Cranio Facial Therapy Academy 1

The CRAFTA-1 Foundations course consists of three parts: CRAFTA-1a, CRAFTA-OM (Online Module), and CRAFTA-1b.

The course focuses on the assessment and management of the craniomandibular-facial region and its functional relations. Students will learn about pain mechanisms of the relevant craniomandibular structures, the function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the neurophysiological, biomechanical, and functional relationships with the cervical spine.

CRAFTA-1a

Primary topics include the subjective and physical examination and various treatment techniques of the TMJ. The course includes an up-to-date review of the current neurobiological and anatomical knowledge of the function of the TMJ.

The course includes theoretical and practical sessions. Theoretical presentations include pertinent aspects of dentistry, including brace/splint therapy and an introduction to various clinical syndromes, such as bruxism, bracing, (cervical) headaches, neuralgias, and otomandibular syndrome. 

For the craniofacial region, students will learn to identify and recognize clinical patterns and develop clinical skills for the assessment and management of the craniofacial region within a defined clinical reasoning model. This course includes a thorough review of the function, anatomy, biomechanical properties, pathology, examination, and treatment of the craniofacial region.

CRAFTA-OM

Immediately following part 1a of the CRAFTA-1 course, students will get access to a 24-hour CRAFTA-OM (Online Module).

CRAFTA-1b

The CRAFTA-1b Foundations course is a continuation of the CRAFTA-1a  and  OM courses. During the CRAFTA-1b course, students will expand their knowledge in the assessment and treatment of patients with craniofacial pain and dysfunction. Much attention will be paid to pain mechanisms, neuroanatomy, neurodynamics, and the examination and treatment of the cranial nervous system.

In addition, the course will highlight specific assessment and management strategies of the neuro- and viscerocranium, and review neuropathic and neurogenic pain, specific testing, clinical pattern recognition, and pathologies of all cranial nerves. A mechano-sensitivity classification model will be included with specific cranial nerve tests.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the CRAFTA-1a and CRAFTA-OM 

The registration fee covers the CRAFTA-1 (1a & 1b) and OM courses.

This course has been approved by the Physical Therapy Board of Craniofacial and Cervical Therapeutics (PTBCCT) for credit towards the application to sit for the examination to become a Certified Cervical & Temporomandibular Therapist (CCTT), and to fulfill the annual continuing education requirement.

NOTE: As of May 2019, the course numbering of the CRAFTA course program has been updated.

CRAFTA 1a: none
CRAFTA 1b: CRAFTA 1a  and online module are prerequisites

CRAFTA-1 Schedules (a & b)

CRAFTA-1a Schedule

Note: The actual times may vary with each program at the discretion of the instructors. Refreshments are provided; meals are on your own.

Day 1

08:00 - 08:30 Registration
08:30 - 09:30 Lecture: Introduction
09:30 - 10:15 Lecture: Functional anatomy of the craniomandibular region
10:15 - 11:00 Practicum: Palpation of the of the craniomandibular region and surroundings
11:00 - 11:15 Questions & Answers
11:15 - 11:45 Lecture: Clinical reasoning related to the craniomandibular region
11:45 - 12:30 Lecture: Pathobiological mechanisms clinical patterns of the craniomandibular region
12:30 - 01:00 Lecture: Subjective examination and planning the physical examination
01:00 - 02:00 Lunch
02:00 - 4:15 Practicum: Functional analysis of the craniomandibular region. Physical examination (Part 1)
04:15 - 04:30 Questions & Answers
04:30 - 05:30 Lecture: Relationship between the craniomandibular region and other structures 

Day 2

08:30 - 09:30 Lecture: Differential diagnosis of craniomandibular dysfunction
09:30 - 11:00 Practicum: The physical examination (Part 3)
11:00 - 11:15 Questions & Answers
11:15 - 01:00 Practicum: The physical examination (Part 4)
01:00 - 02:00 Lunch
02:00 - 04:15 Practicum: The physical examination (Part 5)
04:15 - 04:30 Questions & Answers
04:30 - 05:30 Demonstration: Patient examination and treatment

Day 3

08:30 - 09:30 Lecture: Management of craniomandibular dysfunctions (General)
09:30 - 10:30 Practicum: Neuromuscular Rehabilitation
10:30 - 11:00 Practicum: Palpation of articular structures
11:00 - 11:30 Questions & Answers
11:30 - 01:00 Lecture and practicum: Management of articular craniomandibular dysfunctions
01:00 - 02:00 Lunch
02:00 - 03:15 Practicum: Muscular craniomandibular dysfunctions (Part 1)
03:15 - 04:00 Lecture: Para-functions and the otomandibular syndrome
04:00 - 04:15 Questions & Answers
04:15 - 06:30 Practicum: Functional analysis of the craniomandibular region. Physical examination (Part 1)

Day 4

08:30 - 09:30 Lecture: Activities of Daily Living
09:30 - 10:15 Practicum: Follow up Patient
10:15 - 11:00 Practicum: Clinical reasoning exercise
11:00 - 11:15 Questions & Answers
11:15 - 12:00 Lecture: Craniofacial dysfunctions and functional relations
12:00 - 01:00 Lecture: General definitions and the dynamic skull
01:00 - 02:00 Lunch
02:00 - 02:30 Lecture: Cranial dynamics, which structures do we influence

CRAFTA 1b Schedule

Note: The actual times may vary with each program at the discretion of the instructors. Refreshments are provided; meals are on your own.

