Specialized Course

Orofacial and lactation physiotherapy

Confident, safe assessment and intervention for infant sucking, swallowing, and breathing difficulties, seamlessly integrating craniofacial structure, function, and neurodevelopment.

By Davinia Cobos

equipo_docente_tmpi_BEA-8

TRAIN NOW!

BLENDED LEARNING MODE

Where can you do this training? Check dates and prices here

VIEW PLANS, DATES & PRICING

When difficulties arise, the bottle is the only option left... That is simply not true

This course delivers what general training left out: how to safely assess and treat orofacial function from the first month of life. You will learn to perform manual interventions on the cranium, face, tongue, and jaw, seamlessly integrating musculoskeletal structure with neurodevelopment.
In addition, you will learn how to guide families, detect red flags, and work closely within a multidisciplinary team. Because without well-organised orofacial function, optimal breastfeeding, airway health, and overall development are impossible.

VIEW PLANS, DATES & PRICING

Elevate Your Clinical Reasoning.
Intervene with Confidence.

Structural & Functional Assessment

Accurately identify which structural limitations and functional dysfunctions are interfering with infant sucking, swallowing, or nasal breathing.

Connecting Clinical Findings

Master how to link ankyloglossia (tongue-tie), craniofacial growth, oral dysfunctions, and axial postural control within a single, integrated clinical reasoning process.

Targeted Clinical Reasoning

Apply precise clinical reasoning to select craniofacial manual techniques and neurosensorimotor strategies tailored specifically to the real, individual needs of each infant.

Supporting the Family

Guide families with clarity and confidence, accurately identify clinical red flags, and lead interprofessional case coordination to optimize infant health and developmental outcomes.

LOCATIONS & DATES

Davinia Cobos Montoya

Physiotherapist. PhD in Health and Sport Sciences.
Master’s Degree in Breastfeeding.
Neonatal Dysphagia Specialist (NICU & Prematurity). Expert in Ankyloglossia.
DO in Osteopathy.
International Faculty, Pediatric Integrative Manual Therapy (PIMT).

What is the blended learning format like?

With this format, each seminar is structured into 3 core teaching blocks:

Block 1

ONLINE PLATFORM

Flexible online theory modules. Self-paced asynchronous learning.

Block 2

LIVE WEBINAR

Interactive online theory modules. Live online sessions via Zoom.

Block 3

IN-PERSON TRAINING

Hands-on in-person training.

What do healthcare professionals think of the programme?

Valentina Sereno

150-1503922_user-png-grey-transparent-png
estrellas 5

An incredible approach to guiding children and their families. It has completely transformed how I approach my daily clinical practice.

Nancy Basovnik

150-1503922_user-png-grey-transparent-png
estrellas 5

It opened my eyes to a much broader understanding of the face and neck, as well as their vital importance in breastfeeding.

Amanda Ferreira Rosa

150-1503922_user-png-grey-transparent-png
estrellas 5

It significantly broadened my perspective on the full range of treatment possibilities for the tongue and jaw.

Elisabet Lorincz

150-1503922_user-png-grey-transparent-png
estrellas 5

I am leaving with new clinical tools that add immediate value to my day-to-day practice. I feel far more confident when advising families.

Carolina Piriz

150-1503922_user-png-grey-transparent-png
estrellas 5

I continue to integrate rich, highly valuable knowledge into my daily practice. PIMT never ceases to amaze me with its unique, highly practical approach to holistic patient care.

María Laura Iriarte

150-1503922_user-png-grey-transparent-png
estrellas 5

I discovered a conceptual framework that will help me immensely; my only regret is not having taken this training sooner!

Valentina Saporiti

150-1503922_user-png-grey-transparent-png
estrellas 5

Beyond the high academic standard of the content, I always take away a deeper mastery of clinical reasoning—which is essential for treating our patients, given their complex, multifactorial nature.

Barbara Maria Padua Fleury

150-1503922_user-png-grey-transparent-png
estrellas 5

I came here seeking solutions to clinical challenges where I felt my knowledge was lacking. I am returning home fully energised, equipped with rich clinical insight, and having gained far more than I ever expected.

Explore and enrol in our training programmes

portugal

VIANA DO CASTELO
OPEN REGISTRATION

Orofacial and lactation physiotherapy

ACCESS FROM: 14/11/24
IN-PERSON: September 17 to 21
PLACE: Axis Viana Business & Spa Hotel (Viana do Castelo)
ORGANIZE: Montriviana – Montriescola – Clínica de Motricidade, Saúde e Bem-estar

ilustracion-bandera-argentina_53876-27120

BUENOS AIRES
OPEN REGISTRATION

Orofacial and lactation physiotherapy

ACCESS FROM: 01/12/25
IN-PERSON: March 14 to 18 2026
PLACE: to confirm
ORGANIZE: TMPI Argentina

Brazil flag over green background vector illustration. Brazil flag country symbol and brazil flag national background design. Brazil flag texture state. Brazil flag patriotism icon.

