July 28, 2023
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- University expert certificate in Maxillofacial Physiotherapy
University expert certificate in Maxillofacial Physiotherapy
Enrolment open

- ModalityHybrid learning format
- LanguagesSpanish
- Duration1 academic year
- Credits29
- DateOctober 24, 2026
- Ending DateJune 6, 2027
- Planning
Friday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Places24
- Location
Blanquerna-URL - Carrer Padilla, 326-332. 08025 Barcelona
- Faculty
Blanquerna School of Health Sciences
A program that incorporates new models of maxillofacial approaches
The presence of the physiotherapist within the neurology, maxillofacial, dentistry and ENT units is more common, where the conservative approach to the different dysfunctions and pathologies is absolutely necessary. The clinical aspect, the scientific nature and the person-based approach make this an innovative postgraduate training program within the international training panorama.
The university expert certificate in Maxillofacial Physiotherapy is a professional program, designed to train physiotherapists in the knowledge, skills and aptitudes for the maxillofacial approach.
Who is it for?
The university expert certificate in Maxillofacial Physiotherapy is designed for physiotherapists or dentists who wish to broaden their skills in the evaluation, design and application of specific interventions for the treatment of maxillofacial disorders, understood as a functional unit.
News

July 12, 2023
Interview to Helena López, alumni from the bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy, in La Revista de Blanquerna
July 7, 2023
Congratulations to all of our master's and postgraduate graduates from the School of Health Sciences!

July 5, 2023
Dr. Arturo Goicoechea, godfather of the Graduation Ceremony of master's and postgraduate degrees of the School of Health Sciences
Academic information

