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TMJ: Relief with Massage Therapy
Massage General Courses

TMJ: Relief with Massage Therapy

Author(s): Scott Raymond, LMT, NCTMB

4CE credits 15 Lessons Text

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, commonly referred to as TMD, affects approximately 10 million people in the U.S. every year. In this new course, take an in-depth look at the potential causes and conventional treatments of TMD, while exploring how massage therapy can benefit those with this condition.

As a reminder, before practicing any new modalities or techniques, check with your state’s massage therapy regulatory authority to ensure they are within the state’s defined scope of practice for massage therapy.

This course includes short videos to enhance the text content.

When you finish this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe how massage therapy can assist in relieving the symptoms of TMD;
  • Explain the indications and contraindications of working with TMD;
  • Identify the potential causes of TMD and demonstrate how to work with clients while staying within your scope of practice;
  • Discuss how to refer a client to another qualified healthcare professional when proper treatment falls out of your scope of practice;
  • Locate the guidelines set forth by the state in which you practice regarding massage therapy for TMD.

  1. Lesson 1: The History and Demographics of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
  2. Lesson 2: Anatomy of the Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ)
  3. Lesson 3: Kinesiologically Speaking - Movement Related to TMJ
  4. Lesson 4: The Nervous System
  5. Lesson 5: Function of the TMJ
  6. Lesson 6: Tests For and Causes of TMD
  7. Lesson 7: TMD Due to Mechanical Structures or Dysfunctions Impacting the Mouth and Teeth
  8. Lesson 8: Non-Physical Contributions to TMD
  9. Lesson 9: The Scope of Practice for TMD
  10. Lesson 10: Effective Client Intake and Communication
  11. Lesson 11: How to Begin Working With a Client with TMD
  12. Lesson 12: External and Intraoral TMJ Massage Protocols
  13. Lesson 13: Knowing When to Refer Clients to Other Health Care Providers
  14. Lesson 14: Ways to Improve TMDs Using Self-Care
  15. Glossary

Scott Raymond, LMT, BCTMB, RYT is a continuing education provider who has been a licensed massage therapist since 1998. He has been an entry-level educator and is an active volunteer whose practice is a blend of diverse bodywork methods.