SÃO PAULO
OPEN REGISTRATION

Orofacial and lactation physiotherapy

ACCESS FROM: 15/12/25
IN-PERSON: March 20 to 24 2026
PLACE: Rooftop Alphaville Campinas (São Paulo)
ORGANIZE: TMPI Brasil

italia

ROMA
OPEN REGISTRATION

Orofacial and lactation physiotherapy

ACCESS FROM: 09/04/26
IN-PERSON: June 09 to 13 2026
PLACE: Polo Didattico (Roma)
ORGANIZE: PhisioVit

Canada national flag

MONTREAL
OPEN REGISTRATION

Orofacial and lactation physiotherapy

ACCESS FROM: 20/07/26
IN-PERSON: October 05 to 09 2026
PLACE: to confirm
ORGANIZE: Universidad de Montreal

polonia

KATOWICE
COMPLETE

Orofacial and lactation physiotherapy

ACCESS FROM: 18/09/26
IN-PERSON: November 18 to 22 2026
PLACE: to confirm
ORGANIZE: BabySpot Justyna Gierlotka

ilustracion-bandera-espana_53876-18168

ZARAGOZA
OPEN REGISTRATION

Orofacial and lactation physiotherapy

ACCESS FROM: 14/10/26
IN-PERSON: January 20 to 24 2027
PLACE: Hotel NH Ciudad de Zaragoza (Zaragoza)
ORGANIZE: TMPI Internacional

Course Programme

THE PIMT CONCEPT & OROFACIAL FRAMEWORK

  • Conceptual Foundations of the PIMT Approach.
  • Intervention Models in Healthcare.
  • Evidence-Based Practice (EBP).
  • The PIMT Paradigms.

CRANEOFACIAL ANATOMY & BIOMECHANICS

  • Neurocranium & Viscerocranium Integration.
  • Neurocranium:
    • Cranial base.
    • Cranial vault.
  • Intracranially active membranes.
  • Viscerocranium (Facial Complex):
    • Orbital cavity.
    • Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.
    • Oral cavity.
  • Jaw (mandible).
  • Dentition.
  • The Aerodigestive Tract:
    • Pharynx.
    • Larynx.
  • Structural relationships between the cervical spine and the oropharyngeal region.
  • Applied Myology:
    • Facial expression and masticatory muscles.
    • Tongue dynamics and hyoid musculature.
    • Pharyngeal and laryngeal muscular synergies.

DEVELOPMENT OF AEROFACIAL STRUCTURES & FUNCTIONS

  • Factors Driving Optimal Orofacial Growth.
  • Orofacial Growth & Development:
    • Maturation of the neurocranium.
    • Maturation of the viscerocranium.
    • Mandibular and dental development.
    • Pharyngeal, and laryngeal development.
  • Evolution of Orofacial Function:
    • Prenatal orofacial reflexes and motor patterns.
    • Infant feeding and suck-swallow mechanics.
    • Childhood orofacial function and transition to solid feeding.
  • Pathological Anatomical Variations.

PHYSIOLOGY OF OROFACIAL FUNCTION & ACTIVITY

  • Primitive Nutritive Reflexes.
  • Airway Protective Reflexes.
  • Sucking Physiology (immature).
  • Sucking Physiology (mature).
  • Swallowing Mechanics: Pharyngeal phase coordination in infants.
  • Swallowing Mechanics: Pharyngeal phase coordination in older children.
  • Chewing & Mastication.
  • Speech Articulation.

THE MATERNAL FACTOR IN BREASTFEEDING

  • Anatomy of the Lactating Breast.
  • Breastfeeding Physiology:
    • Neural regulation and neuroendocrine pathways.
    • Lactogenesis stages.
  • Maternal Milk Composition: Guest lecture with Dr Rocío Alonso Plaza (PhD in Food Technology, Clinical Nutritionist).
  • Maternal Pathologies & Clinical Conditions:
    • Anatomical variants impacting latch and milk transfer.
    • Hypogalactia and hypergalactia management.
  • tructural breast and nipple conditions (engorgement, mastitis, ductal blockage).
  • Key Clinical Interventions for the Mother:
    • Breast compression techniques to facilitate milk flow.
  • Breast decongestion protocols and lymphatic drainage strategies.
  • Milk expression.
    • Lactation stimulation.