Calendar
In the following link, you can download the detailed calendar for the 2025-2026 course (PDF)
In the following link, you can download the detailed calendar for the 2026-2027 course (PDF)
Curriculum
- Introduction to musculoskeletal physiotherapy and clinical reasoning.
- Development of anamnesis processes and formulation of diagnostic hypotheses and treatment plans.
- DC/TMD diagnostic criteria. Evaluation scales.
- Introduction to craniomandibular dysfunction (DC/TMD).
- Functional anatomy of the head, face, mouth, and neck (online).
Medical pathology: disc displacement with reduction, disc displacement without reduction, TMJ osteoarthritis, condylar hypermobility. Sinusitis, serous otitis, fractures, soft tissue injuries and cancer. Surgical interventions in craniomandibular and facial traumatology and oncology.
Cadaver dissection. Anatomy of the head, face, mouth, and neck.
Assessment and diagnosis of craniomandibular dysfunction:
- Articular: biomechanics of normal TMJ movement, disc displacement with reduction, disc displacement without reduction, joint osteoarthritis, condylar hypermobility.
- Neurodynamics: trigeminal nerve test, facial nerve test, Arnold’s nerve or greater occipital nerve test.
- Clinical reasoning and diagnostic algorithm. Differential diagnosis. Structural differentiation. Force progression. Evolution of the treatment plan.
Clinical anatomy. TMJ imaging: MRI, CT, X-ray and OPG.
Occlusion and malocclusion.
Orofacial functions and dysfunctions:
- Global clinical examination and treatment.
- Multidisciplinary work.
Bruxism and sleep: pathophysiology of bruxism and sleep. Treatment strategies for bruxism based on sleep improvement. Breathing and the CNS. Vagus nerve neuromodulation and Buteyko breathing.
Cadaver dissection practice will take place in the Anatomy Room of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona.
- Myofascial pain syndrome and myofascial trigger points. Diagnosis and assessment of myofascial dysfunction.
- Dry needling: needling techniques, indications and contraindications.
- Treatment protocols for craniomandibular and craniocervical musculature.
- 3D tools and AI applied to dry needling.
Seminar delivered by Pain in Motion: Dr Jo Nijs and Dr Paul van Wilgem.
Delivered in English, with simultaneous translation into Spanish.
- Neurobiology of chronic pain.
- Pain mechanisms: nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain, and nociplastic pain.
- Yellow flags, emotions and pain.
- Pain education: advanced strategies for treating complex patients.
- Desensitizing central sensitization: “bottom-up” and “top-down” treatments.
- Methodology and AI tools in research.
- Anatomy of the orofacial sphere.
- Medical pathology: atypical facial pain, sinusitis, serous otitis and craniofacial trauma.
- Physiotherapy for atypical facial pain, sinusitis, serous otitis and craniofacial trauma.
- Oral breathing and obstructive apneas.
- Sleep apnea.
- Atypical swallowing and tongue disorders.
Physiotherapy and ENT
- Physiotherapy and tinnitus.
- Mindfulness and psychology.
- Lingual praxis.
- Tongue disorders.
- Anatomy and biomechanics of the upper and lower cervical spine.
- Diagnosis and assessment of facet syndrome, cervical instability and non-specific neck pain.
- Manual therapy according to the 4M’s: PPIVMs, PAIVMs and MWM.
- Evidence-based therapeutic exercise for cervical pain and headache.
- Anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system.
- Physiology of postural control.
- Examination of patients with instability or vertigo.
- Differentiation between central and peripheral vertigo.
- Examination of spontaneous and provoked nystagmus.
- Complementary tests in the diagnosis of vestibular pathology.
- Main clinical entities of vestibular dysfunction (peripheral and central pathology).
- Principles of vestibular rehabilitation and treatment of patients with instability or vertigo.
- Mastery of assessment tools: videonystagmography (VNG).
- Use of AI in physiotherapy: productivity, study and support for physiotherapists and patients.
- Migraine and other headaches: how to “unlearn” the experience of headache pain.
- Education and management of yellow flags in headache.
- “Hands-off” approaches in primary headaches.
- Osteopathic perspective of the craniomandibular, craniofacial and craniocephalic sphere. Postural relationships with temporomandibular disorders.
- Fascial system and tensegrity.
- Dentistry and physiotherapy: occlusion assessment. Angle classes. Open bite, deep bite and crossbite.
- The art of the occlusal splint: how, when and for whom to use it.
Academic year 2026-2027
Admissions application: 50 € pre-enrollment fee. If you are not admitted or the graduate course is cancelled by the Blanquerna School of Health Sciences, the amount will be refunded during the academic year in which you pre-enrolled, subject to the presentation of the corresponding receipt.
La matrícula es fracciona en tres pagaments:
- Pagament inicial: 34% en el moment de formalitzar la matrícula.
- Gener: 33%
- Març: 33%
Discounts available for master’s and postgraduate studies
*Discounts apply to official master’s degrees, lifelong learning master’s programs, and proprietary degrees, and are not cumulative: only one discount can be applied.
15% - Blanquerna Alumni Discount
Blanquerna alumni from any study program associated with a previous paid enrollment. Offered only once for each different type of qualification in which the alumnus/a wishes to enroll.
15% – Partner Companies Discount
Companies with which there is an external internship agreement.
10% – Professional Associations Discount
With all professional associations that have a valid collaboration agreement in place. Proof of membership is required.
10% – University Institutions Discount
Faculty, administrative staff, students, and alumni of university institutions with which there is a study/exchange agreement, for example, Universitat Ramon Llull or Emerson College.


A direct link to your future career
Our work doesn't finish the moment you graduate. The Alumni department will support you to enable us to achieve an employment rate of 90% of students in the first year after graduation
State-of-the-art equipment at the students' disposal
Theoretical-practical classrooms and clinical simulation
Putting theory into practice is key to gaining knowledge. In the case of nursing, it is a key aspect before dealing with patients. The faculty has simulation classrooms to prepare students for clinical interventions.

Anatomy room. Osteoteca
This room has teaching resources so that students can become familiar with the human body, identify and locate muscles, bones, arteries, veins or nerves.

