteopathy and a former instructor of anatomy and pathophysiology.

   Practising in Scarborough, Toronto under the brand “Chris the Pain Killer,” his clinical and teaching work centres on integrating regional dysfunction,  including the temporomandibular complex,  into a whole-body fascial and postural framework. He is a recurring educator in manual-therapy continuing education across the Greater Toronto Area.