TMJ Specialist Vienna

Help with jaw joint pain at the orthopaedic centre

Clicking when chewing, pain when yawning or a restricted mouth opening? Jaw joint complaints have a considerable impact on everyday life – and are often treated too late. At the ANDRUKONIS orthopaedic centre we combine physiotherapeutic expertise with interdisciplinary cooperation at the H4O Dental Life Center in order to pinpoint the cause precisely and treat it in a targeted way.

CMD-Therapie – Kiefergelenksbehandlung in Wien
CMD-Therapie – Kiefergelenksbehandlung in Wien

Jaw joint pain / jaw pain

The temporomandibular joint is one of the most heavily used joints in the body – it is constantly in motion when speaking, chewing and swallowing. Functional disorders, incorrect loading or muscular tension often lead to pain that can radiate into the head, neck and ears. We cover the full spectrum of craniomandibular conditions:

  • Craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) – a dysregulation between the jaw joint, the masticatory muscles and the teeth; the most common cause of chronic jaw complaints.
  • Jaw clicking / disc displacement – displacement of the cartilage disc, often with audible clicking or blocking when opening the mouth.
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding/clenching) – overloading of the masticatory muscles, usually stress-related and often occurring at night.
  • Osteoarthritis of the jaw joint – degenerative wear of the joint surfaces with pain and restricted movement.
  • Inflammation of the jaw joint (arthritis) – inflammatory irritation with swelling, tenderness and restricted mouth opening.
  • Trismus / locked jaw – painfully restricted mouth opening caused by tense muscles or a blocked disc.
  • Tinnitus and ear complaints related to the jaw – ringing in the ears or a feeling of pressure that can improve through treatment of the CMD.
Team – ANDRUKONIS Physiotherapie & Orthopädie 1140 Wien

Ines Roisl, BSc.

Working as a physiotherapist in various clinics and practices since 2018, specialising in the treatment of jaw joint complaints and craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD).

Akos Kovacs – Physiotherapeut bei ANDRUKONIS Wien

Team lead / Ákos Kovács

One of our experienced therapists, with extensive further training and passionate commitment.

Physiotherapeutin Maja bei ANDRUKONIS in der Spallartgasse 19, 1140 Wien

Maja Djurdjevic, MSc.

Maja is an experienced CMD therapist with CRAFTA training and a great passion for treating her patients individually.

Treating jaw joint pain successfully at the ANDRUKONIS orthopaedic centre

Jaw joint complaints rarely originate in a single place. The masticatory muscles, the teeth, the cervical spine and even posture frequently interact. That is precisely why we rely on holistic, orthopaedically grounded diagnostics that never view the jaw joint in isolation, but always in the context of the entire musculoskeletal system.

A key advantage of our work lies in the cooperation at our location in the H4O Dental Life Center in the 21st district. With a focus on CMD (craniomandibular dysfunction) physiotherapy and dentistry work directly together there. When jaw, neck and head lose their balance, diagnostic and therapeutic steps – from splint therapy to manual treatment – can be coordinated immediately.

For patients this means coordinated findings, short distances and considerably more effective treatment. We treat not only the symptom but identify and resolve the actual cause of the jaw joint pain.

TMJ specialist team in Vienna

Our orthopaedic centre offers barrier-free access as well as excellent public transport connections.
At the heart of it is the close cooperation between the orthopaedic specialists and physiotherapists working at the centre, which makes individually tailored, holistic care possible.

The specialists working at the centre create a pleasant atmosphere in which patients can feel well looked after both medically and personally. Modern, spacious premises provide a calm and inviting environment.

The organisational team supports smooth practice operations through structured processes and coordinated communication, contributing to a coherent overall experience.

State-of-the-art techniques and treatments for jaw joint pain

At our orthopaedic centre we rely on current, scientifically sound treatment methods. From precise functional diagnostics through manual therapy to device-based procedures such as shockwave and electrotherapy, we select the method to match the individual findings – never a one-size-fits-all approach.

With CMD in particular, our patients benefit from the close integration with dentistry at the H4O Dental Life Center. Splint therapy, dental findings and physiotherapeutic treatment mesh directly with one another, which allows the therapy plan to be adjusted quickly.

  • Manual jaw joint therapy / physiotherapy – mobilisation and relaxation of the masticatory muscles.
  • Splint therapy (bite/occlusal splint) – in close coordination with the dentists at the H4O Dental Life Center.
  • Trigger point and fascia therapy – targeted treatment of muscular pain points.
  • Shockwave therapy – stimulating tissue regeneration in chronically tense masticatory muscles.
  • Physical therapy (heat, electrotherapy) – pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory.
  • Infiltration / injection therapy – for example local pain treatment in acute inflammation.

What our satisfied patients say

Trust is built on experience. Numerous patients have recommended us as a TMJ specialist in Vienna and value the noticeable relief after targeted treatment. Their feedback confirms our holistic approach and the interdisciplinary work at our locations. Read for yourself what our patients report:

Klausschwab – ANDRUKONIS Physiotherapie Wien
Physiotherapie Hausbesuch in Wien – ANDRUKONIS
Lizannedaniel – ANDRUKONIS Physiotherapie Wien
Patientin bei ANDRUKONIS Physiotherapie
Christianegotz – ANDRUKONIS Physiotherapie Wien

Common jaw joint complaints

Headaches and/or migraine

Headaches and migraine are common accompanying symptoms of CMD, often caused by tension in the jaw and the surrounding muscles.

