Why your jaw tension can be a real headache

Ever notice your jaw’s been working overtime—clenching without you even realising? Maybe you wake up with a tight jaw, sore teeth, or a nagging headache that just won’t budge. You’re definitely not alone. Jaw tension and headaches often go hand in hand, but the good news is, there’s support and relief available. A little awareness (and the right kind of care) can make a big difference.

The muscles around your jaw (like the masseter and temporalis) work hard every time you talk, chew, or clench. When these muscles become tight or overworked, they can create trigger points, those “knots” that can refer pain to other areas. For many people, jaw tension can actually cause headaches, ear aches, even neck stiffness.

Common causes include:

• Stress and teeth grinding (bruxism)

• Poor posture (hello, laptop slouch!)

• Injury or trauma to the jaw

• Habitual clenching while concentrating or sleeping

How Myotherapy & Massage Can Help:

By focusing on the muscles of the jaw, neck, and shoulders, treatment with your massage therapist or myotherapist can:

• Relieve tight muscles that contribute to jaw pain

• Ease tension headaches by addressing trigger points that refer pain into the head

• Improve jaw mobility so you can open and close your mouth more comfortably

• Promote relaxation and reduce overall stress levels (often the biggest culprit)

• Improve posture

What to Expect in a Session:

During your session, we’ll assess how your jaw, neck, and shoulders are moving, then use hands on techniques, trigger point therapy, and stretching techniques to release tension. Sometimes, intra-oral massage (working on the muscles inside the mouth, with gloves of course!) can also help if needed. Don’t worry, we’ll always go at your pace and keep things comfortable. Your therapist may also recommend some exercises to help ease and prevent your tension.

Tips and Tricks:

Jaw & Temple Self-Massage

 How: Use your fingertips to gently massage small circular motions from the top of your ear down to your jawline. Then move forward along your cheek toward the corner of your mouth.

 Why: This releases tension in the masseter and temporalis muscles, two major culprits behind jaw-related headaches.

 Tip: Do this for 1–2 minutes per side, using gentle pressure. Add a little facial oil for smooth gliding.

TMJ Release with Gentle Movement

 How: Rest your tongue lightly on the roof of your mouth (just behind your front teeth) and slowly open and close your jaw.

 Why: This helps retrain your jaw to move in its natural alignment without clenching.

 Tip: Practice 5–10 slow, controlled movements a few times daily, especially if you catch yourself tightening your jaw.

Warm Compress Followed by Gentle Stretch:

 How: Apply a warm compress (like a heat pack or warm towel) to the side of your face for 10 minutes, then do a few gentle jaw stretches (open wide, side-to-side, and forward).

 Why: Heat relaxes tight muscles and increases blood flow, making stretching more effective.

Takeaway:

Jaw pain and headaches don’t have to be something you “just live with.” Myotherapy & massage is a safe, effective, and natural way to ease discomfort, restore balance, and help you feel like yourself again.

✨ If jaw pain or headaches are bothering you, book a session today, your jaw (and your head!) will thank you.