Note: This workshop is a repeat course from the one held recently in March, 2024.

The Temporomandibular Joint is one of the most important and complex joints in our body. It's one we use every day, but when not functioning well it can lead to a wide range of issues and symptoms. These can include but are not limited to pain and tension in the jaw, neck and shoulders, headaches, limited joint movements, vestibular dysfunction, tinnitus and vision problems. As RMT's we are in a unique position to address many of the structures that participate in the dysfunction of this joint, and this course is designed for those therapists that want to gain a deeper understanding of how to treat the TMJ and TMD's.

We will explore how to assess the movements and function of the TMJ, treat the muscular structures with certainty and confidence and learn how to provide specific and useful home care routines for your clients. Since this workshop is 1 day and with the complexity of TMD issues and broad range of symptoms and structures involved, we will focus our attention on the foundation of TMJ work and address the myofascial structures that relate to clenching and asymmetrical opening and closing of the jaw. You should feel confident integrating this approach into your practice right away.

Learning Goals:
This workshop will provide you with the following knowledge and skills:

1. Common causes including habitual and postural patterns related to TMD.
2. A basic anatomical and functional understanding of the TMJ and surrounding structures.
3. The ability to assess the mechanics of the TMJ and relate associated structures to its movements.
4. Techniques to treat externally and internally when accessible, the Masseter, Temporalis, Medial & Lateral Pterygoids and Submandibular muscles as well as joint mobilizations.
5. Home care exercises for the tissues and joints covered in class will focus on stretching, strengthening, TMJ coordination and self-care/relaxation techniques.

CMTO STRiVE Career-Span Competencies

• Communicate effectively
• Function in a client-centered manner
• Work within areas of personal knowledge and skills
• Practice in a manner consistent with current developments in the profession
• Use an evidence-informed approach in your work
• Practice in a self-reflective manner

 
About the presenter

Adam Leavens, RMT, ATSI, FAFS

https://www.structuralintegrationtoronto.com/

I graduated from Elmcrest College of Applied Health Sciences in 2004 with honors. I started out doing traditional Massage Therapy for the first 8 years of my career focused on specific issues and chronic pain. I was fortunate to build a loyal following and many people booked their spot every 2 to 6 weeks a year in advance. Around year 8, I suddenly questioned whether I was actually helping these people that had chronic pain and tension or was I only helping them just enough to get to their next session before the symptoms returned.

Since that moment I've dedicated my professional life to gaining skills and learning concepts to help people get back to how they want to feel without conforming to endless therapy. I've been fortunate to learn from some incredible teachers, healers and clinicians such as Thomas Myers, Robert Schleip, Gary Gray and Kieran Schumaker. They have taught me how to approach the body with manual and movement therapy and allowed me to work with the body as a whole and see how all parts influence each other.

Over my career, I've been able to share my gained knowledge while creating content and instructing at Massage Therapy Colleges, training therapists entering new positions in clinics, mentoring and teaching weekend workshops.

Registration Deadline: Friday, June 3 by 2:00pm.
Note: All registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited capacity on total registrations per course.