Is There a Connection Between TMJ and the Pelvic Floor?
Do you clench your jaw when you’re stressed, only to notice increased pelvic pain, urgency, or discomfort later? Or maybe you’ve been treated for TMJ pain and pelvic floor dysfunction separately—without lasting relief.
You’re not imagining it. There is a clinically significant jaw and pelvic floor connection, and it’s one that is often overlooked in traditional healthcare.
At WAVE Physical Therapy + Pilates, we frequently see this connection in:
- People with chronic stress or anxiety
- Postpartum women
- High-performing professionals who clench their jaw throughout the day
- Individuals with unresolved TMJ pain or pelvic floor tension
Understanding how the jaw and pelvic floor are connected may be the missing link in finally resolving symptoms that haven’t responded to isolated treatment.
The Science Behind the Jaw and Pelvic Floor Connection
Fascial Anatomy: One Continuous System
From an anatomical perspective, the jaw and pelvic floor are linked through the body’s fascial system—the connective tissue that wraps and connects muscles, nerves, and organs.
According to anatomist Tom Myers, the Deep Front Line of fascia connects:
- Jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Throat and deep neck muscles
- Diaphragm
- Pelvic floor
This means tension in your jaw can travel downward through the body, directly influencing pelvic floor tone—and vice versa.
Neurological & Stress Pathways
Neurologically, the jaw and pelvic floor are both highly sensitive to the autonomic nervous system, especially the stress (sympathetic) response.
- The trigeminal nerve controls jaw muscles
- The pudendal nerve innervates much of the pelvic floor
- Both respond strongly to stress hormones
Research shows people with TMJ disorders have a significantly higher incidence of pelvic floor dysfunction, with some studies reporting up to a 70% overlap.
Is TMJ Related to the Pelvic Floor?
Yes—TMJ is absolutely related to the pelvic floor.
TMJ pain and pelvic floor dysfunction frequently co-exist because:
- Both respond to stress and threat
- Both contribute to core stability
- Both are influenced by posture, breathing, and nervous system tone
If one area stays chronically tight, the other often compensates—leading to persistent symptoms in both regions.
What Hormone Causes Jaw Clenching?
Jaw clenching is strongly associated with stress hormones, particularly:
- Cortisol – elevated during chronic stress, increases muscle tension
- Adrenaline – primes muscles (including the jaw and pelvic floor) for holding
- Estrogen fluctuations – common during postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause, can influence pain sensitivity and muscle tone
This is why jaw clenching and pelvic floor tension are so common during:
- High-stress seasons of life
- Hormonal transitions
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety or burnout
Common Mistakes When Treating TMJ or Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Mistake #1: Treating Symptoms in Isolation
Seeing a dentist for TMJ and a pelvic specialist for pelvic pain—without addressing the connection—often leads to short-term relief only.
Mistake #2: Only Treating Local Muscles
Jaw stretches alone or Kegels alone miss the bigger picture of breathing, posture, and nervous system regulation.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Breathing Patterns
Poor rib cage expansion and shallow breathing reinforce both jaw clenching and pelvic floor overactivity.
Mistake #4: Being Told “It’s Just Stress”
Stress plays a role—but the jaw and pelvic floor connection is real, physical, and treatable.
How to Relax the Jaw and Pelvic Floor (Clinically Proven Strategies)
1. Diaphragmatic Breathing (The Most Important Tool)
Proper breathing is the fastest way to calm both systems.
Try this:
- Place one hand on your chest, one on your ribs
- Breathe so the rib cage expands—not the chest
- Let your jaw soften and pelvic floor gently descend on the exhale
This directly down-regulates the nervous system.
2. Coordinated Jaw–Pelvic Floor Release
Exercise:
- Gently open your jaw while inhaling
- Allow your pelvic floor to soften
- Hold 3–5 seconds
- Exhale, gently close jaw and lightly engage pelvic floor
This retrains the neurological link between the jaw and pelvis.
3. Improve Posture & Rib Cage Alignment
Forward head posture and collapsed rib cages increase tension in both systems.
Focus on:
- Lengthening the back of the neck
- Keeping the rib cage stacked over the pelvis
- Avoiding “gripping” through the core
4. Regulate the Stress Response
Since both the jaw and pelvic floor are stress-responsive, treatment must include:
- Awareness of clenching habits
- Nervous system regulation
- Movement and recovery strategies
Why a Whole-Body Approach Works Better
In our clinic, we routinely see:
- TMJ pain improve when pelvic floor tension is addressed
- Pelvic symptoms resolve once jaw clenching patterns change
We collaborate with dentists, massage therapists, and other providers to ensure nothing is treated in isolation.
When to Seek Professional Help
You should consider a comprehensive physical therapy evaluation if you experience:
- Jaw pain + pelvic pain
- TMJ issues + urinary urgency
- Clenching + tailbone or hip discomfort
- Symptoms worsened by stress
Working with a provider who understands the jaw and pelvic floor connection can dramatically shorten recovery time.
The Jaw and Pelvic Floor Are Designed to Work Together
Your body is not a collection of separate parts. The jaw and pelvic floor function as part of an integrated system influenced by breathing, posture, hormones, and stress.
When you address the connection—not just the symptoms—you support the body’s natural ability to heal.
If you’re experiencing persistent TMJ pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, or both, our physical therapists at WAVE Physical Therapy + Pilates can help you uncover the root cause and build a treatment plan that addresses the whole picture.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Crawford