Anatomy
See human anatomy in its entirety on a real scale and in 3D. This is the reality that allows the anatomy, an interactive display table to see any anatomical system of the human body.
Libraries
If you need a quiet space to study or to do individual and group work, come to the library! Each school has its own library with computers, workrooms, reading points and an extensive catalog of documents you can consult in both hard copy and digital format.

Computer rooms
If you have a job or just need a computer, you can go to the computer classrooms or workspaces and use the Macs we have at your disposal.

Chapel
The chapel is the right place to find recollection, peace, to focus, to pray and to celebrate the Eucharist weekly and at important liturgical moments (Christmas, Ash Wednesday and Easter). The sacrament of reconciliation is also celebrated.
All the services you need during your course

Academic Secretary
The Academic Secretaries of the Blanquerna faculties are the space for students to relate to the processes linked to the registration of official and own courses.

Student Information and Guidance Service (SIOE)
Would you like to receive information on pre-registration and admissions processes, scholarships and grants or validations? The SIOE is the service you need. Ask for all the information about any of these processes and discover all the possibilities at your fingertips.
Internship service
Professional experience is a core part of our methodology. For this reason, we have a broad spectrum of internship agreements to meet the needs and preferences of all students. You will graduate having worked in your industry.

Scholarships and grants service
At Blanquerna, we put the future within everyone's reach thanks to our scholarships and grant service to start or continue studying at our schools. Financial aid is both internal and external to the university. You will find a wide range of possibilities.

International Mobility Office
Going abroad is a unique opportunity to discover the plurality of the world. Aware of the importance of the internationalization of studies, we have established mobility agreements around the world.

Careers
This service provides graduates with the necessary means so that they can actively participate in their professionalism and propose optimal candidates to organizations and companies looking for staff.

Job Bank
The leap into the world of work is always a challenge. For this reason, we provide a Job Bank for students and graduates. This service puts students in touch with companies and institutions looking for staff.

Social Commitment
Solidarity and the struggle for human dignity are values that identify us. Social Commitment is a volunteer program that our students can join to participate in projects in the Third and Fourth World.

Alumni service
Studying in Blanquerna allows you to be part of our community. Being a college student opens the door to a lot of options for continuing your vocational training beyond your time in the classroom.

Sports service
Want to represent the URL in college sports tournaments? You can find a wide range of possibilities for both individual and team sports. To be a student of Blanquerna, you will have a discount at the Can Caralleu and La Salle Sport & Fitness sports complexes.

Personal Guidance Service (SOP)
If you are in a difficult situation in the academic, personal or social field, you can request, free of charge, the personalized attention of the SOP. This is an interdisciplinary team of professionals who will guide you in dealing with the situation.
Faith and Spirituality
In the three Blanquerna faculties, you will find spaces for reflection isolated from the hustle and bustle dedicated to the celebration of the Faith or cultural and religious animation. If you wish, you can also receive personalized attention and information about church life.
Diversity support
At Blanquerna we promote personal development at all levels to people with a diversity of specific needs from a normalizing context that encourages personal autonomy and uniqueness.

Blanquerna Choir
If you like music and want to take part in the concerts of institutional events and festivities, sign up for the Blanquerna Choir. There you will meet new friends and enjoy music.

Student representatives
Each class group must elect a representative to put forward concerns or make proposals to the faculty members and academic management. At the same time, each degree must appoint a delegate and each school a representative on the general URL council.
Student Council
Contact between students and the university is constant and is channeled through the Student Council, the body that collects proposals and requests from students and facilitates university life.

Language support service
Are you studying a foreign language and want to improve your level? Do it at your own pace in the language self-learning classroom. This service offers various teaching resources and materials to practice the language.

