About

Lara Syme

Lara Syme has been a Melbourne based Physiotherapist with a special interest in Jaw pain since 2004. Lara has done extensive additional training regarding the treatment and rehabilitation of the Jaw.

Lara loves treating Jaw conditions because of the profound impact that her treatment can have on her patient’s enjoyment of life. She now only treats conditions associated with the Jaw (TMJ).

Below is a list of some of the Professional Development Education that Lara has completed since graduation in 2004.

  • 2019-current ANZAOP guest member - www.anzaop.org (Australia & New Zealand Oral Facial Pain Group). Yearly Conferences & meetings.

  • Dry Needling for TMJD and Orofacial Dysfunction 7 hour course. By Dr Peter Selvaratnam, AM, Ph. D FACP, Australian Dental Association Melbourne, 11th October 2024

  • "Brain mechanisms underlying chronic orofacial neuropathic pain. Insights from brain imaging." By Luke Henderson, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 14th September 2024

  • Neurological causes of Facial Pain, the red flags not to miss. By Julia Thompson, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 14th September 2024

  • Artificial intelligence: Enhancing the diagnosis and monitoring of sleep disorders. By Philip de Chazal, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 14th September 2024

  • Metabolic assessment of post viral syndromes, migraine and craniomandibular disorders. By Neil McGregor, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 14th September 2024

  • Potential head injury situations in men's and women's football (soccer) and the role of nature versus nurture in head injury prevention. By Kerry Peek, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 14th September 2024

  • Differential diagnosis of non-respiratory sleep disorders. By Brendon Yee, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 14th September 2024

  • Trigeminal Neuralgia – Diagnostic Pitfalls and Management Options. By Mark Dexter, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 14th September 2024

  • Diagnostic Dilemmas-The Challenge of Neurovascular OFP. By Rafi Benoliel, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 14th September 2024

  • Diagnostic testing in Orofacial Pain. By Dr Joseph Ryan, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 13th September 2024

  • Management experiences and expectations of individuals seeking care for intra-articular TMDs. By Dr Alana Dinsdale, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 13th September 2024

  • Leveling up your diagnosis: Sleep and Pain. By Dr Karen McCloy, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 13th September 2024

  • Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Arthrides: Temporomandibular joint. By Dr Sachin Kulkarni, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 13th September 2024

  • Differential diagnosis of orofacial neuropathic pain in primary health care. By Dr Ellie Seckold, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 13th September 2024

  • More than just opening: The myriad of local musculoskeletal impairments associated with temporomandibular disorders. By Dr Alana Dinsdale, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 13th September 2024

  • Nocebo effects – the dark side of placebos – and how to prevent them? By Prof Ben Colagiuri, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 13th September 2024

  • Pain in 4D. The critical role of viewing pain as a biopsychosocial construct from the nanoscale molecular events to the social context and environment we exist in. By Professor Mark Hutchinson, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 31st October 2023

  • Nociplastic pain-a different type of pain needing a different type of treatment. By Professor Dan Clauw, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 31st October 2023

  • Comorbid Insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (COMISA). By Dr Alexander Sweetman, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 31st October 2023

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for Insomnia. By Dr Alexander Sweetman, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 31st October 2023

  • Advances in exercise-based virtual and mediated reality for chronic pain. By Associate Professor Tasha Stanton, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 31st October 2023

  • The Gut-Brain Axis in Chronic Pain. By Associate Professor Stuart Brierly, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 31st October 2023

  • Three years of Orofacial Pain as a specialty: Outcome for patients and the profession. By Dr Bradley Eli, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 31st October 2023

  • Contemporary pain curriculum: government direction in pain education and management. By A/Prof Meredith Craigie, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 31st October 2023

  • Optimization of trigeminal nerve injury care. By Dr Frederic Van der Cruyssen, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 31st October 2023

  • What to do when pain persists? By Dr Tim Semple, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 30th October 2023

  • Behavior modification and exercise therapy. By Giancarlo Sossi and Andrew Clarkson, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 30th October 2023

  • Pharmacotherapeutics in Orofacial Pain. By Josephine To, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 30th October 2023

  • Facts and fiction: Occlusal splints and Botulinum Toxin. By Professor Robert Delcanho, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 30th October 2023

  • The role of imaging in orofacial pain. By Dr May Lam, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 30th October 2023

