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    Myofascial Release and Other Manual Techniques in Dysphagia Management    SNEAK PEEK

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    Appropriate Disciplines

    • Physical Therapist
    • Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
    • Occupational Therapist
    • Physical Therapy Asst
    • Speech Language Pathologist
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Course Description

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

John Kelly

M.P.T.

A graduate of the University of St. Augustine’s graduate Physical Therapy Program. John has over 17 years’ experience with acute inpatient and hospital-based outpatient rehabilitation and currently an outpatient clinical director for Siskin Rehabilitation Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. John continues to balance full time patient care with administrative responsibilities. John is NDT certified and an experienced manual orthopedic therapist working toward his clinical doctorate and manual therapy certification. John is a certified VitalStim® Instructor and has taught orthopaedic and electrotherapy courses across the country. John is an accomplished clinical instructor and consistently is recognized for his exceptional patient rapport and strong evaluations from course participants.

Financial Disclosure: John is a salaried employee for his position at Siskin Rehabilitation Hospital. John Kelly receives honoraria from CIAO Seminars for the presentation of his live courses. He also receives royalties for the purchase of his recorded course(s)
Non-financial Disclosure: No relevant non-financial relationship exists.

Day 1

07:30 - 08:00
Registration (snack/refreshments provided)
08:00 - 08:15
Introductions and program overview
08:15 - 10:00
Anatomy refresher and kinesiology of deglutition
10:00 - 10:30
Review normal and abnormal swallow, dysphagia problem set
10:30 - 10:45
Morning Break
10:45 - 11:00
Laboratory: palpation and myofascial assessment
11:00 - 12:00
Normal and abnormal physiology of the myofascial system, dysphagia focus
12:00 - 01:00
LUNCH (on your own)
01:00 - 03:00
Laboratory: myofascial assessment and techniques of the anterior neck and oral cavity
03:00 - 03:15
Afternoon Break
03:15 - 03:30
Special topics: Salivation and lymphatics
03:30 - 04:00
Laboratory: enhancing salivation
04:00 - 04:30
Case study; incorporating manual therapy into dysphagia treatment; Questions and closing comments

Day 2

07:30 - 08:00
Registration (snack/refreshments provided)
08:00 - 09:00
Postural dysfunction and its influence on swallowing with MBS review
09:00 - 09:15
Laboratory: palpation posterior cervical, thoracic and shoulder girdle
09:15 - 09:30
Anatomy and biomechanics of the TMJ and cervical spine
09:30 - 10:00
Laboratory: gentle mobilization of the TMJ, dysphagia focus
10:00 - 10:15
Morning Break
10:15 - 12:00
Laboratory: myofascial assessment and techniques for seated positioning
12:00 - 01:00
Lunch (on your own)
01:00 - 01:30
Muscular trigger points and myofascial pain syndrome, dysphagia focus
01:30 - 02:00
Laboratory: myofascial assessment and trigger point release
02:00 - 02:15
Case study; incorporating manual therapy into dysphagia treatment
02:15 - 02:30
Topics in documentation, successful goal setting and reimbursement: Questions and closing comments

Delivery VIA:

  • Live On Tour - This course is now being offered live on locations throughout the United States.
  • Live By Request - This course is available to come to you! Contact us to see how easy that can be. mail@ciaoseminars.com

Contact hours pre-approved for:

  • 12.0 hours
  • CIAO is an ASHA Approved Provider #AAWA (1.2 ASHA CEUs) Bubble sheet required
  • ASHA CE Provider Approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.
  • CIAO is an AOTA Approved Provider #4119 (1.2 AOTA CEUs)
  • AOTA Classification Codes Domain of OT: Client Factors OT Process: Intervention
  • This course meets PDU requirements for NBCOT (15 PDUs - Clinical Lab Assessment)
  • CIAO is an Illinois Approved Provider for PT/PTA Continuing Education
  • CIAO is recognized as an Approved Provider for PT/PTAs by the NYSE Dept State Board for PT
  • This activity is provided by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners Accredited Provider #2502009#TX
  • This activity meets the continuing competence requirements for PT/PTA license renewal in TX
  • The assignment of Texas PT CCUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE
  • The Physical Therapy Board of California recognizes CIAO Seminars as an Approval Agency to Approve Providers Offering Continuing Competency Courses
  • The Physical Therapy Board of California has determined that CIAO meets the standards set forth in section 1399.95 of the CA Code of Regulations
  • CIAO is a Rule Approved Provider for the Florida Board of Physical Therapy
  • CIAO is a PT Approved Provider #BAP202310092 for the Oklahoma Medical Board. All PT courses for the 2022-2023 reporting period are approved.
  • CIAO is an Approved Provider for the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy
  • Approved Hours:
  • 14.4 Hrs. PT/PTAs in NY
  • 14.0 Hrs OT/COTAs and PT/PTAs in FL (CE Broker #20-475620)
  • 12.0 Hrs PT/PTAs in CA(CIAO23-74), IL, OK(#BAP202310092), TX (APTA TX #2502009; 12 CCUs)
  • 12.0 Hrs. Registered with CEBroker for OT/COTAs in AL, AZ, GA, LA, MS, SC, TN
  • 12.0 Hrs. Registered with CEBroker for PT/PTAs in AZ, GA, OK, SC, TN

