The temporomandibular joint: a physiotherapist's perspective
This evidence based course aims to enhance the clinical skills of physiotherapists in the management of TMD. It presents current concepts of the syndrome including pain mechanisms and resultant pathokinematics and reviews the validated classification system of TMD and its subsets.
The theoretical knowledge supports the evidence that underpins the rationale for the clinical tests used in differential diagnosis and facilitates an integrated and critical approach to management of the related structures.
The practical component of the course assists participants to develop analytical skills and to apply appropriate treatment techniques. Emphasis throughout is placed on clinical reasoning to support management decisions of the TMD subsets and on how it directs evidence-based practice.
Learning outcomes
- Acquire a deeper understanding of the functional anatomy and arthrokinematics of the TMJ and their relationship to the spine
- Review current concepts including pain neurosciences and patho-kinematics associated with orofacial pain and dysfunction
- Review the validated classification of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and the pathophysiology of its subsets
- Identify the various types of headaches that may overlap with orofacial pain patterns associated with TMD
- Appreciate the development of TMD secondary to external trauma
- Perform a comprehensive and integrated assessment of the TMJ and related structures
- Integrate evidence-based knowledge and expertise in the application of manual skills relative to joint and soft tissue mobilization, and exercise prescription, in the management of TMD
- Recognize the extent and the limitations of physiotherapy and its role in a multi-disciplinary team in the overall management of TMD
- Appreciate other relevant forms of treatment for orofacial pain and dysfunction in a biopsychosocial context
Prerequisites
- Participants should be physiotherapists with at least 2 years clinical experience with the majority of it being in the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy.
- This course is only available to qualified and AHPRA registered physiotherapists.
Presenters
Guy Zito
Dr Guy Zito, APAM is an APA musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapist and a senior fellow of the University of Melbourne who has worked in both education and clinical practice for over 35 years. During that time he has taught on and coordinated the Master of Physiotherapy by coursework program and has helped establish other postgraduate programs in Physiotherapy. He has also been involved in mentoring and examining physiotherapists undertaking the specialization examinations through the College of Physiotherapists in Australia. Guy holds a Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy degree from the University of Melbourne along with other research and coursework qualifications. His research interests have yielded a number of publications dealing with cervicogenic headache, temporomandibular joint dysfunction and differential diagnosis of headaches. He received an award for the article 'Clinical tests of musculoskeletal dysfunction in the diagnosis of cervicogenic headache' as it was one of the top 10 cited articles published in Manual Therapy. In 2015 he received the APA Victorian Achievement award for his contribution to the advancement of the Physiotherapy profession. Guy is a consultant physiotherapist at Carlton Physiotherapy Centre in North Carlton where he treats patients with musculoskeletal conditions, including those suffering from TMJ dysfunction and headache as well as neck and back pain. Though he is no longer involved with the University on a formal basis, he continues to pursue his passion for teaching physiotherapists and conducts short courses on a number of musculoskeletal related topics, in particular on the temporomandibular joint, within Australia and overseas.
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