Complex TMD/TMJD presentations often extend far beyond localized jaw pain, involving overlapping cervical dysfunction, headaches, chronic tension patterns, nervous system sensitization, stress-related contributors, and evolving patient responses to care. Through detailed real-world cases, this session examines the clinical reasoning process behind assessment, treatment progression, adaptation, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration in complex patients. Emphasis will be placed on navigating uncertainty, responding to treatment variability, and balancing evidence-informed care with individualized patient-centered decision-making.

Key Learning Outcomes

• Develop a broader understanding of multifactorial contributors involved in complex TMD/TMJD presentations
• Explore assessment strategies used to guide evolving clinical hypotheses and treatment planning
• Examine how treatment approaches may require adaptation based on patient response, sensitivity, and presentation complexity
• Understand the role of communication, pacing, and expectation-setting in chronic or persistent pain presentations
• Recognize the value and limitations of manual therapy within complex TMD care
• Identify opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and appropriate referral pathways

About the Presenter, Jules Poulin

A Registered Massage Therapist since 2000, Jules Poulin has spent the last 15 years focusing her career on TMD/TMJD, neck, voice & swallowing rehabilitation. 

In 2018, she opened From the Neck Up: North America’s first and only massage clinic dedicated to the rehabilitation of the jaw, head, neck, voice, tongue and ears. In 2023 she launched her continued education series through her From the Neck Up Academy which now includes several courses taught by her, as well as up and coming RMTs with a focus on niche rehabilitation and patient-centric perspectives. She now dedicates her time to managing her various businesses which include the From the Neck Up clinic, the From the Neck Up Academy, public speaking (webinars), business coaching, and product development. 

Notes:

-Registration Deadline: Wednesday September 9 by 2:30p.m.
-All webinar registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited capacity on total registrations per webinar.
-Webinar will be recorded. All registered participants will receive a link to the webinar recording. Access to the recording will be available for up to 3 months from the webinar date.
-Early bird deadline expires 2 weeks before the webinar date.

Recording Consent Disclaimer for RMTAO Webinars:

This webinar will be recorded. By registering for the event, you are providing your consent to being recorded and the use of your image and voice by the RMTAO in replaying the webinar in the future.