Radiation-Associated Trismus ARK-J: Self-Study Guide to Evaluation and Treatment

Available through your personal login on the Kajabi platform.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the Speech-Language Pathologist’s (SLP) role in trismus intervention.
2. Explain trismus following brain injury and appropriate intervention strategies.
3. List the components involved in the pathophysiology of head and neck cancer (HNC)-related trismus.
4. Explain salvage trismus and related considerations.
5. Complete a comprehensive trismus assessment.
6. Explain and apply exercise science principles in trismus intervention to develop a progressive treatment plan.
7. Apply exercise progression principles to trismus treatment interventions.
8. Perform three manual treatment approaches for trismus.
9. Perform passive range of motion (PROM) techniques for patients with trismus.
10. List four device options available for the treatment of trismus.
11. Assemble an ARK-J SD device for the treatment of trismus.

Content Disclosures

This course will teach participants how to build a non-patented DIY ARK-J SD device. Additional device options will also be discussed in a limited capacity.

Time-Ordered Agenda

Module 1: Introduction and the SLP’s Role in Trismus Intervention (30 minutes)

Covers:
Objectives, baseline measures, standardized protocols, and skilled services

Module 2: Trismus Following Brain Injury (60 minutes)

Covers:
Jaw neurology, upper motor neuron (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) involvement, musculature, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and cranial nerves

Module 3: The Pathophysiology of HNC-Related Trismus

(63 minutes)

Covers:
Origins of trismus, tissue changes, contractures, and proactive intervention approaches

Module 4: Salvage Trismus (58 minutes)

Covers:
Surgical approaches, flap procedures, and post-surgical interventions

Module 5: Comprehensive Trismus Assessment (65 minutes)

Covers:
Assessment procedures, osteoradionecrosis (ORN), and lymphedema considerations

Module 6: Applying Exercise Science Principles in Trismus Intervention (53 minutes)

Covers:
Passive range of motion (PROM) and active range of motion (AROM)

Module 7: Manual Treatment Approaches for Trismus with Hands-On Learning and Passive Range of Motion Exercises (45 minutes)

Covers:
Manual therapy and intraoral techniques

Module 8: Case Studies and Counseling (28 minutes)

Covers:
Behavior modification strategies

Module 9: Creating the ARK-J SD Device (50 minutes)

Covers:
creating each device

Instructional Personnel Disclosures
Lauren Meffen, MA, CCC-SLP, CLT

Financial Disclosure:
Lauren Meffen is the owner of Wildflower Therapy and receives a salary. She is also the owner of Head Neck Rehab and receives a portion of related sales. In addition, she holds ownership rights to the Amplification, Resistance, and Kinetics of the Jaw Stretching Device (ARK-J SD).

Non-Financial Disclosure:
Lauren Meffen has no relevant non-financial disclosures to report.

Requirements for Certificate of Completion

To receive a certificate of completion, learners are expected to meet the following requirements:

• All components must be completed within 3 months of course registration.
• Watch all 9 course modules
  • No partial credit will be awarded.
• Complete and pass all 9 module quizzes, each consisting of 3 multiple-choice questions, with:
  • A passing score of 80% or higher
  • A maximum of 3 attempts per quiz
• Complete the program evaluation.

Accommodations

We strive to provide inclusive and accessible learning experiences that allow all individuals, including those with disabilities, to participate fully.

To request accommodations or inquire about accessibility, please contact:

Lauren Meffen
Phone: (352) 283-0595
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Please note that accommodation requests may require up to 14 days for fulfillment.

Refund Policy

Registration cancellations submitted prior to the course start date may be eligible for a full refund. Refund requests must be initiated by the participant or credit card holder and submitted within 4 weeks of course registration.

If the course is canceled by the provider prior to the course date or due to an emergency circumstance, a full refund will be provided.

Refunds will not be issued if completion requirements are not met.

If a participant exceeds the maximum of 3 failed quiz attempts and does not meet course completion requirements, an opportunity to retake the course for $49 will be offered, provided the request is submitted within 30 days of notification.

Complaint Policy

Participants with complaints regarding this course or any workshop should contact the Continuing Education (CE) Administrator.

Complaints will only be accepted in writing via email and must be submitted within 7 business days of completing the course requirements.

Participants will receive written notification regarding resolution within 10 business days of complaint submission.

Please contact:

CE Administrator: Lauren Meffen
Email: [email protected]

CEA Supervisor:
Email: [email protected]

Target Audience

This course is intended for:

• Speech-Language Pathologists
• Physical Therapists
• Occupational Therapists

Participants should work directly with trismus intervention and post-radiation head and neck cancer patients.

Prerequisites for Learning

This program is designed for professionals who are currently working with, or have foundational knowledge of, head and neck cancer patients.

Required Materials

Participants should have the following materials available:

• One pair of scissors capable of cutting tongue depressors
• 20 tongue depressors
• Clear surgical tape

Course Access Following Completion

Learners will purchase the course and receive access through a login link sent via email.

Course content is delivered in a video-based self-study format. Learners will maintain access to the course for 365 days from the date of registration.

Optional supplementary readings and forms will be provided at no additional cost; however, these materials do not qualify for additional ASHA CEUs.

Continuing Education Accreditation

This course is available for 0.75 ASHA CEUs.