
Headaches, Jaw Pain, and the Physio You Didn’t Know You Needed
Treating headaches and facial pain through physiotherapy that addresses both muscle and joint imbalances.
Imagine waking up with a dull, throbbing headache that makes it hard to start your day. You take painkillers and hope it will pass, but by midday, it’s still there—accompanied by a tight, aching jaw. You might blame stress, lack of sleep, or even dehydration, but the real culprit could be something you hadn’t considered: your jaw alignment and muscle tension.
It’s surprisingly common for people to suffer from both headaches and jaw pain without realising they are connected. In fact, up to 75% of individuals with jaw dysfunction (often referred to as TMJ disorder) also experience frequent headaches. The connection between these issues lies in the complex anatomy and mechanics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the surrounding muscles.
When jaw pain and headaches coexist, it can feel like an endless cycle. You may visit your dentist for jaw pain or take over-the-counter pain relief for headaches, only to find that neither solution provides lasting relief. That’s because both problems are often rooted in muscle tension and joint misalignment—issues that aren’t easily fixed with medication alone.
This is where physiotherapy becomes a game-changer. Instead of simply managing the symptoms, physiotherapy targets the root causes of both headaches and jaw pain. By addressing muscle imbalances, postural problems, and TMJ dysfunction, physiotherapy offers a holistic approach that can help break the cycle of recurring pain.
If you’ve tried different methods to relieve headaches and jaw discomfort—like dental treatments, painkillers, or stress management techniques—without much success, it may be time to consider physiotherapy. Our team at CPS specialises in identifying the underlying issues that link your headaches and jaw pain and designing tailored treatment plans to help you find long-lasting relief.
Why Do Headaches and Jaw Pain Often Go Hand-in-Hand?
Headaches and jaw pain often stem from the same underlying problems: muscle tension, joint dysfunction, and poor posture. These three factors can trigger pain patterns that overlap and reinforce each other, creating a persistent and frustrating experience.
The jaw joint, or TMJ, is a complex structure that hinges just in front of your ears, allowing your jaw to move up, down, and side to side. It’s surrounded by muscles that help you chew, speak, and make facial expressions. When something disrupts this balance—like grinding your teeth at night or holding tension in your neck—the muscles become strained. This can lead to:
- Tension Headaches: Often caused by tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and jaw.
- TMJ-Related Headaches: Triggered by joint dysfunction or inflammation, these headaches are usually felt near the temples.
- Referred Pain: Jaw tension can refer pain to the scalp, causing a headache that feels like it’s coming from the head itself.
- Neck and Shoulder Involvement: Poor posture, such as forward head tilt, can put extra pressure on both the jaw and the cervical spine, leading to pain that radiates from the jaw to the skull.


How Physiotherapy Addresses Both Issues
The key to resolving both headaches and jaw pain is to address the muscle and joint imbalances that link them. Physiotherapy goes beyond symptomatic relief by focusing on the root causes. Here’s how our team at CPS can help:
- Posture Correction: Aligning the head, neck, and jaw to reduce strain on the muscles and joints.
- Muscle Release Techniques: Targeting tight jaw and neck muscles with manual therapy to relieve tension.
- Strengthening Exercises: Building strength in the neck, shoulders, and jaw to support proper alignment.
- Jaw Movement Training: Educating you on optimal jaw mechanics to prevent overloading the TMJ.
- Stress Management Strategies: Teaching techniques to manage clenching and grinding, which often worsen symptoms.


Why Choose Physiotherapy for Headache and Jaw Pain Relief?
Physiotherapy offers a comprehensive approach, helping you address not just the pain but the contributing factors that keep it recurring. Instead of relying on short-term fixes, physiotherapy helps restore muscle balance and joint function, leading to long-term improvements.
Our physiotherapists at CPS understand that every patient’s pain is unique. We tailor our treatment plans to your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and goals, helping you achieve lasting relief from headaches and jaw pain.


Get Your Pain Under Control—For Good
If headaches and jaw pain are impacting your daily life, it’s time to take a different approach. At CPS, we’re committed to helping you find the relief you deserve through targeted physiotherapy. Contact us today to book a consultation and start your journey to a pain-free life.
Preventing Headache and Jaw Pain: Self-Care Tips to Support Your Recovery
While physiotherapy is essential for addressing the root causes of headache and jaw pain, incorporating self-care practices can help maintain your progress between sessions. Simple lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in reducing symptoms and preventing flare-ups.

If headaches and jaw pain are impacting your daily life, it’s time to take a different approach. At CPS, we’re committed to helping you find the relief you deserve through targeted physiotherapy. Contact us today to book a consultation and start your journey to a pain-free life.