SPECIALIZATIONS

Jaw physiotherapy /

Craniofacial Therapy

Jaw physiotherapy in Amsterdam

Do you have pain around the jaw, difficulty chewing or opening your mouth, tired chewing muscles, or symptoms that occur together with headache or neck pain? At Mind Your Motion, we assess which factors may be contributing and which approach could be appropriate.

Jaw physiotherapy is also known as orofacial physiotherapy. It focuses on the jaw joints, chewing muscles, face and head-neck region. In clinical literature, these problems are often grouped under the term temporomandibular disorders, or TMDs.

In brief

We start with a detailed conversation and physical examination.
You receive an explanation of the findings and advice tailored to your situation.
Treatment may include exercises, self-management and, when appropriate, hands-on techniques.
If dental or medical assessment is needed, we advise you to contact your dentist, GP, ENT specialist or another healthcare professional.

Which jaw symptoms can we assess?

An appointment may be suitable for symptoms such as:

pain or fatigue in the chewing muscles;
pain around the jaw joint, ear or temple;
limited or uneven mouth opening;
a jaw that occasionally locks or feels stuck;
painful clicking or popping of the jaw joint;
headache where jaw or neck load may be contributing;
teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism);
symptoms following dental treatment, a fracture or surgery, once treatment is safe and permitted;
voice or singing-related symptoms where tension around the jaw and neck may play a part; see also Voice / Vocal Care.

Clicking or popping without pain is common and usually does not require treatment. Jaw, ear and facial symptoms can have several causes, so we do not assume in advance that the jaw is the source.

What happens at the first appointment?

We discuss when your symptoms started, what changes them and how they affect eating, speaking, yawning, sleeping, work or sport. The physical examination may include mouth opening, jaw-joint movement, the chewing muscles and — when relevant — the neck, posture and nerve function.

We then explain which findings are likely to matter and which are not. Together we agree on a treatment plan and evaluation points. The number of appointments varies and depends on the type, duration and severity of your symptoms.

What may jaw physiotherapy involve?

Treatment is usually conservative. We begin with options that do not permanently change the teeth, bite or jaw joint. Depending on the assessment, treatment may include:

education about jaw load and recovery;
advice on chewing, yawning, resting jaw position and daily habits;
exercises for movement, coordination and capacity;
relaxation and learning to notice unconscious clenching;
joint mobilisation or treatment of muscles and joints, when appropriate;
attention to neck pain or headache when there is a clear relationship;
coordination with a dentist, GP, ENT specialist or other healthcare professional.

We do not promise a quick solution for every jaw problem. The aim is to help you understand what may be happening, know what you can do yourself and gradually improve movement and function.

Orofacial physiotherapy and craniofacial therapy (CRAFTA)

Orofacial physiotherapy addresses the function of muscles and joints in the mouth, jaw, face and head-neck region. Craniofacial therapy following the CRAFTA concept is an additional assessment and treatment approach for the same region. We select useful elements according to your symptoms and examination findings, rather than relying on the name of a method alone.

Can you do jaw exercises yourself?

A gentle movement or relaxation exercise may help, but the same exercise is not suitable for everyone. Do not force your mouth open, and stop if an exercise causes clear pain, locking or worsening symptoms. During an appointment, we can choose an exercise and check that you perform it correctly.

A sensible first step is often awareness: keep your teeth slightly apart when resting, avoid prolonged gum chewing, and combine short-term unloading with normal, comfortable movement. If symptoms persist or increase, an assessment is more useful than adding more and more exercises.

When should you see a dentist or doctor first?

Contact a dentist or doctor first if you have clear tooth pain, fever or swelling, recent trauma, unexplained numbness, a sudden change in your bite, or if you cannot open or close your mouth. Seek medical assessment for new neurological symptoms or any other symptoms that concern you.

Sudden hearing loss, a pulse-synchronous sound in one ear or new one-sided ear symptoms should also be medically assessed. Read more on our page about tinnitus.

Is jaw physiotherapy covered by health insurance?

Jaw physiotherapy is generally covered as physiotherapy. If you have supplementary physiotherapy insurance, reimbursement depends on your policy and the number of sessions remaining. Mind Your Motion has contracts with all Dutch health insurers for 2026. A referral is usually not required.

If you are not covered, or have used your available sessions, you can pay privately. View our current prices and check your policy if you are unsure.

Frequently asked questions

Is a clicking jaw harmful?

Not necessarily. Clicking without pain or loss of function is common and usually does not require treatment. Have it assessed if the clicking is painful, mouth opening becomes restricted or the jaw locks.

How many sessions will I need?

We can only make a reasonable estimate after the assessment. Some people mainly need an explanation and a short exercise programme. Longer-lasting or more complex symptoms may require more guidance. We regularly evaluate whether treatment is producing enough benefit.

Can jaw physiotherapy help with headache or ear symptoms?

Jaw or neck factors sometimes contribute, but headache and ear symptoms can also have other causes. We assess whether there is a recognisable relationship and recommend other care when a different examination is more appropriate.

Do I need a referral?

Usually not. You can book directly. Following surgery or a fracture, or with complex medical conditions, coordination with your doctor or dentist may be necessary.

Book an appointment

Would you like to know whether jaw physiotherapy may be appropriate for your symptoms? Book a first appointment online at Mind Your Motion on WG-plein in Amsterdam Oud-West. You can also meet the physiotherapy team.

Sources

Last updated: 29 October 2026. This page provides general information and does not replace an individual assessment.