{"id":14616,"date":"2026-06-17T10:18:34","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T14:18:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/msk-plus.ca\/?page_id=14616"},"modified":"2026-06-17T10:18:34","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T14:18:34","slug":"tmj-buccal-soft-tissue-assessment-theory-techniques","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/msk-plus.ca\/?page_id=14616","title":{"rendered":"TMJ &amp; Buccal Soft Tissue: Assessment, Theory &amp; Techniques"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8-Hour NCBTMB Continuing Education Course<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>October 17, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Buffalo, NY<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Provider:<\/strong>&nbsp;Body Secrets Academy, Inc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Instructor:<\/strong>&nbsp;Heather Galvan, LMT, MTI, NCBTMB Board-Certified Instructor<br><strong>Course Length:<\/strong>&nbsp;8 Hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>TMJ &amp; Buccal Soft Tissue: Assessment, Theory &amp; Techniques<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8-Hour NCBTMB Continuing Education Course<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Provider:<\/strong> Body Secrets Academy, Inc.<br><strong>Instructor:<\/strong> Heather Galvan, LMT, MTI, NCBTMB Board-Certified Instructor<br><strong>Course Length:<\/strong> 8 Hours<br><strong>Delivery Method:<\/strong> Live, In-Person<br><strong>Target Audience:<\/strong> Licensed Massage Therapists and Massage Therapy Students (where permitted by state regulations)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Course Description<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Learning Objectives<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Identify the anatomy and biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint and muscles of mastication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recognize common signs, symptoms, and contributing factors associated with TMJ dysfunction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conduct a comprehensive client intake and assessment related to TMJ dysfunction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate safe and effective extra-oral massage techniques for the jaw, face, and cervical region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply intra-oral (buccal) massage techniques using proper hygiene and safety protocols.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integrate TMJ massage techniques into a treatment plan based on assessment findings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Educate clients regarding self-care, posture, stress management, and home exercises.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Document treatment findings and outcomes using professional SOAP note standards.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Required Materials<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Students Must Bring:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Massage table<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flat and fitted sheets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Face cradle cover<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hand sanitizer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pen or pencil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Course workbook<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Provided by Instructor:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gloves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anatomy handouts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assessment forms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Course manual<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstration materials<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Course Schedule<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hour 1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Introduction, Scope of Practice &amp; Professional Considerations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Topics Covered:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Course overview<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learning objectives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scope of practice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional boundaries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Informed consent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contraindications and precautions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When to refer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Teaching Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lecture &amp; Discussion<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Student Activity:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Case discussion and contraindication identification<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hour 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>TMJ Anatomy &amp; Biomechanics<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Topics Covered:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>TMJ structure and function<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mandibular movements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Muscles of mastication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Joint mechanics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trigeminal nerve overview<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Referral patterns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Teaching Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lecture &amp; Demonstration<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Student Activity:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anatomy review and palpation identification<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hour 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Assessment &amp; Client Evaluation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Topics Covered:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Client intake procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health history considerations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Observation and postural analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Range-of-motion assessment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Palpation techniques<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Documentation procedures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Teaching Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lecture, Demonstration &amp; Hands-On Practice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Student Activity:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Partner assessment practice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hour 4<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Extra-Oral TMJ Techniques<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Topics Covered:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Treatment goals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Client positioning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facial warm-up techniques<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Masseter treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temporalis treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cervical integration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Teaching Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Demonstration &amp; Hands-On Practice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Student Activity:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Guided partner practice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hour 5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Intra-Oral (Buccal) Massage Techniques<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Topics Covered:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hygiene protocols<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Glove use<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Client communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Safe intra-oral access<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buccal masseter release<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medial pterygoid treatment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Teaching Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lecture, Demonstration &amp; Hands-On Practice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Student Activity:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Supervised partner practice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hour 6<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Treatment Integration &amp; Clinical Applications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Topics Covered:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Combining extra-oral and intra-oral techniques<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treatment sequencing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pressure considerations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Client response monitoring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treatment modifications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Teaching Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Demonstration &amp; Hands-On Practice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Student Activity:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Complete treatment protocol practice<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hour 7<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Client Education &amp; Home Care<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Topics Covered:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stress management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jaw awareness training<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Postural considerations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Self-massage techniques<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stretching exercises<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home care recommendations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Teaching Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lecture &amp; Demonstration<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Student Activity:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Practice teaching home-care techniques<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hour 8<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Case Studies, Documentation &amp; Course Review<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Topics Covered:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Acute TMJ presentations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chronic TMJ presentations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SOAP note documentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treatment planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clinical decision-making<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Final review and Q&amp;A<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Teaching Method:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Case Study Discussion &amp; Practical Review<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Student Activity:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SOAP note completion and treatment planning exercise<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Assessment Methods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Participants will demonstrate competency through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Course attendance and participation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hands-on practical exercises<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assessment activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Completion of SOAP note exercise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstration of safe buccal massage techniques<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Certificate Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To receive a certificate of completion, participants must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Attend the entire course<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participate in all hands-on activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrate safe and professional application of techniques<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete course evaluation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Course Completion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Successful participants will receive:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>TMJ &amp; Buccal Massage: Assessment, Theory &amp; Techniques<\/strong><br><strong>8 NCBTMB Continuing Education Hours<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Provided by <strong>Body Secrets Academy, Inc.<\/strong> and instructed by <strong>Heather Galvan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>BIO:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;s courses extend beyond certification by providing ongoing mentorship, professional support, and a collaborative community designed to foster long-term success and growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>8-Hour NCBTMB Continuing Education Course October 17, 2026 Buffalo, NY Provider:&nbsp;Body Secrets Academy, Inc. Instructor:&nbsp;Heather Galvan, LMT, MTI, NCBTMB Board-Certified InstructorCourse Length:&nbsp;8 Hours TMJ &amp; Buccal Soft Tissue: Assessment, Theory &amp; Techniques 8-Hour NCBTMB Continuing Education Course Provider: Body Secrets Academy, Inc.Instructor: Heather Galvan, LMT, MTI, NCBTMB Board-Certified InstructorCourse Length: 8 HoursDelivery Method: Live, In-PersonTarget &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/msk-plus.ca\/?page_id=14616\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">TMJ &amp; Buccal Soft Tissue: Assessment, Theory &amp; Techniques<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-14616","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/msk-plus.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14616","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/msk-plus.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/msk-plus.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msk-plus.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/msk-plus.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14616"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/msk-plus.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14616\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14617,"href":"https:\/\/msk-plus.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14616\/revisions\/14617"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/msk-plus.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14616"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}