Jaw Therapy (TMJ/TMD)
Jaw pain, clicking when you open your mouth, teeth grinding at night: temporomandibular disorders (TMD, also called TMJ dysfunction) have many faces. In Kloten and Zurich West, two specialised physiotherapists treat the jaw joint, the chewing muscles and the neck as one system — hands-on, with exercises, and in coordination with your dentist where needed.
Key facts
- Two specialised therapists (incl. CRAFTA training in craniofacial therapy)
- Basic health insurance (KVG) with a doctor’s or dentist’s prescription — we are happy to clarify coverage in advance
- Locations in Kloten and Zurich West
- First appointment usually within 48 hours
Typical complaints
- Jaw pain — when chewing, speaking or yawning
- Clicking or grinding noises in the jaw joint
- Restricted mouth opening — the jaw feels blocked or stiff
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) — often with jaw-related headaches and neck pain
When jaw physiotherapy makes sense
The jaw joint, the chewing muscles, the neck and your posture work as one system. When that system is under strain — through clenching, grinding, stress or after dental treatment — it can show up as jaw pain, clicking, a restricted mouth opening or recurring headaches and neck tension. Some people also notice accompanying symptoms such as ear noises; whether these are connected to the jaw is something we assess carefully. During your initial assessment in Kloten or Zurich West we examine the whole system, not just the joint.
How we treat TMD in Kloten and Zurich West
Treatment combines targeted manual techniques on the jaw joint and chewing muscles — outside the mouth and, where useful, inside it — with active exercises for mouth opening, coordination and relaxation. Because posture and the cervical spine almost always play a part, we treat them as well, drawing on our experience in manual therapy. For stubborn trigger points in the chewing muscles, dry needling can be a useful addition. You also get practical strategies against clenching at your desk and grinding at night. If you wear a bite splint or are in dental or orthodontic treatment, we coordinate with your dentist — splint and physiotherapy complement each other rather than replacing one another.
Two specialised therapists — both locations covered
Lara Dannenbauer treats in Zurich West and has completed the CRAFTA basic course in craniofacial therapy; Dominique Goncalves treats in Kloten with a special focus on jaw physiotherapy (TMD). Both treat in English as well as German, and you see who will treat you before you book.
Frequently asked questions
What is TMD?
TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder — in German-speaking Switzerland you will usually see the term CMD (craniomandibular dysfunction). It is an umbrella term for complaints in the interplay of the jaw joint, the chewing muscles and the cervical spine: jaw pain, clicking or grinding noises, restricted mouth opening and teeth grinding (bruxism). Physiotherapy addresses this interplay with manual techniques and exercises.
How do I know my symptoms come from the jaw?
Typical signs are pain when chewing, speaking or yawning, clicking or grinding in the joint, a jaw that feels tense in the morning, or your dentist pointing out signs of night-time grinding. Recurring headaches and neck pain can also be jaw-related. Whether your symptoms actually originate from the jaw is exactly what we clarify in the initial assessment — and we tell you openly if another cause seems more likely.
Do I need a prescription — from a dentist or a doctor?
For billing via Swiss basic health insurance (KVG) you need a physiotherapy prescription. For TMD it often comes from a dentist, orthodontist or GP. Because coverage can differ from case to case, we are happy to clarify it with you before your first appointment — just call or email us. As a self-payer you can book at any time without a prescription.
What does the treatment involve and how many sessions will I need?
We start with an assessment of the jaw joint, chewing muscles, neck and posture. Treatment then combines manual techniques — outside and, where useful, inside the mouth — with home exercises and everyday strategies against clenching and grinding. How many sessions you need is individual and depends on how long-standing and pronounced your symptoms are; we review progress regularly and adjust the plan with you. If you wear a splint, we coordinate with your dental treatment where needed.
Booking: book online (German interface) or call us in English — Kloten 044 803 91 19, Zurich West 044 814 23 20.