The Hidden Link: Your Jaw & Pelvic Floor
When we think about the jaw and pelvic floor, they might seem like two completely separate parts of the body. After all, the jaw is a part of the head, while the pelvic floor muscles are down at the base of the spine. But, as a physiotherapist, I often see that problems in one area can show up as tension or dysfunction in the other. In Dr. Karishma Kapoor’s recent blog post, she explained the anatomy of the jaw/temporomandibular joint (TMJ), common causes of TMJ dysfunction, and how chiropractic and physiotherapy care can help. Here, we’ll explore how the jaw and pelvis are connected — and why understanding this link can make a real difference in how we move, feel, and heal.
1. Anatomical Connection
The pelvis and the jaw are both a part of the “Deep Front Line” as described in fascial anatomy. Fascia is a continuous network of connective tissue that wraps around all body structures - including muscle and bone. Because of this anatomical connection, tension in the jaw can result in symptoms in the pelvic floor muscles, and vice versa. Clinically, I often see this connection show up during pelvic floor release work—when the jaw suddenly tenses or clenches without the person even realizing it.
2. Postural Deviations
We’ve all heard the advice to “sit up straight” but long hours at a desk or poorly set-up work-from-home spaces often lead to poor posture. This can cause muscle imbalances at either end of the spine – the jaw at the top and the pelvis at the base – and creates a chain reaction throughout the rest of the body as it works to keep you upright. These postural deviations can contribute to tension, pain, and difficulty coordinating movement. Because of this close relationship, postural education is an essential part of physiotherapy treatment for both jaw and pelvic health concerns.
3. Habitual Stress Response
Mental and emotional stress often gets stored in the body. Two common areas where this shows up are through unconscious clenching in the jaw and pelvic floor muscles. When we repeatedly tense these muscles in response to stress, the brain begins to link our mental and emotional state with physical tension, creating a habitual pattern. Retraining the body to break these harmful patterns while focusing on restorative movement is key for treating each of these areas.
4. Clinical Evidence
Emerging research continues to support the connection between the jaw and pelvic floor muscles. A 2024 study found that a 15-minute soft tissue therapy session on the TMJ significantly lowered resting activity in the pelvic floor muscles and improved the ability to relax these muscles. This research supports my experience in clinical practice – releasing in one area subsequently helps the other relax as well. This powerful link highlights how interconnected our bodies are, and why addressing both areas can lead to more effective, lasting results.
Interested in learning more?
If you are struggling with jaw and/or pelvic floor pain/symptoms, physiotherapy can help. Through a combination of hands-on techniques, education and simple exercises, physiotherapy can help you improve body awareness, restore movement and function, and support your overall well-being. The more we tune in to these links and see the body as an integrated system, the more we can move and live with greater ease and comfort.
For more information on physiotherapy for the management of TMD or pelvic health, book a complimentary 15-minute meet and greet with one of our Bright physiotherapists.
WRITTEN BY: molly drazin, PT, DPT
Disclaimer
The advice provided in this article is for information purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Consultation with a physiotherapist or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.
Reference
Sulowska-Daszyk I, Gamrot S, Handzlik-Waszkiewicz P. A Single Session of Temporomandibular Joint Soft Tissue Therapy and Its Effect on Pelvic Floor Muscles Activity in Women-A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2024. 13(23): 7037.