  • Headache assessment for TMD patients. By Dr Bronwyn Jenkins, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 30th October 2023

  • Clinical assessment and Diagnosis under the Biopsychosocial Paradigm. By Dr Melissa Laohachai, Dr Karen McCloy, Dr Sachin Kulkarni and Andrew Clarkson, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, 30th October 2023

  • Classification: The first step to treatment success. By Professor Chris Peck, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 30th October 2023

  • TMJ Biomechanics and articular disorders. By A/Prof Tom Wilkinson, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2023, Adelaide, 30th October 2023

  • 2023 Koadlow Lecture: Why back pain treatments aren’t working and the new science offering hope. By Liam Mannix, Musculoskeletal Australia, Melbourne, 7th September 2023

  • Headache Masterclass Part 4: Cases with a twist. Australian and New Zealand Headache Society, Melbourne, 24th August 2023

  • Headache Masterclass Part 3: Migraine management. Australian and New Zealand Headache Society, Melbourne, 21st August 2023

  • Headache Masterclass Part 2: What else matters in migraine. Australian and New Zealand Headache Society, Melbourne, 17th August 2023

  • Headache Masterclass Part 1: Assessing headache and migraine. Australian and New Zealand Headache Society, Melbourne, 1st June 2023

  • “Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis.” By Prof Glenn Clark, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University 12th November 2022

  • “Regenerative Medicine or Predatory Medicine.” By Prof Glenn Clark, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University, Melbourne, 12th November 2022

  • Update on Migraine and it’s Management. By Dr Michael Eller, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University, Melbourne, 12th November 2022

  • Update on Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias. By Dr Michael Eller, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University, Melbourne, 12th November 2022

  • “The dark & bright side of Botox in Orofacial Pain.” By Prof Glenn Clark, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University, Melbourne, 12th November 2022

  • “Biomarker analysis for Migraine headaches” By Dr Neil McGregor, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University, Melbourne, 12th November 2022

  • “Sleep and Pain” By Dr Karen McCloy, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University, Melbourne, 12th November 2022

  • “Static and Dynamic Imaging of Airway Collapse” By Prof Glenn Clark, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University, Melbourne, 12th November 2022

  • “Scientific and Clinical approaches to Dry Needling for Headache and Orofacial pain.” By Prof Peter Selvaratnam, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University, Melbourne, 12th November 2022

  • “What really is the specialty of OFP and why is it needed?” By Prof Glenn Clark, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University, Melbourne, 11th November 2022

  • “Approaches to differential diagnosis of TMD and cervical components in orofacial pain/dysfunction.” By Prof Peter Selvaratnam and Dr Jayce Gilbert, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University, Melbourne, 11th November 2022

  • “Trust your gut!” By Dr Laura Siebels, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University, Melbourne, 11th November 2022

  • “A case of recurrent orofacial pain in a background of Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease.” By A/Prof Sharon Liberali, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University, Melbourne, 11th November 2022

  • “Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and TMD- associations and implications” By Dr Rohan Krishnan, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University, Melbourne, 11th November 2022

  • " Predictors of Success with Mandibular Advancement Splints" By Dr Meetal Shah, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2022, Melbourne University, Melbourne, 11th November 2022

  • An Overview and Summary of the National Academy of Medicine Report on TMDs. By Professor Charles Greene Chicago, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2021, Melbourne, 6th November 2021

  • Evolution of TMD Concepts and Orofacial Pain as a new specialty. By Professor Jeff Okeson University of Kentucky, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2021, Melbourne, 6th November 2021

  • How do we manage TMD and are we effective? By Associate Professor Alex Wirianski, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2021, Melbourne, 6th November 2021

  • The forgotten facial nerve in orofacial pain. By Dr Ellie Seckold, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2021, Melbourne, 6th November 2021

  • The relationship between dental occlusion and head posture. By Dr Eyk Schiller, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2021, Melbourne, 6th November 2021

  • Multi-disciplinary management of complex orofacial pain: a case study. By Dr Karri Field, Annual Scientific ANZAOP Meeting 2021, Melbourne, 6th November 2021

  • Tendons -Clinical How to’s and How not to’s. By Jill Cook, Break Through 2021, 17th June 2021, Melbourne

