Level 1 – Foundations of Cranial and TMJ Work

This two-day practical course introduces you to working confidently with the cranium, face and TMJ.

You will develop your anatomical understanding alongside your palpatory skills, learning how to locate and work with structures that may not have formed part of your previous massage or bodywork training.

Through demonstration and extensive hands-on practice, you will explore a range of external and intra-oral techniques for the cranium, face and jaw, with a particular emphasis on fascial approaches and sensitive, responsive touch.

The training is particularly relevant for therapists wanting to develop their skills when working with clients experiencing symptoms such as:

• Jaw pain and tension.
• Restricted jaw movement.
• Clicking or locking.
• Facial tension and discomfort.
• Some headache presentations.
• Tinnitus.

Rather than learning a rigid treatment routine, you will develop a toolkit of techniques and the confidence to begin incorporating Cranial & TMJ work into your existing practice.

Throughout Level 1 you will explore:

• Functional anatomy of the cranium, face and TMJ.
• Understanding jaw movement and common TMJ presentations.
• The fascial network and its relevance to Cranial & TMJ work.
• Palpation and developing sensitivity through touch.
• Fascial and other hands-on techniques for the jaw, face and cranium.
• Safe and appropriate intra-oral techniques.
• Working sensitively around the face, head and mouth.
• Basic consultation, contraindications and appropriate treatment planning.
• Integrating Cranial & TMJ techniques into your existing practice.

There will be plenty of supervised hands-on practice throughout the two days, allowing you to develop confidence working with this often unfamiliar area of the body.

Students must hold a minimum:

• Level 3 Massage qualification
• Level 3 Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology qualification

This is postgraduate training for qualified massage therapists and bodyworkers.

Please contact us if you have a different but equivalent bodywork qualification and would like to discuss suitability.

This is a blended-learning course combining online theory with two days of practical classroom training.

The theoretical component gives you the anatomical and clinical foundations before attending, allowing us to dedicate as much classroom time as possible to hands-on learning.

During the practical training you will:

• Observe tutor demonstrations.
• Give and receive Cranial & TMJ techniques.
• Develop your palpatory skills.
• Practise external and intra-oral approaches.
• Explore assessment and treatment planning.
• Receive individual guidance and feedback.

The emphasis throughout is on developing your understanding and practical confidence rather than memorising a fixed routine.

There is no formal practical examination for Level 1.

Your understanding and practical skills will be developed throughout the online learning and supervised classroom training.

On completion you will receive your Cranial & TMJ Level 1 certificate.

Level 1 forms the foundation of the School of Bodywork’s progressive Cranial & TMJ training pathway and allows you to progress to Cranial & TMJ Level 2 – Integration Through the Body.

I haven’t done any cranial work before. Is this course suitable for me?

Yes. Level 1 has been specifically designed as the starting point for our Cranial & TMJ training.

You don’t need previous experience of cranial, TMJ or fascial work, although you do need to be a qualified massage therapist or appropriately qualified bodyworker.

Does the course include intra-oral work?

Yes. Intra-oral techniques are an important part of the training.

You will learn how to work safely and sensitively inside the mouth, with particular attention to hygiene, consent, communication and client comfort.

Can I use what I learn after Level 1 or do I need to complete all the levels first?

You can begin incorporating your Level 1 skills into your practice after completing the course.

Levels 2 and 3 progressively deepen your knowledge, practical skills and clinical reasoning, but Level 1 provides useful techniques and understanding in its own right.

Do we only work on the jaw?

No. The TMJ is an important focus, but you will also learn to work with the face and cranium.

Level 2 then broadens the picture considerably further, exploring relationships with areas including the hyoid, tongue, neck, shoulders, breath and wider body.

Will this course enable me to work with clients with tinnitus and headaches?

We explore these symptoms within the context of Cranial & TMJ work and consider how bodywork may appropriately support some clients experiencing them.

As always, we work within professional scope and do not teach that manual therapy can diagnose or cure medical or neurological conditions.