PHYSIOTHERAPY ASSESSMENT & MANAGEMENT OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS-DUBAI

The aim of this course is to expose clinicians into a well structured clinical reasoning process as they become confident in the challenge of identifying, examining and treating patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs).

Emphasis is given in development of advanced clinical examination process including the upper cervical spine and the masticatory muscle system through analysing the pathophysiology of TMDs.

Participants will also become aware of potential barriers to the management in the form of orofacial pain ‘red flags’ and/or psychosocial ‘yellow flags’ as they are become exposed to a ‘biopsychosocial’ patient management model.

The course will provide handling skills in manual therapy assessment and treatment of the tempromandibular joint, the masticatory muscles and the upper cervical spine according to the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (IFOMPT) standards of practice. Furthermore, the development of patient education and physical management programs including exercise prescription will be discussed via real clinic case studies. Again, emphasis will be given in evidence based practise and clinical reasoning process.

General and Specific Objectives of the course:

1. To become aware of clinical signs and symptoms of TMDs
    
2. To review the pathophysiology, red flags and psychosocial factors of TMDs
    
3. To explore the relationship of TMDs with the cervical spine
    
4. To review the theory and clinical practice of physical examination in patients with TMDs
    
5. To review theory and clinical practice of manual therapy treatment in patients with TMDs
    
6. To discuss real case studies from tutor’s clinical experience using an  advanced clinical reasoning model

On completion of this course the participants will be able to:

• Describe the pathophysiology, clinical features, psychosocial factors and clinical classification of most common TMDs as presented in the population
• Demonstrate a clinical reasoning approach based on the IFOMPT standards in the assessment and management of the temporomandibular joint and the masticatory muscle system
• Develop an ability to competently determine the indications and contra-indications for physiotherapy treatment of TMDs
• Develop safe practical skills in the assessment and treatment of the Temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscle system
• Demonstrate the ability to analyse complex TMD clinical cases and organise the assessment and management process according to evidence based practise
• Develop an advanced understanding of psychosocial issues in management of TMDs