  • Pain Myth-busters: Backed with research and back to basics. By Peter O’Sullivan, Break Through 2021, 17th June 2021, Melbourne

  • The Myths of Manual Therapy. By Adam Meakins, Break Through 2021, 17th June 2021, Melbourne

  • Why Physios should care about what their patients eat. By Peter Brukner, Break Through 2021, 17th June 2021, Melbourne

  • Designing Digital First Healthcare and Client Experiences. By Yianni Serpanos, Break Through 2021, 17th June 2021, Melbourne

  • TMD Models: From Dental Occlusion to Biopsychosocial Framework, By Dr Steve Bender (Orofacial pain specialist Dallas, Texas), 2020 ANZAOP Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, 14th November 2020

  • My Approach to the Headache Patient, By Dr Bronwyn Jenkins (Headache neurologist, Sydney), 2020 ANZAOP Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, 14th November 2020

  • Using the Protectometer in the clinic and novel ways to control for placebo effects in clinical trials of intramuscular injections, By Dr Felicity Braithwaite, 2020 ANZAOP Scientific Meeting , Melbourne, 14th November 2020

  • Individualising Pain Management and using motivational interviewing, By Professor Mike Nicholas (Pain Psychologist, Sydney), 2020 ANZAOP Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, 14th November 2020

  • Temporomandibular Disorders Comorbidities and Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions: What When Who Why? Dr Karen McCloy, 2020 ANZAOP Scientific Meeting, Melbourne, 14th November 2020

  • Pain Science – Hands on or Hands off? By Professor Louie Puentedura, Melbourne, 2nd September 2020

  • Bikefit – is it art or science? By Paul Visentini, Melbourne, 2nd September 2020

  • Arthritis Webinar. By Dr Peter Larkins, Melbourne,27th August 2020

  • Hope, hype and reality: The need to manage community expectations in stem cell therapies to PD and gout. By Assoc Prof Megan Munsie and Dr Mark Young, Musculoskeletal Australia, Melbourne, February 2020

  • Watson Headache Institute Q and A Webinar with Dr Dean Watson PhD, Melbourne, 15th January 2020

  • Diagnosois and Management of Fibromyalgia. By Dr Geoffrey Littlejohn, Professor of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, 27th November 2019

  • A multi-disciplinary approach to managing knee Osteoarthritis in the setting of chronic disease. By Dr Adam Castricum, Sports and Exercise Physician, Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre, Melbourne, 29th May 2019

  • Explain Pain Two Day course. By David Butler, Melbourne, July 5th and 6th 2019

  • Diagnosing and Managing Psoriatic Arthritis. By Dr Marie Feletar Musculoskeletal Australia, Melbourne, 25th March 2019

  • Treating pain using the brain. By David Butler Musculoskeletal Australia, Melbourne, 20th January 2019

  • Pain, the brain and your amazing protectometer. By Prof Lorimer Moseley, Melbourne, 8th November 2018

  • Cervicogenic Headache and the role of C1-3 Cervical afferents in Primary Headache level 1 foundation. By Dr Dean Watson, Sydney, 9-11th March 2018

  • Started working at Victoria Pde Physiotherapy under the guidance of Dinah Locke a highly respected Jaw Physio who oversaw the rehabilitation of many patients post jaw surgery. Feburary 2018

  • Opened We’ve Got your Back Physiotherapy clinic.

    Feburary 2018

  • Movement Analysis and Pre Pointe Assessment for Dancers. By Melanie Fuller, Melbourne, December 2017

  • DRAM – the literature, assessment and when to refer to surgery. By Alex Lopes, Melbourne, September 2017

  • Treatment of Runners and Running retraining. By Rich Willy, Melbourne, May 2017

  • The evaluation and management of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) Part 2 By Stephen M. Shaffer, Melbourne, April 2017

  • The evaluation and management of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) Part 1 – An introduction to Context, Pathoanatomy, Kinematics and Pain Science.By Stephen M. Shaffer, Melbourne, January 2017

  • Treatment of Lateral Elbow Pain Part 1 and 2, by Leanne Bisset, Melbourne, November 2016

  • Upper Limb neurodynamics 1 and 2. Presented by David Pope Clinical Edge. September 2016

  • Cyclist Bike Set Up. By Rob Standen, Melbourne, July 2016

  • BPPV Assessment and Treatment. By Shyh-Poh Teo, Melbourne, June 2016

  • Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy. By Russell Wright, Melbourne, Jan 2016

