Core Focus DPT

When most people think about jaw pain or TMJ dysfunction, they rarely consider the pelvic floor. But the truth is, the body is one connected system. What happens at the head and jaw can ripple all the way down to the pelvis, and vice versa. As a physical therapist, I often see patterns where forward head posture, jaw clenching, and pelvic floor dysfunction overlap. Understanding this connection is the first step toward finding lasting relief.

Head and Posture Connection

Forward head posture is one of the most common postural changes I see in both men and women. It may look like a simple tilt of the chin forward, but it has a profound impact on the entire kinetic chain. With the head shifted out of alignment, the neck and shoulders carry more strain, often leading to jaw clenching. This added pressure doesn’t just stop at the jaw, it continues downward, influencing breathing mechanics and even pelvic floor tension.

Correcting head posture doesn’t require complicated drills. Small adjustments, like gently drawing the chin back into alignment or practicing proper tongue position at rest—can reduce jaw tightness and pelvic pressure. Over time, these small changes support better body awareness and decreased pain.

Breathing and Jaw Tension

Breathing patterns are another overlooked factor in TMJ and pelvic floor health. Mouth breathing, for example, encourages the head to drift forward and places extra tension on the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and scalene muscles in the neck. These muscles directly affect jaw function and can contribute to clenching or grinding.

By shifting to nasal breathing, the diaphragm is better engaged, posture improves, and oxygen exchange becomes more efficient. Pairing nasal breathing with a proper resting tongue position (tongue gently suctioned to the roof of the mouth) can help relax both the jaw and pelvic floor. This simple adjustment can be transformative for people dealing with chronic jaw pain.

The Jaw-Pelvis Link

So why does the pelvic floor matter when addressing jaw pain? Both areas are controlled by muscles that regulate pressure within the body. When stress, clenching, or poor posture overloads the jaw, the pelvic floor often reflects that same tension, like a mirror image in the body.

Treating jaw dysfunction often improves pelvic floor symptoms like leaking, pressure, or pain. Likewise, pelvic floor therapy can help reduce TMJ pain by balancing pressure throughout the core system.

Practical Applications for Relief

Jaw and Neck Relaxation

Start with hands-on techniques to reduce tension in the head and neck:

• Jaw massage: Gently place your fingertips just below the cheekbone and massage in small circles to release the masseter muscle.
• Craniosacral techniques: Lightly cradle the base of your skull, take deep breaths, and allow the weight of your head to rest into your hands. This can decrease jaw and neck tension while calming the nervous system.
• Neck stretches: Tilt the ear toward the shoulder, holding for 20–30 seconds, to release the scalenes and upper trapezius.

Breathing and Posture Exercises

• Tongue-to-palate posture: Rest the tongue on the roof of the mouth, just behind the teeth, with lips closed. This reduces clenching and improves breathing mechanics.
• Diaphragmatic breathing: Place one hand on the chest and one on the abdomen. As you inhale, the abdominal hand should rise while the chest stays relaxed. This supports pelvic floor relaxation and reduces tension.
• Chin tuck alignment: While standing against a wall, gently draw the chin back so the head rests in line with the shoulders. Hold for 5–10 seconds and repeat.

A Whole-Body Approach

TMJ dysfunction and jaw pain are rarely isolated problems. Addressing only the jaw without considering posture, breathing, and the pelvic floor often leads to temporary relief at best. A whole-body approach—one that links the head, neck, and pelvis—creates more sustainable results.

If you’ve been struggling with chronic jaw pain, headaches, or pelvic floor issues, physical therapy can help you discover the root cause and create a personalized plan. The good news is that lasting change is possible with small, consistent steps that retrain posture, breathing, and muscle coordination.

Disclosures & Disclaimers

Hey there! Just a heads-up. When you click on my links and make a purchase, I might get a tiny commission. It doesn’t affect my honest reviews and comparisons one bit! I’m all about recommending stuff I’ve personally tried, genuinely love, thoroughly researched, and wholeheartedly endorse.

** The views and opinions expressed on this site belong to Vigeo Ergo Consulting LLC. Any advice or suggestions offered herein are not a replacement for medical advice from a physician or other healthcare professional. My blogs are for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.