Myofascial Release and Other Manual Techniques in Dysphagia Management

Transform your dysphagia treatment with this life-changing, two-day workshop led by John Kelly, M.P.T., a master in manual therapy and VitalStim® certified instructor! You won’t just learn techniques—you’ll gain an entirely new perspective on treating swallowing disorders. Packed with cutting-edge manual therapy techniques, this workshop goes beyond theory, diving into real-world, hands-on labs that will make you rethink your entire approach to patient care.

Participants have called this course “life-changing,” highlighting John’s deep knowledge and ability to teach complex concepts in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. Imagine using myofascial release techniques and TMJ assessments to not only treat dysphagia but also to unlock a whole new dimension of patient care! This course is a game-changer for anyone treating patients with swallowing issues. Don’t wait—join now and revolutionize your practice!

This interactive two-day workshop for rehabilitation teams focuses on evaluation and current treatment techniques for soft tissue and joint limitations that contribute to an abnormal swallow. The lecture reviews muscular and fascial anatomy, tying kinesiology into a discussion on specific soft tissue mobilization techniques appropriate for improving all stages of the swallow: oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and pharyngoesophageal. A thorough discussion will cover the impact of scar tissue formation and immobility on both the mechanical and neurological aspects of the functional swallow. Interpretation of common pathology and symptomatology from both bedside exams and MBS reviews will also be introduced.

Additional objectives include addressing postural impairment, functional anatomy, and biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint. The course features an informative and focused laboratory component that provides OTs, PTs, and SLPs with practical skills in palpation, seating and positioning, and soft tissue assessment and mobilization as they relate to dysphagia in clinical practice.

The majority of this course emphasizes functional, hands-on application, with frequent case study discussions to identify impairments and demonstrate the use of manual therapy through myofascial release techniques. The practical focus of this seminar is on the relationship between soft tissue and joint articulations, applying theory to practical interventions with manual therapy to add a new dimension to patient care.

Pediatric Therapists: This course presents the anatomy and kinesiology of a normal adult swallow and labs evaluate and treat dysfunction. The pediatric swallow is, as you know, different than the adult and this class is taught with the adult in mind. However, many pediatric therapists have taken the course and used the techniques with the little guys.

PREREQUISITE: Course registrants must successfully complete the 4 hour online Anatomy of Swallowing course prior to attending the live Myofascial Release course so it is fresh in your mind. The online Anatomy of Swallowing course will be added to your cart at no additional charge when registering for the live Myofascial Release course.

Course Objectives

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

• Review the anatomy and physiology pertaining to myofascia specific to deglutition and discuss the kinesiology of a successful swallow
• Explain abnormal pathophysiology and myofascial restrictions as they relate to dysphagia; radiation fibrosis, surgical scarring, tracheostomy, etc.
• Describe consequences of muscular and soft tissue dysfunction and their effects on swallowing; spasticity, imbalance, etc.
• Discuss the indications, precautions and contraindications for myofascial mobilization in the context of dysphagia
• Identify postural dysfunction and complications as they relate to dysphagia
• Demonstrate evaluation and basic mobilization skills and modifications for intra- and extra-oral soft tissue, hyolaryngeal motion and postural dysfunction
• Identify and relate the significance of myofascial pain in trigger points to deglutition and apply specific manual techniques in approach to treatment
• Describe basic structure and dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint with specific application to trismus and mastication
• Identify a proper treatment approach utilizing manual techniques through multiple case study based on the significant findings in evaluation
• Discuss appropriate documentation and reimbursement issues

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Course Instructor(s)

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Course Agenda

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