WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

In this seven (7) hour hands-on workshop you will learn:

  • Typical causes of lower jaw (mandible) misalignment;

  • Anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and key muscles affecting alignment and function of the mandible;

  • How to assess occiput & jaw alignment supine and seated;

  • How to assess mandible alignment in three planes;

  • Key back and neck muscles that pull the occiput out of alignment;

  • How to assess and restore occiput alignment;

  • An effective manual technique to release muscle tension and restore jaw alignment;

  • The treatment sequence (assessment-order in which to treat muscle tension-reassessment);

  • Madeline’s technique to align the sphenoid bone;*

  • And more…

    *Read about the relationship of occiput/sphenoid bone alignment to pituitary gland function in this blog post.

Please note that exercises to address jaw muscle tension are not part of this protocol. This is a structured approach that relies on assessment, palpation to locate the damage creating muscle tension, an effective manual technique to restore full muscle mobility, and reassessment to confirm alignment.

FEEDBACK

“A wonderful resource to better understand and help with jaw issues in babies.” Lactation consultant, 2026

“Gentle and effective techniques for my clients. Easy on my body.” RMT, 2026

“I recommend this workshop because it helps improve the mobility of the neck!” Bowen therapist, 2026

INSTRUCTOR

Madeline McBride has a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. Post retirement she became a Certified Bowenwork Practitioner and Neuromuscular Therapist. She has been trained in the late US orthodontist Dr. Brendan Stack’s advanced technique to align the jaw in “centric relation” – perfect alignment. (Demo only in this workshop.) She teaches manual therapists how to resolve complex jaw misalignment in 3 dimensions. Her cross-discipline skill set of mechanics + manual training resulted in this North American expert in restoring pelvis, jaw and spinal alignment after falls, accidents and other injuries. Learn more about her training and experience.

PREREQUISITES

This workshop is targeted to therapists who treat muscles manually. It’s useful but not necessary to have Craniosacral, Barral or other “light touch” training:

  • massage therapists;

  • Bowen therapists;

  • osteopaths;

  • physiotherapists; and

  • craniosacral therapists. This workshop’s emphasis on the effects of neck & back muscle damage and tension on jaw/occiput/sphenoid alignment is complementary to skills learned in Upledger CS1 & CS2, for example.

Lactation consultants and dental professionals are welcome too!

If space is available, persons with jaw misalignment who are interested in learning about jaw muscles and the muscle release technique are welcome to register. (Madeline teaches clients who clench their jaws how to release tight jaw muscles every morning.)

To acquire and effectively use this technique you will need:

  • palpation experience,

  • a light touch, typically developed with Upledger, Barral or Bowen Therapy training,

  • sensitive fingers that can locate muscle damage (knots, strains) in muscle, and

  • patience.

2027 WORKSHOPS (in-person only)

OTTAWA, ON Canada

Date: Spring

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location: TBD

Cost: Regular: $325 inclusive of 13% HST

Repeat: $225 inclusive of HST

Save $50 if you register for both the Biomechanics and Jaw Aligment workshops.

Register: Email madeline@mcbridepainclinic.com

Please provide this information in your email:

  • name

  • type of therapist

  • town/city

  • province

  • cell number

Class Photos