$500.00 USD

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Radiation Associated Trismus: Trismus Risks & Interventions LIVE & LIVESTREAM (New DEVICE TRIAL)

July 12-13, 2025

8:00AM EST- 5:00PM EST

Limited to 10 Live Participants in Person

Time-Ordered Agenda (15 Hours Total):

Module 1: Introduction & The Therapist Role in Trismus Intervention

Course objectives, scope of practice
Standardized protocols, clinical reasoning in skilled services

Module 2: Creating and Using the ARKJ SD Device

Step-by-step DIY assembly
Clinical protocols for safe and effective use
Trial in class of a new 3D printed option based on ARKJ SD. Be a part of the 1st group of clinicians to develop an opinion on a new product for trismus intervention.
Comparison with commercial options

Module 3: Perineural Invasion in Trismus of the Head & Neck Cancer Patient

Trigeminal (CN V) and Facial (CN VII) nerve anatomy
Roles in jaw movement, salivation, and mastication
UMN/LMN lesions and neurogenic trismus presentation

Module 4: Pathophysiology of HNC Trismus

Radiation-induced fibrosis, contracture formation
Muscle, connective tissue, and vascular involvement
Preventive and early therapeutic strategies

Module 5: Salvage Trismus

Surgical approaches, flap reconstructions
Post-op trismus development
Timing of intervention and adaptation

Module 6: Head & Neck Cancers at Risk for Trismus (NEW)

Taught Through Clinical Case Studies

Tumor sites commonly leading to trismus (oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, etc.)
Lymphatic anatomy and risk of metastatic spread
Introduction to lymphatic disruption post-treatment
Case discussions emphasizing oncologic staging and rehab implications

Module 7: Comprehensive Trismus Assessment

Clinical evaluation tools and measurement protocols
Assessment of ORN and lymphedema-related restrictions through case studies
Functional impact, documentation strategies

Module 8: Exercise Science Principles in Trismus Treatment

Active vs. passive ROM
Load progression, duration, and intensity
Structuring a progressive home program

Module 9: Manual Therapy & PROM Hands-On Lab

Intraoral and extraoral techniques
Therapist positioning and patient safety
Guided lab practice

Module 10: Case Studies & Counseling

Review of complex clinical cases
Behavior modification, expectation management
Multidisciplinary planning and referrals

Location: 4040 Newberry Road Suite 1150 Gainesville, FL 32607

Limited to 10 Live Participants

BIO

Lauren Meffen is a speech language pathologist with a passion for working with voice and swallow disorders. She has remained local to Gainesville after receiving her schooling with Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Florida. Lauren has worked in a variety of settings including hospital, skilled nursing, home health and has now found her heart belongs in the outpatient setting. Here she can provide a high level of individualized and quality care for each patient and family.

Over the years, she has developed a love and specialization in working with the oncology population. She has advanced training in management of lymphedema of the head and neck, trismus therapy, muscle tension dysphonia, and myofascial release techniques. She strongly champions a comprehensive approach toward treating the whole patient, with the involvement of a skilled, multi-disciplinary team.

Instructional Personnel Disclosures:

Lauren Meffen MA CCC/SLP, CLT

Financial: Owner of Wildflower Therapy and receives a Salary, Owner of Head Neck Rehab and receives a portion of those sales, Owner of Amplification Resistance Kinetics of the Jaw Stretching Device (ARKJ SD) rights

Non Financial: Lauren has no relevant non financial disclosures to review.

In order to get your certificate of completion learners will be expected to:

Attend all 15 hours
No Partial Credit

Bonus: Visit a private practice set up for an adult clinic inspiration!

Accommodations

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Lauren Meffen (352) 283-0595 via phone or email: [email protected]. Please be aware that it may take us up to 14 days to fulfill accommodations.

Refund Policy

Registration cancellations received prior to the course start date may be eligible to receive a full refund. The participant or credit card holder must make the refund request. Refund requests must be made within 4 weeks of course registration.

In the event the provider cancels the course prior to 12/31/2023 or emergency a full refund will be offered. No refunds if you fail to meet the completion requirement. If 3 failed attempts from one of the quizzes and required to meet completion requirements retaking the course for $49 will be offered within 30 days of reporting.

Complaint Policy

Participants having a complaint regarding this or any workshop should contact the CE Administrator only accepted in writing via email within 7 business days of completing the course requirements. Participants will be notified, in writing, within 10 business days regarding a resolution. Email the CE Administrator Lauren Meffen @ [email protected]

Target Audience

Speech language pathologist, physical therapist and occupational therapist who work directly with trismus intervention and the post radiation head & neck cancer patient.

Prerequisites for learning

This program is designed for professionals who are interested or currently working with head & neck cancer patients.