  • Clinicians influence on patient’s beliefs about LBP. By Ben Darlow Clinical Edge Nov 2015

  • Cervical Spine Assessment following Trauma. By David Pope Clinical Edge, September 2015

  • The latest evidence on distal ITB pain. By David Pope Clinical Edge. July 2015

  • Physio Educators Masterclasses 2015. By Rob Laird, Melbourne, May 2015

  • DMA clinical Pilates unit B (level 3 and 4). By Craig Philips, Melbourne, Feb 2015

  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Nichole Hamilton, Melbourne, Nov 2014

  • Integrating Physio and Yoga. Nichole Hamilton, Melbourne, April 2014

  • Facebook for Business. Eventbrite, Melbourne, October 2013

  • Roccabado lecture series on treatment of the jaw. presented by Mariano Roccabado, Melbourne, October 2012

  • Opened InnerStrength of Bayside private practice with Pilates focus. Sept 2011

  • Vitamin D, neuromuscular control and falling episodes. Dr Nicole Austin, Melbourne, Sept 2011

  • Living Well Beyond Breast Cancer. Sue Hewat, Lyn Swinbourne, Doreen Akkerman, Jane Fletcher, Melbourne, October 2011

  • Headache Diagnosis and Physiotherapy management. by Ken Niere, Melbourne, August 2010

  • Hamstring Assessment and Rehabilitation. Presented by Price Warren, Melbourne, July 2010

  • Dealing with difficult Families. Presented by David McMillan, Melbourne, May 2010

  • Became Partner at Glenhuntly Road Physiotherapy, a large and well established Private Practice in Elsternwick with a team of 7 Physiotherapists. June 2009

  • Level one and two DMA Pilates. Presented by Craig Phillips, Melbourne, June & Aug 2009

  • CPR update. Life Saving Victoria, Melbourne, Aug 2009

  • Pastoral Care lecture. Presented by Sue Morgan, Melbourne, Aug 2009

  • Recent Developments in Hip Surgery. By Mr. Harry Tsigaris, Melbourne, May 2009

  • Diagnosis & Management of Cervical Spine Disorders. Presented by Gwen Jull, Melbourne, Sept 2008

  • The Cognitive Dementia & Memory Service Presentation. By Elisabeth Rand, Melbourne, Dec 2008

  • An Evening With Brian Mulligan. Presented by Brian Mulligan, Melbourne, 2008

  • Move it or lose it – Strength Lecture. Presented by APA, Melbourne, Oct 2008

  • Cervical Stabilisation 2 day workshop. By Gwen Jull, Brisbane, Nov 2008

  • Dry Needling 4 day course. Presented by Peter Salvratnam, Melbourne, Oct 2008

  • Cognitive Decline – implications for assessment, diagnosis, care planning and recovery. Presented by Liz Rand, Melbourne, June 2008

  • Managing the Chronic Pain Patient. Presented by Janet Firth, Melbourne, June 2008

  • Vision Australia Presentation. By Andrea Lockwood, Melbourne, May 2008

  • Worksafe Physiotherapy Workshop ‘Integrating risk into clinical practice.’ Several presenters, Melbourne, Feb 2008

  • Attended Blood Glucose Monitoring Training. By Diabetes Educator Debora Gooley, Melbourne, Feb 2008

  • Level 1 Shoulder Course. By Lyn Watson, Melbourne, Nov 2007

  • ‘So what’s new in Parkinson’s’ Presentation. By Beth Kirkwood, Melbourne, Nov 2007

  • The Formthotics System. Presented by Dr. Charlie Baycroft, Melbourne, Oct 2007

  • COTA Living Longer Living Stronger – Challenge the Stereotype! Strength Training for Older People. Several presenters, Melbourne, Aug 2007

  • Completed Mulligan’s Concepts Part A. Course at The University of Queensland 2005

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

  • Granted Ongoing Guest Membership to Australian and New Zealand Academy of Orofacial Pain Sept 2019

  • Member of Australian Physiotherapy Association

  • Level 1 Spotrs Trainer qualification from Sports Medicine Australia since 2002

  • Senior (Level 2) first aid qualification with St. John Ambulance Australia

  • Yearly CPR updates through Royal Life Saving Australia