My Jaw Physio’s Lara Syme attended ANZAOP Conference at Melbourne University.
Lara Syme has been attending the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Orofacial Pain’s annual scientific meeting since 2019, and each year continues to be an enriching and energising experience. The 2025 two day conference at Melbourne University, held in her hometown, was especially rewarding. The event brought together leading Australian and international experts who shared the latest advances in diagnosing and managing orofacial pain. Topics included temporomandibular disorders, migraine management, the microbiota gut brain axis, photobiomodulation, mandibular advancement splints, and sleep related disorders.
For Lara, these gatherings offer invaluable opportunities to connect with clinicians from across Australia who share a deep commitment to alleviating jaw pain and dysfunction. Being part of this community reinforces the importance of collaboration, shared care, and collective learning, while keeping her inspired and informed by emerging research.
Among the many presentations, Dr Krishnan Parasarathi’s sessions on novel treatments for managing trismus and closed lock were standout highlights. They provided fresh insights into conditions Lara encounters daily in clinical practice. The passion and expertise shown by all fourteen speakers demonstrated an exceptional depth of knowledge and dedication. Lara extends her sincere thanks to Karen McCloy and the entire organising team for delivering such a well executed and thought provoking event.
As the peak professional body for orofacial pain in Australia and New Zealand, ANZAOP unites clinicians, researchers, and academics who are committed to advancing scientific understanding and promoting evidence based, person centred care. The organisation provides accessible information for healthcare practitioners and patients, and it is actively developing training programs in orofacial pain management at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Private practice can at times feel isolating, with the responsibility of patient care resting heavily on individual clinicians. For Lara, being part of the ANZAOP community is a powerful reminder that her patients benefit from a broad network of expertise and a wide range of treatment options. Her continued participation in ANZAOP’s annual conferences ensures she remains at the forefront of orofacial pain research and clinical innovation, ultimately enriching the quality of care she provides every day.