Happy New Year from COPE PT! As we welcome 2025, it’s a time filled with hope, excitement, and yes, a little bit of anticipation. But did you know that the anticipation of what’s to come—whether it’s planning goals, tackling new challenges, or embracing change—can unconsciously cause tension in your body, especially in areas like your jaw and pelvic floor?
If you’re clenching your teeth or feeling tightness in your TMJ as you think about the year ahead, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into the fascinating connection between the TMJ and the pelvic floor and explore how COPE PT can help you release this tension and start your year on the right note.
Understanding TMJ Anatomy and Function
The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone) on each side of your face. It functions as a sliding hinge, allowing you to chew, speak, and move your jaw.
Key anatomical structures include:
Muscles of mastication: The masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid, and lateral pterygoid muscles control jaw movement.
Disc: A cartilage disc acts as a cushion between the jawbone and skull, facilitating smooth movement.
Ligaments: Ligaments stabilize the TMJ and limit excessive movement.
When TMJ dysfunction occurs, it may result in:
Pain in the jaw, face, or neck.
Limited jaw movement or locking.
Clicking or popping sounds.
Headaches or migraines.
The Pelvic Floor: More Than Just Support
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that form a sling-like structure at the base of your pelvis. These muscles play critical roles in:
Supporting the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum).
Controlling urination and bowel movements.
Facilitating sexual function.
Assisting core stability.
Pelvic floor dysfunction can manifest as:
Pain or tension.
Incontinence.
Constipation.
Sexual dysfunction.
How Are the TMJ and Pelvic Floor Connected?
The connection between the TMJ and the pelvic floor lies in the body's fascia, nervous system, and postural alignment.
Fascial Connection:
Fascia is a continuous web of connective tissue that links every part of the body. The body is connected by fascial lines—web-like structures of connective tissue that encase muscles, bones, and organs, creating continuous pathways from head to toe. Fascial lines distribute tension and pressure throughout the body, helping muscles and organs work in sync. The “Deep Front Line” (DFL), as described by anatomist Tom Myers, is one of the most notable fascial lines that connects the pelvic floor with areas further up the body, including the jaw.
The DFL starts at the feet, travels up through the inner thighs, pelvis, and spine, and connects to the muscles around the ribcage and up to the jaw. Tension along this line can impact multiple areas, including the pelvic floor and the TMJ. When one part of the DFL becomes tight or dysfunctional, it can cause compensatory tension or strain in other parts. For example, clenching the jaw might contribute to tension in the pelvis, affecting the stability and function of the pelvic floor. or tension in one area (like the TMJ) can transmit through the fascia to distant regions, including the pelvis.
Postural Link: Poor posture—whether from jaw clenching, grinding (bruxism), or prolonged sitting—can lead to misalignment in the spine and pelvis. This misalignment can strain the pelvic floor muscles and the TMJ.
Neurological Relationship: The jaw and pelvis share neurological pathways via the vagus nerve and other cranial nerves. Stress-related clenching of the jaw may trigger a similar tension response in the pelvic floor.
Breathing Mechanics: Dysfunctional breathing patterns (like chest breathing instead of diaphragmatic breathing) can affect the coordination between the diaphragm, jaw, and pelvic floor, creating tension and pain.
Why Your TMJ May Be Tighter Right Now
The start of a new year often comes with heightened emotions—whether it’s excitement about new beginnings or stress over upcoming responsibilities. This anticipation can subconsciously lead to:
Jaw clenching or grinding: As we think through plans or deadlines, we may hold tension in the TMJ.
Shallow breathing: Stress can cause us to breathe from our chest, disrupting the natural rhythm between the diaphragm, pelvic floor, and TMJ.
Postural shifts: Long hours sitting or working in poor posture can exacerbate TMJ tension and pelvic floor strain.
How Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Help TMJ Dysfunction?
At COPE PT, our pelvic floor specialists take a whole-body approach to address the root causes of your pain. Here’s how pelvic floor therapy can benefit TMJ dysfunction:
Myofascial ReleaseBy targeting fascial restrictions in the pelvic floor and surrounding areas, we can reduce tension that may indirectly affect the jaw.
Postural AlignmentTherapy focuses on correcting postural imbalances that contribute to TMJ dysfunction. Proper alignment of the pelvis and spine can relieve strain on the jaw.
Breathwork TrainingDiaphragmatic breathing helps coordinate the diaphragm, pelvic floor, and jaw muscles, promoting relaxation and reducing clenching.
Stress Reduction TechniquesChronic stress often leads to jaw clenching and pelvic floor tension. Mindfulness techniques, guided relaxation, and gentle exercises can alleviate these symptoms.
Manual TherapyOur therapists use hands-on techniques to release trigger points and improve mobility in the pelvic floor and surrounding structures, indirectly benefiting TMJ dysfunction.
Exercise PrescriptionTailored exercises strengthen weak muscles and release overactive ones, addressing imbalances that exacerbate TMJ and pelvic floor issues.
Dry Needling: A Specialized Approach for TMJ Relief
At COPE PT, we also offer dry needling, an effective treatment for TMJ dysfunction. Dry needling involves inserting thin, filiform needles into trigger points (tight bands of muscle) to release tension, reduce pain, and restore muscle function.
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Stimulates blood flow and healing in the targeted area.
Releases tight muscles and reduces inflammation.
Improves nerve communication and decreases referred pain.
Benefits of Dry Needling for TMJ Dysfunction
Reduces jaw muscle tension.
Improves jaw mobility and alignment.
Relieves headaches, neck pain, and associated symptoms.
Our experienced physical therapists at COPE PT are skilled in dry needling techniques for the TMJ and other areas of the body, ensuring a safe and effective treatment tailored to your needs.
Patient Story: Real Results
Sarah, a 38-year-old teacher, came to COPE PT with chronic jaw pain and headaches, alongside pelvic pain that worsened after sitting for long hours. Through a combination of dry needling, myofascial release, and postural retraining, she experienced significant relief in both her TMJ symptoms and pelvic discomfort. “I never realized how connected my jaw and pelvic floor were,” Sarah shared.
Start Your Year with Relief at COPE PT
If you’re feeling the tension of the new year in your jaw, pelvic floor, or both, it’s time to address the root cause. At COPE PT, we provide a personalized, evidence-based approach to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.
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