TMJ, Jaw Tension & Pelvic Floor Hypertonicity: The Less Talked-About Areas Where Bodywork for Women Shines

There are certain types of pain and tension that women learn to quietly live with.The tight jaw that aches at night.The pressure in the hips that never quite goes away.The tension in the pelvis that no one talks about, yet, affects everything about how you move, breathe, and even rest.

These are not “minor” issues. They’re part of your body’s story and they deserve attention, understanding, and care.

When the Jaw and Pelvis Are in Conversation

The jaw and pelvis may seem worlds apart, but they are deeply connected through the body’s fascial network and the nervous system. When one area tightens, the other often responds.

If you clench your jaw under stress, it’s common for the pelvic floor to contract as well — a protective response the body uses to brace and hold tension. Over time, this can lead to:

• TMJ pain and headaches

• Pelvic discomfort or pain

• Core tightness or shallow breathing

• Difficulty fully relaxing, even at rest

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The result? A body that’s always “on,” guarding itself, even when it wants to feel safe.

Understanding Pelvic Floor Hypertonicity

We often hear about the importance of “strengthening” the pelvic floor, but few conversations mention the opposite issue, a pelvic floor that’s too tight.

Pelvic floor hypertonicity means the muscles are holding more tension than they should. It can contribute to:

• Pain or discomfort during intimacy

• Urgency or frequency with urination

• Hip or lower back tension

• A feeling of internal pressure or restriction

These patterns can be physical, emotional, or both. Many women hold tension in the pelvis as a response to stress, trauma, or simply the pressures of daily life.

How Bodywork Supports Release and Balance

Gentle, integrative therapies like craniosacral therapy and reiki, offer a way to help these areas reconnect and soften without force.

Through light touch and nervous system support, the body is invited to release old holding patterns, restoring fluid movement between the jaw, diaphragm, and pelvic floor. As the body unwinds, clients often notice:

• A softer jaw and easier breathing

• Relief from pelvic or lower back tension

• Improved posture and emotional ease

• A sense of calm and safety within the body

  
  

These are small but profound shifts — signs that the body is remembering what balance feels like.

Why This Work Matters

For women, these “quiet” areas like the jaw and pelvis, are often where we store stress, unspoken emotion, and self-protection. They are also gateways to our expression, creativity, and grounding.

When bodywork helps these spaces feel safe again, the effects ripple outward: more ease, better sleep, fewer headaches, and a deeper connection to yourself.

At Balanced Bodyworks, our approach honours the whole person, body, mind, and energy, with gentle therapies that help your system release, recalibrate, and return to balance.

Your body doesn’t need to fight itself to heal. Sometimes, all it needs is a safe space to let go. 

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