These headaches typically manifest in the forehead, temple or back of the head and can extend into the neck. They frequently occur together with other CMD symptoms such as jaw pain and can vary in intensity: from dull, constant pain through to throbbing, migraine-like complaints. 

This type of headache in CMD can be intensified by stress in everyday life, poor posture or bruxism (teeth grinding) and often affects your daily activities.

Jaw pain

Jaw pain is a primary symptom of craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD) and can present as persistent or intermittent pain in the area of the jaw joint. 

This pain can intensify when chewing, yawning or speaking. It may be felt on one side or on both sides and often radiates into surrounding areas such as the ears, cheeks or the temple region. 

Jaw pain in CMD can range from mild discomfort to severe impairment that significantly affects your everyday life and quality of life.

Ear pain and tinnitus

Ear pain and tinnitus are further common symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD). These complaints result from the close anatomical and functional relationship between the jaw joint and the ear region. 

Ear pain associated with CMD is often described as dull and pulling and can radiate into the jaw and the face. Tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ear, can also occur. 

These symptoms are generally not linked to a direct ear condition but reflect the tension and dysfunction in your jaw area. They can be present intermittently or permanently and vary in intensity, which can lead to a noticeable impairment of your quality of life.

Dizziness and balance disorders

Dizziness and balance disorders are also common symptoms of CMD. They occur when the dysfunction of the jaw joint impairs the normal position of the head and neck, which in turn can affect the balance system. 

If you are affected, you will be familiar with a certain feeling of unsteadiness when standing or walking – a sensation as if your surroundings are spinning or swaying. These symptoms can be intensified by movements of the head or jaw. 

Dizziness in CMD can be episodic or persistent and often impairs everyday life, as it increases the risk of falls and can limit your ability to carry out daily tasks.

Restricted jaw movement

Restricted jaw movement is a characteristic symptom of craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD), presenting as difficulty opening, closing or moving the mouth sideways. This restriction can range from mild discomfort to clearly noticeable blockages, impairing everyday functions such as speaking, chewing or yawning. 

You may experience the restricted jaw movement as a feeling of stiffness in the jaw joint or even as a “locking” of the jaw, where the mouth temporarily cannot be fully opened or closed. 

These movement restrictions can be intermittent or constant and are often a direct consequence of muscular tension, incorrect loading or structural changes in your jaw joint.

Clicking or grinding in the jaw joint

Clicking or grinding in the jaw joint are typical signs of craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD). These sounds often arise when jaw movements no longer run smoothly, which indicates incorrect positioning or loading of the jaw joint. 

Patients often report audible and palpable clicking or grinding when opening, closing or chewing. 

While these sounds may be painless in themselves, they are often accompanied by other complaints such as pain or restricted jaw mobility. The clicking or grinding can occur sporadically or be a regular phenomenon and is regarded as an indicator of mechanical irregularities in the jaw joint.

Therapies and treatments for jaw joint pain

Treating jaw joint pain requires a holistic approach. At the ANDRUKONIS orthopaedic centre we combine state-of-the-art diagnostics with individually tailored forms of therapy – from manual therapy through splint treatment to shockwave therapy. Find out what can help with your complaint.

Diagnosis and examination of the jaw joint

An accurate diagnosis is the first step towards targeted therapy. Our physiotherapists carry out a comprehensive functional examination of the jaw joint, masticatory muscles, cervical spine and posture. Where necessary we work closely with the dentists at the H4O Dental Life Center.

Causes of jaw joint pain

Jaw joint pain arises from a variety of causes: stress and teeth grinding, a misaligned bite or malpositioned teeth, injuries (e.g. whiplash), postural damage, inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis. Several factors frequently act together – which is why interdisciplinary assessment is so important.

What we do: physiotherapy for your jaw joint

Physiotherapy is the core discipline in the treatment of jaw joint pain. Targeted manual techniques, mobilisation, trigger point treatment and exercise programmes reduce pain, improve joint function and prevent recurrence. Book an appointment with our TMJ specialist team today.

Frequently asked questions

The most common complaints are caused by craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD), teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clicking due to disc displacement. Typical signs are pain when chewing, restricted mouth opening and radiating complaints in the head and neck.
In the short term, rest, soft food and consciously relaxing the masticatory muscles help. If the pain persists or recurs, the cause should be assessed professionally in order to start targeted therapy – for example physiotherapy or splint treatment.
Signs include persistent, throbbing pain, tenderness directly in front of the ear, swelling and an increasingly restricted and painful mouth opening. Medical assessment is advisable in such cases.
It presents as pain when chewing, yawning or speaking, as clicking or grinding in the joint, restricted mobility and frequently as accompanying head, neck or ear pain.
With consistent treatment, acute inflammation usually subsides within a few days to two weeks. If the cause remains untreated it can become chronic – which is why early therapy is important.