Anti-harassment Point
We’re here to listen! Have you experienced or witnessed any situation of harassment? Do you have any questions about Blanquerna’s equality policy? Would you like to make a proposal or suggestion regarding gender issues? Use this Anti-harassment Point: write to us through the channels you’ll find at the bottom of this page.
Faculty
- Javier Bara, PhD. Physician. Doctor of Medicine and Surgery. Degree in Dentistry. Specialist in Maxillofacial Surgery. Director of the Maxillofacial Institute at the Sagrat Cor University Hospital. Director of the Maxillofacial Surgery Department at the Altaragó Polyclinic. President of the Catalan Society of Odonto-stomatology.
- Oriol Bes, specialist in AI and innovation methodologies. Expert in tools such as Lean Startup, Lean Innovation, and Experiment Map.
- Vivianne Gamerro, psychologist. Founder of Inner World. Specialist in tinnitus treatment.
- Juan José García Tirado, PhD. Physiotherapist and professor at the School of Health Sciences, Tecnocampus-UPF. Specialist in cranio-mandibular dysfunction and vestibular rehabilitation. Interuniversity diploma in vestibular rehabilitation from the Faculty of Medicine, Pierre Marie Curie University (Paris VI). Master’s in Physiotherapy and Scientific Evidence from the International University of Catalonia.
- Almudena Gil. Physiotherapist and osteopath. Expert in facial, head, and neck physiotherapy. Private practice. Director of Fisioterapia Reset – Barcelona.
- Maite Goicochea, physiotherapist and osteopath, specialist in chronic pain.
- Diego Guirao, physiotherapist and osteopath. Expert in physiotherapy, specialist in temporomandibular joint disorders.
- Cristian Justribó. Physiotherapist and osteopath. Private practice at the CTM Medical Therapeutic Center, Barcelona. Lecturer specialized in cranio-mandibular approach.
- Alexandre Merí. Degree in Philosophy from the University of Barcelona. Diploma in Physiotherapy. Postgraduate in Locomotor System Biomechanics from UB. Postgraduate in Sports Medicine from UB. PhD coursework and DEA in Organogenesis and Applied Clinical Anatomy. Lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences Blanquerna-URL and UPF. Member of the Spanish Anatomical Society (SAE).
- Anna Montmany. Physiotherapist, osteopath, and pedagogue. Expert in Maxillofacial Physiotherapy and Pediatric Osteopathy. Lecturer in the Physiotherapy degree. Co-director and lecturer of the University Expert Postgraduate in Maxillofacial Physiotherapy and Coordinator of Postgraduate and Continuing Education at the Faculty of Health Sciences Blanquerna-URL. Director of Osteonex.
- Cristina Murtra, PhD, dentist specialized in aesthetics, oral rehabilitation, and occlusion/TMJ. Medical director of Clínica Murtra.
- Jo Nijs, PhD. Doctor in Rehabilitation. Master’s in Rehabilitation and Manual Therapy. Associate professor at the Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium. Chair of Immunological Exercise and Chronic Fatigue. World-renowned researcher in chronic pain. Founder of Pain in Motion.
- Jordi Padrós. Physiotherapist. Associate professor at the University of Manresa. Master's in Clinical Research Applied to Health Sciences. Researcher with scientific publications and speaker at national congresses.
- Cristóbal Perla, PhD, neurosurgeon. Head of the Neurosurgery Department at MN Nou Delfos Hospital. Private practice in Barcelona. Consultant at Viamed Hospital in Tarragona.
- Toni Román, physiotherapist, osteopath, and PNIc. Specialist in bruxism treatment at Sacrum-BCN. Member of the Temporomandibular Disorder and Orofacial Pain Commission of the Col·legi de Fisioterapeutes de Catalunya. Member of the Spanish Sleep Society (SES) and the Spanish Society of Cranio-Mandibular Dysfunction and Orofacial Pain (SEDCYDO).
- Fernando Ruiz. Physiotherapist and manual therapist, expert in neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy. Expert in maxillofacial physiotherapy. Specialist in myofascial pain syndrome and chronic pain. Co-director and lecturer of the University Expert Postgraduate in Maxillofacial Physiotherapy at Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University. Director of Fisioterapia Reset – Barcelona, private clinical practice. International lecturer and speaker.
- Luis Sánchez Villavecchia. Physiotherapist. Osteopath. Specialist in Vestibular Rehabilitation. IU Diploma in Vestibular Rehabilitation from the Faculty of Medicine, Pierre Marie Curie University. University Diploma in Applied Anatomy for Clinical Examination and Radiology. Practitioner at Osteopatialsv Center.
- Mercè Sitjà, PhD. Physiotherapist. Clinical psychologist. Tenured professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences Blanquerna-URL. Accredited as a research professor by the Spanish National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (ANECA) and by the Catalan University Quality Assurance Agency (AQU).
