CMD & Headache Center Berlin-Mitte

When your jaw, head and neck won’t settle

Pain in the temporomandibular joint, tense jaw muscles or frequent headaches can significantly affect everyday life. These symptoms often do not occur in isolation: the jaw joints, muscles, cervical spine and posture can influence one another. This is where physiotherapy for craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD), commonly referred to in English as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), can help.

At the CMD & Headache Center at Physiotherapie Marsch in Berlin-Mitte, we assess your symptoms individually and in context. Following a detailed physiotherapy assessment, we develop a treatment plan tailored to your personal situation and, where applicable, to your doctor’s or dentist’s prescription.

Physiotherapy in Berlin – Book an appointment

Call us to arrange an appointment at one of our locations at Naturkundemuseum or Stadtmitte.

You are also welcome to send us your appointment request via our contact form.

Naturkundemuseum · Stadtmitte · Email

What does CMD mean?

CMD is the German abbreviation for craniomandibular dysfunction. In English, these conditions are commonly referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The term describes dysfunctions involving the interaction between the lower jaw, skull, temporomandibular joints and chewing muscles.

There can be many contributing factors. Muscle overload, jaw clenching or teeth grinding, stress, altered movement patterns or problems affecting the cervical spine may play a role.

Because similar symptoms can have other causes, a physiotherapy assessment does not replace a medical or dental diagnosis. It complements it through a targeted assessment of mobility, muscle tension and functional relationships.

Typical symptoms of TMD / CMD

• Pain or pressure in the temporomandibular joint

• Tight or tender chewing muscles

• Clicking, grinding or restricted mouth opening

• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding

• Headaches, facial pain or pain around the temples

• Neck and shoulder tension

• Discomfort when chewing, yawning or speaking

• A feeling of uneven or one-sided strain in the jaw

Not every one of these symptoms automatically indicates TMD. Careful assessment is particularly important if symptoms appear suddenly, are severe or feel unusual.

Jaw problems and recurring headaches

Increased tension in the chewing muscles, temples or neck muscles can be associated with headaches and facial pain. Some people notice their symptoms particularly in the morning, after prolonged screen work or during stressful periods. Others experience pain when chewing or reduced mobility of the lower jaw.

As part of our headache-focused assessment, we therefore look beyond the location of the pain itself. We assess whether the mobility and loading of the jaw joints, cervical spine and surrounding muscles provide relevant information for physiotherapy treatment. If there are warning signs or unclear symptoms, we recommend further medical evaluation.

Our physiotherapy assessment

We begin with a detailed discussion about the type, duration and progression of your symptoms. Depending on your individual situation, we then assess lower-jaw mobility, temporomandibular joint function, tension in the chewing and neck muscles, and possible relationships with the cervical spine and posture.

1. Medical history: When do your symptoms occur and what makes them better or worse?

2. Functional assessment: How does your lower jaw open, close and move?

3. Muscular assessment: Which areas are tense or tender?

4. Cervical spine and posture: Are there relevant movement restrictions or loading patterns?

5. Treatment plan: Which treatments and home exercises are appropriate for your goals?

Individual treatment options

Depending on the findings, treatment may include gentle manual techniques for the temporomandibular joint, chewing muscles and cervical spine. Exercises for movement coordination, relaxation and posture may also be useful, along with strategies for becoming more aware of jaw clenching and everyday strain.

• Manual techniques to improve mobility

• Treatment of overloaded chewing, facial and neck muscles

• Active exercises for the jaw and cervical spine

• Body-awareness and relaxation exercises

• Practical strategies for work and everyday stress situations

• A personalized exercise program for home

The appropriate measures depend on the individual findings and any prescription provided. A specific treatment outcome cannot be guaranteed. The aim is to support function, mobility and your ability to manage your symptoms independently as effectively as possible.

Holistic and interdisciplinary treatment

CMD/TMD symptoms can involve different medical and dental aspects. Where appropriate, coordination with your dentist, orthodontist or other medical specialists may be helpful. Please feel free to bring existing findings or information about a bite splint to your first appointment.

Your first appointment at the CMD & Headache Center

If available, please bring your prescription, relevant medical or dental reports and your bite splint.

During your first appointment, we take the time to discuss your symptoms and goals. Following the examination, we explain which findings are relevant for physiotherapy and what the next steps may involve.

The number and duration of appointments depend on the prescription, findings and individual progress. Home exercises may complement treatment and help you integrate new movement and relaxation strategies into everyday life.

Frequently asked questions about TMD/CMD physiotherapy