BREASTFEEDING & EARLY INFANT FEEDING MECHANICS

  • The First Vital Behaviour.
  • Indicators of Successful Latch & Feeding Establishment:
    • Feeding cues and early hunger signals.
    • Postural stability and positioning.
    • Ergonomic holds.
    • Latching mechanics and oral seal.
    • Sucking dynamics, milk transfer, and satiety cues.
    • Growth monitoring, weight trajectories, and clinical parameters.
  • Sucking-Swallowing-Breathing (SSB) Coordination.
  • Feeding Dynamics in Preterm Infants:
    • Physiological characteristics of prematurity.
    • Lactation and feeding management in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).
  • Clinical considerations for specific infant medical conditions.
  • Contraindications to Breastfeeding:
    • Maternal medical contraindications.
    • Infant medical contraindications.
  • Core principles of physiotherapy assessment in infant feeding difficulties.
  • Validated assessment tools for early feeding skills.
  • Target clinical interventions for preterm and term infants.
  • Family guidance, education, and home care recommendations.
  • Compensatory Feeding Strategies:

    • Postural adaptations and special positioning.
    • Specialized feeding maneuvers and oral support techniques.
    • Assistive feeding devices and supplemental nursing systems.
  • International Breastfeeding Initiatives & Global Standards.

See more

ANKYLOGLOSSIA

  • Embryology, Anatomy & Physiology of the Lingual Frenulum.
  • Clinical Overview of Ankyloglossia:
    • Clinical overview of ankyloglossia.
    • lassification, presentation, and functional impact.
    • Associated oral and muscular dysfunctions.
  • Diagnostic keys and clinical examination.
  • Validated Assessment Tools:
    • Martinelli Protocol & Screening Tool.
    • Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum.
  • Function (ATLFF) Hazelbake.
  • Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool (BTAT).
  • Surgical Interventions for Ankyloglossia: Guest lecture with Dr Victoria Jiménez Crespo (Paediatric Surgeon).

OROFACIAL DYSFUNCTIONS & AIRWAY MECHANICS

  • Mouth Breathing & Upper Airway Resistance:
    • Nasal and oral anatomical factors driving mouth breathing.
    • Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS): Biomechanical causes and clinical presentation.
    • Specific assessment frameworks for paediatric airway restrictions.
    • Advanced clinical reasoning for intervention planning.
  • Oropharyngeal Dysphagia & Swallowing Disorders:
    • Risk factors in infant feeding and swallowing disorders.
    • Specific screening and clinical assessment batteries.
    • Advanced clinical reasoning for safe therapeutic decision-making.

PAEDIATRIC OROFACIAL CLINICAL ASSESSMENT

  • Comprehensive history-taking (anamnesis) and maternal/infant clinical records.
  • Validated questionnaires and screening tools for feeding, airway, and developmental function.
  • Identifying Clinical Red Flags.
  • Assessment of activity and participation levels based on the ICF applied to paediatrics framework.
  • Behavioural examination, state regulation, and neurosensory responses.
  • Infant communication, social engagement, and early interaction assessment.
  • Comprehensive breastfeeding and feeding dynamics examination.
  • Global motor and postural development evaluation.
  • Neuromusculoskeletal structure and tissue function testing.
  • Respiratory and ventilatory function examination (nasal airflow, mechanics, and effort).
  • Examination of the oral cavity’s myo-balanced posture and resting position.
  • Assessment of orofacial reflex circuits, cranial nerve pathways, and motor responses.
  • Assessment of orofacial motor functions (sucking, swallowing, chewing, and articulation).
  • Olfactory function examination and sensory responsiveness.
  • Comprehensive craniofacial structural and cranial shape analysis.
  • Facial and cervical soft tissue palpation and fascial restriction assessment.
  • Cervical spine segmental mobility and structural evaluation.
  • Neuromeningeal system examination and neural tension testing.

See more

CLINICAL & DIAGNOSTIC RESOURCES

  • Validated Breastfeeding & Infant Feeding Tools.
  • Ankyloglossia Assessment & Clinical Toolkits:
  • Objective clinical assessment tools (Martinelli, ATLFF, BTAT).
  • Parent and family questionnaires.
  • Objective clinical recording sheets and documentation templates.
  • Diagnostic examination materials and clinical kits.

PAEDIATRIC OROFACIAL PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTIONS

  • Respiratory physiotherapy management in orofacial and upper airway dysfunctions.
  • 10-Step Clinical Protocol for Re-educating Nasal Breathing in Mouth Breathers.
  • Physiotherapy interventions targeting the neuromusculoskeletal framework.
  • Gentle and safe craniofacial manual techniques.
  • Neuromeningeal and neural mobilisation techniques.
  • Targeted interventions for intracranially active membranes and cranial fascial restrictions.
  • Neurosensorimotor strategies for orofacial functions and daily activities.
  • Olfactory development and sensory re-education protocols.
  • Tactile stimulation protocols and sensorimotor re-education for preterm infants, babies, and young children.
  • Family guidance and home program recommendations.
  • Environmental adaptations (surfaces, ergonomics, and infant habits).

FAMILY EDUCATION & CLINICAL DISCHARGE MATERIALS

  • Patient & Family Information Leaflets (Brochures & Tri-folds).
  • Clinical Infographics & Visual Home Care Guides.
  • Official Recommendation Documents & Family Education Handouts.

Do you have any questions?