Defining the Standard for TMJ Physical Therapy Worldwide

PTBCCT establishes the global standard for TMJ physical therapy through rigorous board certification and American Academy of Orofacial Pain endorsement. We transform general physical therapists into craniofacial specialists, ensuring patients receive expert-level care for temporomandibular disorders, orofacial pain, and cervical dysfunction while building the exclusive professional community that defines excellence in this field. With a unique balance of manual therapy, structural knowledge, and interdisciplinary collaboration, PTBCCT ensures consistent excellence in care.

PTBCCT Member Picture - Michael Karegeannes

I love being surrounded by like-minded, high quality physical therapists that have a passion and dedication to treating patients suffering from TMD related issues.

Michael Karegeannes
PTBCCT President

How 15 TMJ Physical Therapists Built the Foundation for Modern Craniofacial Care

The TMD Crisis That Led to PTBCCT

The year was 1999. Patients suffering from temporomandibular disorders were arriving at university clinics with stories of failed treatments from physical therapists who claimed TMJ expertise they didn't possess. With most DPT programs offering only 12 hours of craniofacial training, anyone could claim to treat TMJ dysfunction, but few had the rigorous preparation required for this complex specialty.

Fifteen pioneering physical therapists recognized this critical gap. Led by visionaries like Jeffrey Mannheimer, and supported by influential orofacial pain dentists Michael Gelb and Howard Hindin. Many held positions within the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, giving PTBCCT its unique interdisciplinary foundation from inception.

The TMD Crisis That Led to PTBCCT

The year was 1999. Patients suffering from temporomandibular disorders were arriving at university clinics with stories of failed treatments from physical therapists who claimed TMJ expertise they didn't possess. With most DPT programs offering only 12 hours of craniofacial training, anyone could claim to treat TMJ dysfunction, but few had the rigorous preparation required for this complex specialty. Fifteen pioneering physical therapists recognized this critical gap. Led by visionaries like Jeffrey Manheimer, and supported by influential orofacial pain dentists Michael Gelb and Howie Hendon. Many held positions within the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, giving PTBCCT its unique interdisciplinary foundation from inception.

From Fifteen Founders to Global Standard in TMJ Physical Therapy

Gathering around a New Jersey conference table, they shared one unwavering mission: create the first standardized board certification for TMJ and craniofacial physical therapy specialists. Through intensive weekends, these pioneers meticulously crafted valid, research-based examination standards despite limited TMD research—refusing to compromise on excellence.

Twenty-five years later, PTBCCT has evolved into the premier certification board for craniofacial and TMJ physical therapists, structured like medical boards and recognized as the "sister-academy to the AAOP.

From Fifteen Founders to Global Standard in TMJ Physical Therapy

Gathering around a New Jersey conference table, they shared one unwavering mission: create the first standardized board certification for TMJ and craniofacial physical therapy specialists. Through intensive weekends, these pioneers meticulously crafted valid, research-based examination standards despite limited TMD research—refusing to compromise on excellence. Twenty-five years later, PTBCCT has evolved into the premier certification board for craniofacial and TMJ physical therapists, structured like medical boards and recognized as the "sister-academy to the AAOP.

St. Augustine Group with 6 physical therapist and PTBCCT members

The Legacy That Transforms Lives

Today, our CCTT certification exam is offered annually at the AAOP's scientific conference, maintaining the interdisciplinary collaboration that defined our founding. We've transformed from a small, hands-on group doing everything themselves into a structured professional organization, yet our core mission remains unchanged: standardizing and elevating expertise in head, neck, and temporomandibular joint treatments.

The result speaks volumes: patients under CCTT-certified care typically experience relief in just a few sessions - proof that the standardized excellence transforms lives through expert craniofacial physical therapy, which includes advanced manual therapy techniques.

The Legacy That Transforms Lives

Today, our CCTT certification exam is offered annually at the AAOP's scientific conference, maintaining the interdisciplinary collaboration that defined our founding. We've transformed from a small, hands-on group doing everything themselves into a structured professional organization, yet our core mission remains unchanged: standardizing and elevating expertise in head, neck, and temporomandibular joint treatments. The result speaks volumes: patients under CCTT-certified care typically experience relief in just a few sessions - proof that the standardized excellence transforms lives through expert craniofacial physical therapy, which includes advanced manual therapy techniques.

Fellow CCTT and PTBCCT members Celebrating being a new CCTT at AAOP Conference

WHAT SETS US APART?

Become a Member Today

01

Recognized by the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP)

02

Focus on Both Structure and Movement - Beyond Manual Therapy Alone

03

Deep Anatomical Rigor + Evidence-Backed Certification

Our Board of Directors

Our Board unites leaders in TMJ physical therapy, advanced manual therapy, and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) research. Together, they govern the organization by setting policies, overseeing certification standards, supporting membership growth, and ensuring fiscal and ethical integrity. They guide strategic initiatives, uphold examination excellence, foster professional collaboration, and promote evidence-based practices to advance care for craniofacial and cervical disorders worldwide.