Cost includes all materials. Shipping, if applicable, is a flat rate.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause pain and tension in the jaw, face, neck, and surrounding muscles and may affect a client’s comfort and quality of life. Massage therapists may encounter clients experiencing TMJ-related discomfort, making it important to understand the condition and how it may affect massage therapy treatment.
This 7 CE hour course provides massage therapists with a practical introduction to TMJ disorders, including the anatomy of the temporomandibular joint, common signs and symptoms, causes and risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options.
You’ll also explore massage therapy approaches for TMJ disorders, including techniques for the jaw and surrounding tissues, potential benefits of massage, contraindications, and situations when referral to an appropriate healthcare professional may be necessary.
In this course, you will learn:
What the temporomandibular joint is and how it functions
Common signs and symptoms of TMJ disorders
Causes and risk factors associated with TMJ disorders
How TMJ disorders are evaluated and diagnosed
Different treatment approaches for TMJ-related pain
Massage modalities that may be appropriate for clients with TMJ disorders
Specific massage techniques for the jaw and surrounding tissues
How massage may help reduce tension in the muscles associated with TMJ disorders
Benefits and potential limitations of massage therapy for TMJ-related discomfort
Important contraindications and safety considerations
When referral to an appropriate healthcare professional may be necessary
How to incorporate what you learn into an individualized massage therapy session
Why take this course?
TMJ-related pain and tension can be challenging for clients and may involve muscles and tissues that massage therapists work with regularly. Developing a better understanding of TMJ disorders can help you feel more confident when working with clients who experience jaw-related discomfort.
Whether you already work with clients experiencing TMJ problems or simply want to expand your knowledge and treatment skills, this course provides practical information you can apply to your massage therapy practice.
Describe the anatomy and function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
Identify common signs and symptoms associated with TMJ disorders.
Recognize common causes and risk factors for TMJ disorders.
Describe how TMJ disorders are evaluated and diagnosed.
Identify treatment approaches commonly used for TMJ-related pain and dysfunction.
Identify massage modalities and techniques appropriate for working with TMJ-related discomfort.
Describe massage techniques for the jaw and surrounding tissues.
Identify potential benefits, contraindications, and safety considerations related to massage for TMJ disorders.
Recognize situations in which referral to an appropriate healthcare professional may be necessary.
Apply TMJ assessment and massage therapy considerations when developing an individualized massage session.
Text: Massage and TMJ Disorders, by Melissa M. Dawahare, ND, 38 pages
Guide with instructions
Multiple choice exam of 60 questions
Course evaluation
Certificate of achievement upon completion
Unlimited phone and email support for any of your questions
The Center for Massage Therapy Continuing Education, LLC is an Approved Provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); Approved Provider number 409296-00.
Our massage online continuing education courses are also accepted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and most state boards.
For more information on individual state requirements and approvals, please visit our Approvals page and click on your state.
This course was very informational and over all very helpful, i loved being able to study on my own time! - Carrie Welch
Instant download was great. Information was more interesting than I thought it would be. It was clear and well organized. - Becky Johnson, LMT
I learned a lot about the TMJ and dysfunction. - Tom Robertson, LMT
I liked everything in the course. - Jamie Richardson, LMT
I liked that this course provided information about the TMJ as well as tools to treat TMJ disorders using massage strokes that I already know! - J. Spencer
Clear, easy to use information that I can incorporate into my massage practice immediately. - M. Peterson, LMT
The TMJ is what kind of joint?
A. Cracking joint
B. Pivot joint
C. Hinge and plane joint
D. Ball and Socket joint
Trigger points in TMJ disorders can cause:
A. Gluten sensitivity
B. Backaches, knee aches, leg aches
C. Headaches, earaches, toothaches
D. All of the above
Massage therapy for TMJ disorders focuses on:
A. Releasing tension in the fascia
B. Eliminating trigger points
C. Reducing tension in the mastication muscles
D. All of the above
Course Author
About the Instructor
Dr. Melissa Dawahare, NMD, RN
Melissa Dawahare, NMD, RN, is a naturopathic medical doctor and a registered nurse with 30 years of experience in the medical field. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Nursing and Sonoran University of Health Sciences, formerly the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. Dr. Dawahare is the author of several of our continuing education courses including Acupressure Basics, Essential Oils Overview, Massage and Migraines, and Massage and Fibromyalgia Syndrome.
