About the course

Temporomandibular disorders are common in clinical practice, yet most physical therapists lack confidence in differential diagnosis and knowing when to refer versus treat. This course closes that gap. You'll move through safety screening and anatomical foundations, the DC/TMD diagnostic framework, upper cervical spine integration, and evidence-based treatment strategies, all built around a Clinical Reasoning Model that helps you prioritize what actually matters for each patient. Work through self-paced modules with video demonstrations and peer-reviewed articles, then measure your competency gains with a post-course assessment.

Who This Course Is For

Physical therapists who see jaw pain or want to start treating it, and want a clear framework for safety screening, DC/TMD diagnosis, upper cervical integration, and conservative treatment.

CEU approved seal

Earn Continuing Education Credit

Practical TMD Care is approved for 10 continuing education credits through APTA Utah.

Curriculum

9 Chapters · 42 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Overview

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      Learning Objectives

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      Course Structure

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      Course Playlist

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      Pre-Assessment Directions

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      Pre-Assessment

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      Overview

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      Learning Objectives

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      Required Videos

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      Required Reading

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      Study Questions

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      References

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      Overview

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      Learning Objectives

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      Required Videos

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      Video 1

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      Video 2

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      Video 3

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      Required Reading

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      Key Clinical Pearls from Dr. Rainey

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      Study Questions

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      References

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Learning Objectives

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Required Videos

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Video 1

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Video 2

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      Required Reading

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      TMJ Exercise Prescription Guide

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      Key Clinical Pearls from Dr. Rainey

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Study Questions

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      References

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Overview

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Learning Objectives

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Required Video

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Key Clinical Pearls from Dr. Rainey

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Study Questions

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Post-Assessment Directions

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Post-Assessment

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      Course Survey

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      Practical TMD Survey

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      Congratulations

Image of Dr. Nick Rainey

Meet Your Faculty: Dr. Nick Rainey

I'm a physical therapist, clinic owner, and TMD specialist who treats jaw and cervical spine conditions in real clinical practice. As a member of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, I collaborate regularly with dental professionals while bringing the manual therapy, exercise prescription, and psychosocial screening expertise that PTs uniquely offer. Early in my career, I had technique courses on mobilizations and exercises, but I still struggled with knowing when to prioritize the cervical spine over the TMJ, which patients actually needed appliance therapy, and when psychosocial factors were limiting recovery more than any biomechanical impairment. What changed my practice wasn't more techniques. It was mastering diagnostic classification, learning to grade recovery-limiting factors, and building collaborative networks with dentists and mental health providers. My goal with this course is simple: I want you to feel confident evaluating TMD patients, clear on when to refer versus treat, and equipped with the clinical reasoning skills that actually move the needle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course self-paced? Yes. You work through the modules online, on your own schedule. What is included? 9 chapters and 42 lessons, with video demonstrations, peer-reviewed articles, and a post-course assessment. What topics does it cover? Foundations, Anatomy & Safety, The Diagnostic Standard (DC/TMD), Interventions & Conservative Management, and Psychosocial Drivers & Axis II. Is it approved for continuing education? Yes. This course is approved for 10 continuing education credits through APTA Utah. Who teaches it? Dr. Nick Rainey, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, CCTT, a practicing clinician and the founder of ACE. How do I get started? Click Enroll now and complete checkout. The course will then appear in your ACE account.

Ready to Transform Your TMD Practice?

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$297.00

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