How physiotherapy can help with ear pain

Lisa Eisfeld
August 27, 2025

Ear pain, ear blockage, pressure, or tinnitus are symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

These symptoms are typically assessed initially by healthcare professionals such as General Practitioners (GPs), Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists, or Audiologists. Once common causes such as infections, nerve entrapments, structural abnormalities, or earwax buildup have been ruled out, a musculoskeletal assessment by a specialised Neck, Jaw, and Orofacial Physiotherapist can be a valuable next step.

How Does a Physiotherapist Approach Ear Symptoms?

To assess the causes of your ear symptoms and to determine whether physiotherapy can help with ear pain, a physiotherapist will first conduct a thorough musculoskeletal assessment. 

1. Musculoskeletal Assessment

Physiotherapists assess key anatomical structures that are closely related in terms of function and biomechanics, including:

  • The temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
     
  • The upper cervical spine (C0–C2)
     
  • The suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull
  • The 1 rib and its muscle attachments
     

These regions are interconnected. For example, jaw-stabilising muscles affect the TMJ, and dysfunction in the upper cervical spine can refer pain to the ear. Similarly, overuse or strain in head-stabilising muscles can load nearby structures such as the jaw and ear, potentially triggering or worsening symptoms.

A forward head posture (FHP) can contribute to muscle overload, worsen bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), and cause restrictions in the upper cervical spine. These changes may be a key driver of symptoms such as tinnitus. Correcting head and jaw posture can help relieve strain, reduce symptoms, and support long-term recovery.

2. Symptom Relief Over Time

Anatomical structures that are involved can refer pain to the ear, often presenting as discomfort, earache, or tinnitus. Physiotherapy addresses and treats these with hands-on techniques like manual therapy, as well as muscle release work to offload the involved structures and to relieve the ear area. Specific exercises to correct the head forward posture and strengthen the stabilising of the muscles can provide significant relief from symptoms over time.

This approach not only helps relieve physical symptoms such as earache and pain but also gives patients a better understanding of their condition. By identifying and addressing musculoskeletal triggers, patients better understand the origin of their symptoms, which can reduce anxiety and enhance overall symptom management.

If you are suffering from ear pain where common causes have been ruled out, book an initial consultation with the Headache, Neck and Jaw Clinic. Our specialist physiotherapists can conduct a thorough assessment and develop a treatment plan to help resolve your ear pain.