Utilizing an Intraoral Aqualizer Appliance to Address Back Pain: A Potential Dental/Medical Approach
Dr. Jenny Hobson, PT, DPT, MTC, CFC, CMTPT
This lecture will explore the essential role of physical therapists and the physical therapy / dental collaboration in treating back and neck pain related to jaw position and bite alignment.
Dr. Jenny Hobson, PT, DPT, a head and neck TMD physical therapist specialist, will share insights from her research on The Aqualizer® splint, a tool for diagnosing malocclusion, which can contribute to neck and back pain.
Collaboration between physical therapists and dentists is vital. Dentists should gather information on neck and back issues during intake and refer patients to PTs for screening and possible occlusal correction.
Participants will learn a comprehensive treatment approach that restores spinal curves, balances occlusion, and improves oral posture to alleviate tension and pain in the neck and back.
Learning Objectives:
• Learn a brief review of anatomy of upper cervical spine and the TMJ and how the mechanics of this region of the body function and interrelate.
• Identify the relationship between upper cervical spine and its effect on the position of the mandible and how this can cause an uneven bite/occlusion force.
• Describe an integrated, full-body treatment approach that includes balancing the upper cervical spine to restore a neutral atlas, mandibular, and pelvic position to reduce muscle tension and strain throughout the spine and cranium.
• Apply physical therapy airway treatment strategies, including nasal breathing techniques, posterior tongue to soft palate training to reduce clenching, grinding and snoring in these patients.
Dr. Jenny Hobson, a European-trained physical therapist, has extensive expertise in manual therapy, craniofacial rehabilitation, breathing and oral posture training. As one of only two physical therapists in the U.S. selected to teach Dr. Mariano Rocabado’s methods through the U of St. Augustine Florida where she earned her doctorate, she brings unparalleled insights into airway dysfunction, breathing mechanics, and postural stabilization. Her advanced training in TMD, Buteyko breathing, spinal posture correction, and airway rehabilitation provides invaluable strategies for early intervention in pediatric patients. She treats both the adult and pediatric patients at the Hobson Institute in Chicago at her 3 locations. Dr. Jenny has many courses available online for patients and medical providers to learn about how to identify and stabilize the airway, treat TMD, sleep disordered breathing and tinnitus. She teaches the Rocabado TMD physical therapy method to PTs and Dentists and is teaching her Intro to Airway Eval & RX to all medical providers through the Hobson Institute.
1 CE credit available to AAPMD members