Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Physiotherapy for Craniomandibular Dysfunction
Other languages of instruction: Catalan,
Teaching staff
Teacher will attend to the students at an agreed time arranged by e-mail:
Introduction
The term temporomandibular dysfunction or craniomandibular adopted by the "American Association" and accepted by the "American Academy of Orofacial Pain, is a general term that includes different clinical problems related to muscle and joint diagnostic entities in isolation or combination.
Signs and Symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction are common to the general population, the epidemiological studies indicate that between 50 and 60% of the population has at least one sign or symptom, and that between 3 and 7% will require treatment. Physical therapy is considered a key factor in multidisciplinary therapeutic approach to these patients; anatomical and biomechanical knowledge of the regions is essential to its understanding and proper application of therapeutic intervention. The seminar aims to introduce students to the knowledge of this area and to develop future action in this specific field, acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for performance and establish the conceptual basis so students can interact efficiently with other professionals.
Pre-course requirements
Not specified.
Objectives
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The articular anatomy and physiology of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ - ATM in Spanish).
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Understand the factors associated with the occurrence of temporomandibular disorders.
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Know the different pathologies, joints and muscle entities that fall within the concept of craniomandibular dysfunction.
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Know how to perform a basic functional examination of the TMJ/ATM.
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Know how to apply the specific articulatory mobilization techniques in the TMJ/ATM.
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Know how to perform a functional evaluation of the masticatory system.
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Know the different muscle treatment proposals.
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Know the therapeutic possibilities of electrotherapy to temporomandibular pathology.
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Know the current state of the relationship between posture and temporomandibular disorders.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- 01 - Have the ability to analyze and synthesize.
- 02 - The ability to organize and plan.
- 09 - Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
- 10 - Develop autonomous learning skills.
- 37.4 - Adhere to professional competencies and standards in health care.
- 43 - Knowledge of physiotherapeutic procedures based on techniques and methods specific to physiotherapy interventions applied to the various disorders of all systems and medical and surgical specialisations, as well as health promotion and disease prevention.
- 47 - Ability to assess the patient's/client's functional status, taking into account his/her physical, psychological and social aspects.
- 49 - The ability to design a physiotherapy treatment plan.
- 51 - The ability to assess the outcomes of the physiotherapy treatment against the initial goals set and the established outcome criteria.
- 53 - The capacity to participate within the areas of health promotion and disease prevention.
Syllabus
1. Descriptive anatomy of the temporomandibular joint.
2. Biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint.
3. Occlusal basic ideas: definition of Maximal Intercuspal Position, centric relation, plans and occlusal guides.
4. Etiology of temporomandibular disorders and the multidisciplinary therapeutic approach.
5. Calcification of the temporomandibular conditions according to XXX.
6. Clinical examination of the temporomandibular joint.
7. Clinical examination of the masticatory system.
8. Application of temporomandibular joint mobilization techniques.
9. Exercise therapy and electrotherapy applied to temporomandibular disorders.
10. Basic concepts related to therapeutic procedures in the field of dentistry.
State of the question: temporomandibular disorders and posture (TMD).
Teaching and learning activities
In person
| TRAINING ACTIVITY | METHODOLOGY | COMPETENCES | ECTS CREDITS |
| Theoretical classes. | Presentation method / lecture. Case method. | 01 02 30.1 37.4 43 53 | 0,8 |
| Theoretical and practical seminars. | Cooperative learning. Presentation method / lecture. Problem-solving exercises. | 09 47 49 50 51 | 2,8 |
| Autonomous learning activities. | Learning contract. | 10 15 29.1 | 1,8 |
| Independent study. | 43 53 | 3,6 |
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The subject will be evaluated by:
Theoric exam equivalent to 70% of the final grade.
Practic exam equivalent to 30% of the final grade.
If any part of the subject is suspended, the recovery must be made in the 2nd Conv.
Attendance Regulations
The subjects in the Physiotherapy Degree present theoretical and practical content in which the main objective is the acquisition and development of procedures and technical skills that are directly related to the professional practice. These classes are structed in small groups where there is direct and continuous supervision of the teacher. Therefore, attendance to seminars is considered essential and necessary to ensure the acquisition of these skills. Based on what has been presented above, absences will only be excused to those who have missed class due to major causes and even under these circumstances, if they miss more than 20% of the training work, students will have to retake the subject in the next academic year, without the possibility of a resit.The consequences derived from non-compliance with this regulation can have very negative effects directly related to the registration process (overlapping and / or academic incompatibilities), as well as the corresponding expectations in the completion of the Degree.
Bibliography and resources
Basic Bibliography:
- Okeson JP. Tratamiento de oclusión y afecciones temporomandibulares. Madrid: Harcourt Brace; 1999.
- Okeson JP. Dolor orofacial según Bell. Barcelona: Quintessence; 1999.
- Isberg A. Disfunción de la articulación temporomandibular. Una guía práctica. Sao Paolo; Artes Médicas.
Additional Bibliography:
- Pertes R, Gross S. Clinical management of temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain. Chicago: Quintessence; 1995.
- Palla S. Mioartropatías del sistema masticatorio y dolores orofaciales. Milano: RC Libri; 2000.
Evaluation period
- E1 12/01/2026 A08 10:00h
- E1 12/01/2026 A17 10:00h
- E1 12/01/2026 G2 10:00h
- E1 12/01/2026 G1 10:00h
- E2 02/07/2026 G1 08:00h
- E2 02/07/2026 A08 08:00h