Course meets requirements for:

  • PT/PTAs in AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, GA, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, MT,
  • PT/PTAs in NE, NH, NC, ND, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
  • OT/COTAs in AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, LA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT,
  • OT/COTAs in NE, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

    • The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.


    CIAO is recognized on the NBCOT Provider Registry (meets PDU requirements for NBCOT)


    Intermediate Level
    1.2 ASHA CEUs


    CIAO Automatically reports to CE Broker for Florida Occupational and Physical Therapists and Assistants. Florida SLPs can either use the ASHA CE Participant Form (Bubble Sheet) or self-submit through CE Broker.



    Reviews

    Amazing course! Thank you so much!

    - Orlando, FL / Jun 2024

    Less PT analogies to less familiar body parts i.e. foot, pelvis, low back

    - Orlando, FL / Jun 2024

    Great course! Instructor very knowledgable and helpful. Highly recommend this course.

    - Miami, FL / Feb 2024

    Thank you. great high level information.

    - Miami, FL / Feb 2024

    Great class that demonstrates inter-professional collaboration.

    - Miami, FL / Feb 2024

    This would be enhanced by an SLP who is currently using manual therapy, for documenting and treatment samples.

    - Savannah, GA / Sep 2023

    John is very skilled, but I found him difficult to follow at times. I wish there was less time spent on posture since PTs I work with handle that.

    - Savannah, GA / Sep 2023

    very imformative course! I really enjoyed the hands-on component. I think it would be helpful to provide info pre-course on what to expect. I also think more visual aids/pics of anatomy during the 1st day lecture (a.m. session) would be helpful. The organization of 1st day was somewhat difficult to follow. Otherwise, I learned a ton and am excited to implement! Thank you!

    - Savannah, GA / Sep 2023

    John was highly knowledgeable about subject. He made the course fun, being hands on! So happy to have completed the course. Will highly recommend.

    - Nashville, TN / Jun 2023

    Thank you! It is helpful to have videos playing during the labs.

    - Richmond, IN / Mar 2023

    Amazing information - changed my perspective. I loved how in-depth it was, and hands on labs were helpful.

    - Richmond, IN / Mar 2023

    A 3-D model would be helpful in further visualizing the anatomy. Everything was great!

    - San Antonio, TX / Feb 2023

    Great course full of so much helpful treatment approach. It was a pleasure hosting John.

    - San Antonio, TX / Feb 2023

    Great course. Presenter was very knowledgeable and would answer questions regarding patient scenarios.

    - San Antonio, TX / Feb 2023

    Would like to have spent more time on jaw and tongue. Great course! Lots of good, relevant information. Yes, CIAO may use this testimonial.

    - Boston, MA / Nov 2022

    Thank you so much. I learned so much from this class. The hands on sections were so helpful. Yes, CIAO may use this testimonial.

    - Boston, MA / Nov 2022

    John was a great speaker and the material was presented in a very functional way. Loved the case histories for example. Yes, CIAO has permission to use my testimonial.

    - Boston, MA / Nov 2022

    Having an extra aid/assistant to help with hands on portion.

    - Houston, TX / Jul 2022

    This was one of the best courses I've ever taken. It's a lot of info but explained and detailed well in the manual. So cool to see PT embracing the speech world!

    - Houston, TX / Jul 2022

    Fantastic course!

    - Denver, CO / Jul 2022

    I loved the class. I think a three day class would allow for even more hands on learning

    - Denver, CO / Jul 2022

    Great course! Only suggestion is to follow the book a little better to make it easier to follow

    - Kansas City , MO / Apr 2022

    Very interested in GI relevant to SLP practice: GI issues. Love the hands-on examples

    - Kansas City , MO / Apr 2022

    This course was life changing

    - Phoenix, AZ / Mar 2022

    Fantastic class and John is amazing. I look forward to taking more of his classes in the future

    - Phoenix, AZ / Mar 2022

    Thanks for coming to Phoenix!

    - Phoenix, AZ / Mar 2022

    Amazing course- very informative

    - Newark, NJ / Jul 2021

    Great presenter, very knowledgeable and open to discussion!