- Ricard Tutusaus, PhD. Physiotherapist and osteopath. Doctor in Surgery from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Director of “Osteopathy and Physiotherapy Tutusaus” center. University lecturer in undergraduate, postgraduate, and master’s programs. Specialist in the fascial system and visceral approach. Author of the book: “Fascial System. Anatomy, Assessment and Treatment”.
- Xavier Vericat. Physiotherapist, expert in manual therapy. Lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences Blanquerna-URL and UVic-UCC IMTA. Certificate of Competence in the Maitland Concept. Master's in Nutrition and Health. Postgraduate in Manual Therapy (URL). Trained in various methods and concepts of neuromusculoskeletal physiotherapy. Private consultation practice.
- Paul van Wilgem, PhD. Doctor in Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy. Professor at the Free University of Brussels. Expert in oncological pain and chronic pain. Collaborator of the “Pain in Motion” association.
- Jordi Vilaró, PhD, physiotherapist and pedagogue. Specialist in cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. Professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llull.
Faculty
Alexandre Merí Vived
Anna Maria Montmany Cabús
Mercè Sitjà Rabert
Xavier Maria Vericat Matamoros
Jordi Vilaró Casamitjana
Application process
To access the master degree and/or university specialization diplomas, you must hold an official Spanish university degree, or a degree from another country in the European Higher Education Area. These studies are also open to students with a degree issued by an education system outside the European Higher Education Area, who do not need to have it approved, provided that the level of training is equivalent to that of an official Spanish degree and that, in the country of origin, the degree gives access to graduate studies. However, admission does not in any case imply the convalidation of the degree or any other type of recognition beyond allowing the student to access master and graduate studies at the University.
Furthermore, these courses are open to people who do not have a degree but who, due to their professional or personal background, are considered qualified to take them. In these cases, the degree they will obtain will be a university extension.
The application process consists of two parts:
Pre-enrollment
Enrollment
Pre-enrollment
Students can pre-enroll online (by accessing Pre-enrollment | Blanquerna or the pre-enrollment option for each course). It can also be done in person at the School.
During the process, the candidate must submit the requested documentation:
- ID card, passport or NIE residence card.
- Certified photocopy of the qualification that gives the student access to the course or documentary proof that the relevant document has been requested.
- Copy of the official academic transcript with grades for the courses taken and the average mark of the qualification justifying admission.
- Students with studies qualifying them for access completed outside Spain: certificate issued by the relevant body (university, embassy, consulate) confirming that the studies qualify the student to undertake master degree or graduate studies in the country of issue. Students who come from a foreign university must provide details of the grading system used at their university, as well as the aforementioned documentation, which must comply with the requirements for translation and legalization established in current regulations.
- Payment of €50 in terms of pre-registration fee. The amount of the application will only be returned in case of cancellation of the course by the center. The amount will be returned during the course in which pre-registration has been made, upon presentation of the corresponding receipt. Payment is by credit or debit card using a secure and confidential process.
Once pre-enrollment is complete, the documentation will be assessed, and the student will be informed of the result and how to enroll, if applicable.
Enrollment
Enrollment is the final step in the procedure to access the master degree or graduate studies. Each student will be informed in the letter of admission of his/her enrollment date. When enrollment is complete, with payment of the corresponding fee, the student will have definitively secured a place. If the student leaves the course, the enrollment fee will not be refunded in any case. The School reserves the right to cancel any courses for which the required minimum number of enrolled students has not been reached. In this case, the amount paid for enrollment will be refunded in full.