Day 1

08:00 - 08:30 Registration
08:30 - 10:30 Practicum: Specific techniques—neurocranium (Part 1)
10:30 - 10:45 Questions & Answers
10:45 - 12:30 Practicum: Specific techniques—neurocranium (Part 2)
10:45 - 12:30 Practicum: Specific techniques—neurocranium (Part 2)
12:30 - 01:30 Lunch
01:30 - 03:45 Lecture: Viscerocranium
03:45 - 04:00 Questions & Answers
04:00 - 05:30 Practicum: Viscerocranium (Part 2)

Day 2

08:00 - 08:30 Registration
08:30 - 09:00 Lecture: Management cranial treatment
09:00 - 10:30 Lecture: Introduction “update” on craniofacial dysfunctions and pain
10:30 - 10:45 Questions & Answers
10:45 - 11:30 Lecture: Classifying neuropathic and neurogenic pain
11:30 - 12:30 Practicum: Examination of the mechanosensitivity of the nervous system: first category
12:30 - 01:30 Lunch
01:30 - 02:15 Lecture: Neuroanatomy of the cranial nervous tissue
02:15 - 02:45 Lecture: Cranio-neurodynamics
02:45 - 03:45 Practicum: Examination of cranial nerves: second category (Part 1)
03:45 - 04:00 Questions & Answers
04:00 - 05:30 Practicum: Examination of cranial nerves: second category (Part 2)

Day 3

08:00 - 08:30 Registration
08:30 - 10:30 Practicum: Examination of cranial nerves: second category (Part 3)
10:30 - 10:45 Questions & Answers
10:45 - 12:30 Practicum: Examination of cranial nerves: second category (Part 4)
12:30 - 01:30 Lunch
01:30 - 02:45 Patient Demo: Examination and management of a patient with chronic craniofacial pain
02:45 - 03:30 Practicum: Examination of cranial nerves: third category (Part 1)
03:30 - 03:45 Questions & Answers
03:45 - 05:30 Practicum: Examination of cranial nerves: third category (Part 2)

Day 4

08:00 - 08:30 Registration
08:30 - 08:45 Lecture: Clinical reasoning
08:45 - 11:15 Practicum: Examination of cranial nerves: second category (Part 3)
11:15 - 11:30 Questions & Answers
11:30 - 12:30 Practicum: Examination of cranial nerves: third category (Part 4)
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
1:30 - 12:30 Lecture: Treatment concepts related to peripheral neurogenic dysfunctions
2:30 - 3:15 Practicum: Treatment of the nervous tissue by palpation
3:15 - 3:45 Practicum: Revision techniques
3:45 - 4:00 Adjourn

Physical Therapists
Physicians
Dentists
Chiropractors
Speech-Pathologists
 

CRAFTA - 1 (Including 1a, Online Module, and CRAFTA 1b has been approved by:

(CRAFTA 1a) This course has been approved by the Maryland State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for 5.5 CEUs (55 contact hours)

(CRAFTA 1b) This course has been approved by Maryland State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for 3.0 CEUs (30 contact hours)

NOTE: Many states, such as Connecticut, Georgia, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Kansas, Kentucky, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin, among many others, accept the CEUs approved by the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

If you are not sure about another state, check out your state board's website and look for language like (from South Carolina - https://www.llr.sc.gov/pt/ce.aspx): 

At least fifteen (15) of the required thirty (30) contact hours shall be from Certified Activities. Certified Activities include [...] attendance at conferences and completion of continuing competency activities provided by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), South Carolina Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (SCAPTA), other chapters and sections of the APTA, as well as other state boards of physical therapy. 

The CRAFTA Level 1 course has been approved by the Physical Therapy Board of Craniofacial and Cervical Therapeutics (PTBCCT) for credit towards the application to sit for the examination to become a Certified Cervical & Temporomandibular Therapist (CCTT), and to fulfill the annual continuing education requirements to maintain CCTT status.

CRAFTA 1a

- Demonstrate knowledge and skills for the assessment of the TMJ

- Demonstrate differentiation tests of the TMJ and the craniocervical region

- Identify 6 dominant joint and 3 dominant muscle clinical patterns related to the temporomandibular region

- Know the international classifications of TMD and orofacial pain

- Have specific knowledge and neuromuscular management skills of the TMD

- Understand craniofacial growth and dysfunction related to the assessment principals of the craniofacial region

- Know a minimum of 5 clinical reasoning strategies as a basis for advanced-level assessment and management

CRAFTA 1b

- Gain knowledge and skills for the manual assessment of 12 different specific bone regions of craniofacial tissues (neuro-cranium and viscero-cranium)

- Identify a minimum of 12 clinical patterns related to craniofacial dysfunction and pain

- Demonstrate an understanding and practical skills for the treatment and management of patients with craniofacial dysfunction and pain

- Understand the current knowledge about the neuroanatomy, neurodynamics, and pathobiology of the cranial region in relation to pain mechanisms

- Apply manual skills (conduction, palpation and neurodynamics) for the assessment and treatment of cranial nerve tissue

- Plan 4 long-term treatment and management strategies for patients with craniofacial tissue dysfunction

- Present an outline of minimal 5 advanced clinical reasoning skills as a basis for management