    - Newark, NJ / Jul 2021

    LOVED IT!

    - Newark, NJ / Jul 2021

    Best Speech Conference ever! Maybe there could be 2 levels- Basic/Introductory then an Advanced. The course is THAT GOOD!

    - Newark, NJ / Jul 2021

    John is amazing! I wish all disciplines (OT/PT/ST) would attend this course to promote interdisciplinary collaboration for our complex patients. But it is great knowing I will be able to open those lines of communication among my coworkers.

    - Dallas, TX / Dec 2020

    Thank you for this course! John is extremely knowledgeable. It is nice to see a Pt appreciate SLPs and tailor what he does to our field. 3 because I need more practice.

    - Dallas, TX / Dec 2020

    I appreciate that the instructor did multiple demonstrations and went around the room to ensure everybody understood how to implement the stretches.

    - Dallas, TX / Dec 2020

    For me personally there is never too much identifying. Longer times for labs (3rd day?)

    - Houston, TX / Aug 2020

    Overall- great course! My knowledge of anatomy greatly improved and I feel more comfortable working on patients.

    - Houston, TX / Aug 2020

    John is a great speaker and presenter. He helps the SLP to increase their skills with dysphagia. The patient benefits most from this course!

    - Tampa, FL / Feb 2020

    Great info presented. Makes you consider the entire person not just your typical focus.

    - Tampa, FL / Feb 2020

    The hands on labs were great

    - Columbus, OH / Sep 2019

    This was more personal than professional for me. My husband has severe TMJ with upcoming surgery. This was extremely helpful for me to be able to better understand and advocate for his needs. I also can now broaden my practice in a SNF and help PT I work with expand his horizons in how and how what he does can translate over to swallowing and ultimately help pt's quality of life.

    - Arlington, VA / Jul 2019

    Great course! The speaker was knowledgably and interesting: provided good feedback during hands on practice. His passion for the material was evident.

    - Indianapolis, IN / Apr 2019

    Very knowledgeable and dynamic presenter. Adequate time for practice is tough in time frame. More demonstration would be great. Cindy was Fabulous!

    - Indianapolis, IN / Apr 2019

    Excellent course! Speaker(John) is very engaging and informative.

    - Biloxi, MS / Feb 2019

    Enjoyed it! Worth the money.

    - Biloxi, MS / Feb 2019

    Appreciate breakfast and snacks. Excellent location. PowerPoint slides could've been bigger (for the old eyes in the back of the room).

    - San Jose, CA / Jan 2019

    Labs were great. Appreciate the ability to access online.

    - San Jose, CA / Jan 2019

    Please repeat questions asked, enlarge slides on screen. This was a great class for me as a PT!!

    - San Jose, CA / Jan 2019

    One of the best I've been to!

    - Houston, TX / Nov 2018

    John was highly knowledgable and informative as well as patient. Taking the time to address all questions and work with participants independently.

    - Houston, TX / Nov 2018

    Instructor extremely knowledgeable. Demonstrated all techniques so that you understood technique and reason for application.

    - Schaumburg, IL / Sep 2018

    The labs are so valuable as well as the hands on assistance with the techniques.

    - Kansas City, MO / Jul 2018

    I loved this course. It's very pertinent! Swallowing is about muscles and this is that this class is about.

    - Baltimore, MD / Jun 2018

    Very functional - I can use this in practice daily. Great to have another tool to use.

    - Baltimore, MD / Jun 2018

    I'd love an advanced course. I also love that its multidisciplinary--Makes questions so educational!

    - Gulf Breeze, FL / May 2018

    Very informative and helpful!

    - Gulf Breeze, FL / May 2018

    Good mix to appeal to all disciplines.

    - Gulf Breeze, FL / May 2018

    Very well versed on the course topics

    - Columbus, OH / Apr 2018

    A lot of new material for me and I learned a lot. Majority of visual aid were great but some photos a little dark or hard to see.

    - Columbus, OH / Apr 2018

    Excellent course and great instructor.

    - Chattanooga, TN / Mar 2018

    Class size for content is perfect (10 people). I didn't think I would feel confident if we had 30+ people in class - we wouldn't have received as much 1-on-1 attention as we did.

    - Chattanooga, TN / Mar 2018

    Videos during labs so we can watch as we practice.

    - Sunrise, FL / Feb 2018

    It would be nice to have workbook in color. I think it would be helpful to partner with an SLP to give presentation. Focus more on oral/pharyngeal exercises.

    - Sunrise, FL / Feb 2018

    I thought John did a good job answering questions related to lab/demonstration.

    - Sunrise, FL / Feb 2018

    Presenter was very knowledgeable in dysphagia topics. Research evidence for "k" and "g" under treatment for lingual elevation and BOT.

