TMJ & Buccal Soft Tissue: Assessment, Theory & Techniques

8-Hour NCBTMB Continuing Education Course

October 17, 2026

Buffalo, NY

Provider: Body Secrets Academy, Inc.


Instructor: Heather Galvan, LMT, MTI, NCBTMB Board-Certified Instructor
Course Length: 8 Hours

TMJ & Buccal Soft Tissue: Assessment, Theory & Techniques

8-Hour NCBTMB Continuing Education Course

Provider: Body Secrets Academy, Inc.
Instructor: Heather Galvan, LMT, MTI, NCBTMB Board-Certified Instructor
Course Length: 8 Hours
Delivery Method: Live, In-Person
Target Audience: Licensed Massage Therapists and Massage Therapy Students (where permitted by state regulations)

Course Description

This 8-hour continuing education course provides massage therapists with comprehensive training in the assessment and treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction through both extra-oral and intra-oral (buccal) massage techniques. Participants will explore TMJ anatomy, biomechanics, common dysfunction patterns, client assessment procedures, contraindications, and evidence-informed manual therapy applications.

Through lecture, demonstration, and supervised hands-on practice, students will develop practical skills to address muscular tension, restricted jaw mobility, headaches, facial pain, and related cervical involvement while maintaining professional standards, client safety, and scope of practice.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify the anatomy and biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint and muscles of mastication.
  2. Recognize common signs, symptoms, and contributing factors associated with TMJ dysfunction.
  3. Conduct a comprehensive client intake and assessment related to TMJ dysfunction.
  4. Demonstrate safe and effective extra-oral massage techniques for the jaw, face, and cervical region.
  5. Apply intra-oral (buccal) massage techniques using proper hygiene and safety protocols.
  6. Integrate TMJ massage techniques into a treatment plan based on assessment findings.
  7. Educate clients regarding self-care, posture, stress management, and home exercises.
  8. Document treatment findings and outcomes using professional SOAP note standards.

Required Materials

Students Must Bring:

  • Massage table
  • Flat and fitted sheets
  • Face cradle cover
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Pen or pencil
  • Course workbook

Provided by Instructor:

  • Gloves
  • Anatomy handouts
  • Assessment forms
  • Course manual
  • Demonstration materials

Course Schedule

Hour 1

Introduction, Scope of Practice & Professional Considerations

Topics Covered:

  • Course overview
  • Learning objectives
  • Scope of practice
  • Professional boundaries
  • Informed consent
  • Contraindications and precautions
  • When to refer

Teaching Method:

Lecture & Discussion

Student Activity:

Case discussion and contraindication identification

Hour 2

TMJ Anatomy & Biomechanics

Topics Covered:

  • TMJ structure and function
  • Mandibular movements
  • Muscles of mastication
  • Joint mechanics
  • Trigeminal nerve overview
  • Referral patterns

Teaching Method:

Lecture & Demonstration

Student Activity:

Anatomy review and palpation identification

Hour 3

Assessment & Client Evaluation

Topics Covered:

  • Client intake procedures
  • Health history considerations
  • Observation and postural analysis
  • Range-of-motion assessment
  • Palpation techniques
  • Documentation procedures

Teaching Method:

Lecture, Demonstration & Hands-On Practice

Student Activity:

Partner assessment practice

Hour 4

Extra-Oral TMJ Techniques

Topics Covered:

  • Treatment goals
  • Client positioning
  • Facial warm-up techniques
  • Masseter treatment
  • Temporalis treatment
  • Cervical integration

Teaching Method:

Demonstration & Hands-On Practice

Student Activity:

Guided partner practice

Hour 5

Intra-Oral (Buccal) Massage Techniques

Topics Covered:

  • Hygiene protocols
  • Glove use
  • Client communication
  • Safe intra-oral access
  • Buccal masseter release
  • Medial pterygoid treatment

Teaching Method:

Lecture, Demonstration & Hands-On Practice

Student Activity:

Supervised partner practice

Hour 6

Treatment Integration & Clinical Applications

Topics Covered:

  • Combining extra-oral and intra-oral techniques
  • Treatment sequencing
  • Pressure considerations
  • Client response monitoring
  • Treatment modifications

Teaching Method:

Demonstration & Hands-On Practice

Student Activity:

Complete treatment protocol practice

Hour 7

Client Education & Home Care

Topics Covered:

  • Stress management
  • Jaw awareness training
  • Postural considerations
  • Self-massage techniques
  • Stretching exercises
  • Home care recommendations

Teaching Method:

Lecture & Demonstration

Student Activity:

Practice teaching home-care techniques

Hour 8

Case Studies, Documentation & Course Review

Topics Covered:

  • Acute TMJ presentations
  • Chronic TMJ presentations
  • SOAP note documentation
  • Treatment planning
  • Clinical decision-making
  • Final review and Q&A

Teaching Method:

Case Study Discussion & Practical Review

Student Activity:

SOAP note completion and treatment planning exercise

Assessment Methods

Participants will demonstrate competency through:

  • Course attendance and participation
  • Hands-on practical exercises
  • Assessment activities
  • Completion of SOAP note exercise
  • Demonstration of safe buccal massage techniques

Certificate Requirements

To receive a certificate of completion, participants must:

  • Attend the entire course
  • Participate in all hands-on activities
  • Demonstrate safe and professional application of techniques
  • Complete course evaluation

Course Completion

Successful participants will receive:

TMJ & Buccal Massage: Assessment, Theory & Techniques
8 NCBTMB Continuing Education Hours

Provided by Body Secrets Academy, Inc. and instructed by Heather Galvan.

BIO:

Heather Galvan, LMT/ LMTI, is an experienced healthcare professional, licensed massage therapist, educator, and founder of Body Slimplicity and Body Secrets Academy. With nearly three decades of experience in healthcare and advanced training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), post-operative recovery, therapeutic massage, TMJ therapy, and lymphatic wellness, Heather is dedicated to helping practitioners expand their clinical skills and confidence. Her approach blends evidence-informed techniques with real-world application, empowering professionals to deliver safe, effective, and client-centered care. Known for her commitment to education and excellence, Heather’s courses extend beyond certification by providing ongoing mentorship, professional support, and a collaborative community designed to foster long-term success and growth.