Documentation to be provided:
- Certified photocopy of the degree certificate or certified photocopy of the university studies completed.
- Official academic certification (list of subjects studied with their grade).
- Current account number for direct debit in case of payment by installments.
When students enroll, they will have two business days to pay the total cost of enrollment, by bank transfer, credit card or barcode. Studies can be paid in full or in installments, without any interest, by bank transfer.
If payment by installment is selected, students will have two business days following completion of enrollment to pay 33.3% of the total cost of the enrolled credits, using their chosen form of payment; this payment cannot be made by direct debit. The remaining 66.4% is split into two monthly installments, in January and March, payable by direct debit using the bank account number provided upon enrollment.
School alumni are given a 15% discount on the enrollment fee (non-cumulative discount). Distinctions obtained in the fourth academic year of the bachelor degree are not eligible for a discount in own master degrees and graduate studies. Prices are updated each academic year. Once enrollment is complete, the amount paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
When a student enrolls, a contract for the provision of teaching services is formalized between the student and the Blanquerna Foundation, which is legally binding from the time of payment. Payment includes the corresponding insurance and, for students under the age of twenty-eight, compulsory academic insurance. If a student declines to take up a place, he/she will lose in full any amount he/she has paid.
The student accepts the rules for the use of computer services established by the Blanquerna Foundation. The student's personal data will be included in an automated file under the responsibility of the Blanquerna Foundation, so that this contract can be maintained and fulfilled. Students should note that their data may also be used to inform them about the future activities of the Foundation, or for the institution to send them publications.
In accordance with the provisions of Organic Law 15/1999 on the protection of personal data, students have the right to access their data to update, rectify or cancel them, or object to their use, by sending a letter, indicating which right they want to exercise.
This section is a summary of the general conditions for enrollment. It is only for guidance and therefore has no contractual value. In the event of any discrepancy, the provisions of the general conditions for enrollment specified in the receipt generated at the time of enrollment will prevail; this receipt formalizes the contract between the student and the Blanquerna Foundation; students can consult it on the intranet whenever they wish.
Foreign students
The School reserves the right to ask candidates with qualifications outside the EES for a letter from their university, embassy or consulate to certify that their studies enable them to pursue a master degree or graduate studies.
Students are responsible for having all the official documentation necessary for their stay in Spain while studying at the School. Applicants can ask for a pre-acceptance document attached to the pre-enrollment receipt to initiate applications for visas or scholarships or carry out any other administrative procedure. Under no circumstances does this document guarantee a place if all the access and admission requirements are not met. Once applicants have been accepted and enrollment is complete, they can request a letter of admission from the Academic Secretary, if required, by paying the corresponding fees.
Contact us
For more information, please contact the prospective students department.
[email protected]
Scholarships and grants Blanquerna
Available discounts for Master’s degrees
*Discounts apply to Official Master’s Degrees, Continuing Education Master’s Degrees, and University-Specific Degrees, and are not cumulative: only one discount may be applied.
15% - Alumni
Alumni of any degree program associated with a previously paid enrollment. This discount is offered only once per type of degree in which the alumnus/a wishes to enroll.
10% to 15% - Partner Companies
Companies with which there is a formal collaboration agreement, whether for internships or any other type of partnership model.
10% - University Institutions
Faculty, administrative staff, students, and alumni from university institutions with which there is a study/exchange agreement.
10% - Professional Associations
With all professional associations that have a current collaboration agreement. Proof of active membership is required.
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