    - Sunrise, FL / Feb 2018

    Thank you for the course, I learned a lot.

    - Sunrise, FL / Feb 2018

    Excellent conference. John is very knowledgeable! Excellent!!

    - Phoenix, AZ / Dec 2017

    Thank you! The review of the Nuro anatomy was very much appreciated.

    - Phoenix, AZ / Dec 2017

    John was an excellent speaker. Extremely knowledgeable.

    - Phoenix, AZ / Dec 2017

    Thank you. The review of day one at the beginning of day two was great. Online access versus CD would be great.

    - Phoenix, AZ / Dec 2017

    Treatment videos with case studies. Could have been a 3 day course.

    - Schaumburg, IL / Sep 2017

    More demonstrations, in front with speaker. The class had great case studies.

    - Schaumburg, IL / Sep 2017

    Clear, presentation, very accessible - loved the hands-on practice! Loved this presenter! Thank you John =)

    - Schaumburg, IL / Sep 2017

    John is a wonderful presenter- very informative, workbook has great illustrations and explanations.

    - Schaumburg, IL / Sep 2017

    The course was very informative and helpful in terms of hand on practice of each treatment strategy for affected muscular problems for a variety of disorders.

    - Irving, TX / Jul 2017

    Everything was wonderful- very comfortable. Hotel and staff were cooperative and helpful.

    - Irving, TX / Jul 2017

    REally enjoyed this class and presenter's teaching. Would have liked a 3rd day or follow-up class.

    - Irving, TX / Jul 2017

    Excellent course

    - Irving, TX / Jul 2017

    Presenter was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic with information presented this course was interesting and enjoyable.

    - Riverhead, NY / Jun 2017

    Great course, very informative and has made me feel completely confident to perform these manual techniques and exercises with patients. I can't wait to get started!

    - Miami, FL / May 2017

    John was an excellent presenter, extremely knowledgeable and great at incorporating all aspects of the course to application - a patient example. I enjoyed all aspects of the course.

    - Miami, FL / May 2017

    This course was very informative w/teaching the anatomy, hands on techniques & rationale for myofascial release for everyday SLP practice. This course is awesome! I would highly recommend it.

    - Atlanta, GA / Apr 2017

    Wonderful course. Thank you for your time & wonderful information! Very applicable!

    - Atlanta, GA / Apr 2017

    This course was very informative and helped me to better assess my patients.

    - San Antonio, TX / Feb 2017

    I was so impressed with John and my first CIAO experience! I am already planning my next CIAO class in the near future.

    - San Antonio, TX / Feb 2017

    John is highly knowledgeable and very effective in portraying the learning goals.

    - Birmingham, AL / Dec 2016

    Excellent Course! I am always looking for new treatment options! The hand-on aspect was extremely helpful. Thank you for hosting in Birmingham, AL. We rarely are able to have such excellent courses in our location!

    - Birmingham, AL / Dec 2016

    This way a wonderful course. I would highly recommend it to other clinicians.

    - Columbus, OH / Oct 2016

    Hands-on practices are clear and useful. Videos and case illustrations are effective in facilitating learning.

    - Kowloon Tong Kowloon HK, 0 / Sep 2016

    Loved the course, I gained a new perspective on my client participation and it's relation to dysphasia.

    - San Antonio, TX / Sep 2016

    Wonderful course! John is an amazing resource!!

    - Houston, TX / Feb 2016

    This was the most applicable course for dysphagia! This should be incorporated into graduate course work.

    - Charlotte, NC / Nov 2015

    Thank you John! I learned more in this course than I have ever learned in any other course I have taken. Thanks for your time and love for our discipline!

    - Jacksonville, FL / Feb 2015

    I feel this information is so important. Wish I had come long ago!

    - Jacksonville, FL / Feb 2015

    Absolutely one of the best courses I have attended in my 32 years of practice.

    - Dallas (FRI SAT), TX / Oct 2013

    Very organized and detailed presenter. Extremely knowledgeable!

    - Dallas (FRI SAT), TX / Oct 2013

    Presenter very professional, very knowledgeable. Presented info clearly and detailed.

    - San Antonio , TX / Sep 2013

    Very informative course. Can’t wait to use in my long term setting and acute care practice.

    - Biloxi/Gulfport , MS / Aug 2013

    John was so good and taught lecture material to therapist as though we are all his co-workers.

    - Biloxi/Gulfport , MS / Aug 2013

    John Kelly is an excellent instructor! He is very knowledgeable, patient and clearly cares about patient outcome.

    - Irvine, CA / Aug 2013

    I was so pleased with this course. It is wonderful to learn something new that will be meaningful in treating and helping so many patients.

    - Irvine, CA / Aug 2013