JAW AND PELVIC FLOOR CONNECTION
How releasing your jaw can have a big impact on your pelvic floor!
If you've never considered the connection, you're not alone. But understanding this relationship might just change how you approach pelvic health—for yourself and for your clients if you work in that world.
The Anatomical Connection
The deep front line runs from the jaw all the way down to the pelvis. Both the jaw and pelvic floor are influenced by the dura mater—a protective layer surrounding your spine.
Here's what this means: when tension builds in the jaw, it may put tension on the spine, which could affect the pelvic floor. Everything is connected through this fascial web running through your body.
It Starts Before Birth
During fetal development, the jaw and pelvic floor actually start off from the same embryological tissues. They're literally related, which helps explain why dysfunction in one area so often shows up in the other.
The Brain's Role
The brain controls both the jaw and pelvic floor. Stress or dysfunction in one area can impact the other via shared neural pathways, contributing to muscle tension in both areas.
This is why someone who chronically clenches their jaw often experiences pelvic floor tension as well. The connection isn't just structural—it's neurological.
The Research is Compelling
A 2024 study found something remarkable: just 15 minutes of soft tissue jaw release exercises increased pelvic floor activation by 52.94%.
That's a significant increase from such a simple intervention. This research confirms what many bodyworkers and movement practitioners have observed clinically for years.
The Hypopressive Approach
This jaw-pelvic floor connection is why we take a specific approach in hypopressives:
We keep the mouth open and jaw soft when exhaling to decrease gripping of the jaw
We incorporate jaw release exercises to assist those with tension in the jaw
We address the whole body system, not just isolated muscle groups
In hypopressives, it's never just about the pelvic floor muscles. It's about the whole body working as an integrated system.
What This Means for Your Practice
If you're working with clients on pelvic health, core rehabilitation, or postpartum recovery, assessing and addressing jaw tension should be part of your toolkit.
The jaw might be the missing piece in your client's pelvic floor puzzle.
Ready to Learn This Whole-Body Approach?
Want to learn to teach this practice so you can start improving your own pelvic floor dysfunction?
I have so a range of programme options for you- from 1.1 tailored support to self paced online programmes- there's something for everyone.
And if want to learn how to teach your clients my next Level 1 Hypopressives Teacher Training is at the end of January, and there are only 4 places remaining.
This 30-hour certification includes:
15 hours of online theory (self-paced)
2 days of in-person practical training
Personalized feedback on your technique and teaching
Level 1 certification to start teaching 1.1 clients
Questions about the training or programmes? Simply reply to this email—I'd love to hear from you.