Headaches, neck pain, and jaw pain might seem like separate problems. In reality, these conditions are often connected through the complex relationship between the cervical spine, joints, and surrounding muscles.
At the Headache, Neck & Jaw Clinic, our physiotherapists regularly see patients whose headaches are driven by neck dysfunction, or whose jaw pain is influenced by tension and restriction in the cervical spine. Treating these conditions often requires a more holistic approach and specialised physiotherapy techniques designed to restore normal movement and get you back to pain-free living.
One technique we commonly use is called Muscle Energy Technique (MET).
What Is Muscle Energy Technique?
Muscle Energy Technique is a form of manual therapy our team uses to improve movement and reduce musculoskeletal pain. Unlike many passive treatments where the physiotherapist does all the work, MET is an active technique. That means you get involved in your own treatment by gently contracting specific muscles while we provide controlled resistance or guide the movement.
These brief, gentle contractions help relax tight muscles and allow restricted joints to move more freely. Over time, this can restore normal function and reduce pain.
MET was originally developed in osteopathic medicine and is now widely used in physiotherapy as part of modern manual therapy approaches. At our clinics, Muscle Energy Technique is often combined with approaches such as the McKenzie Method or the Watson Headache Approach to give you the best chance of long-term success.
How Muscle Energy Technique Works
Muscle Energy Technique works by using your body’s own neurological reflexes to relax tight muscles and improve joint mobility.
During treatment, we position the affected joint or muscle at a specific point of restriction. You’ll then be asked to gently contract the muscle against resistance for a few seconds. Once the contraction stops, the muscle naturally relaxes, and we can move the joint slightly further into its range.
The goal is to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness in the affected area.
The Important Connection Between the Neck, Jaw and Head
One of the reasons our team specialises in head, neck, and jaw conditions is that these regions function as a connected system rather than separate structures. The upper cervical spine shares neurological pathways with the jaw and face, so dysfunction in one region can easily influence the others.
For example:
- Neck stiffness can contribute to headaches
- Jaw dysfunction can trigger neck tension
- Poor posture can overload both the neck and jaw muscles
This is why our comprehensive physiotherapy approach assesses and treats all three areas together rather than focusing on a single symptom.
Why We Use Muscle Energy Technique
At the HNJ Clinic, we focus on evidence-based physiotherapy techniques specifically suited to head, neck and jaw conditions. Muscle Energy Technique is one of several tools we use because it encourages active participation during treatment and helps restore natural movement patterns. It’s a way to reduce muscle tension without aggressive manipulation that can cause more problems.
What to Expect from an Assessment at the HNJ Clinic
Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
Your visit to the HNJ Clinic begins with a thorough assessment to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. Our physiotherapists take the time to listen to you first before looking at pain patterns, movement, and muscle function to determine the root cause of your pain.
Personalised Treatment Plans
Based on your assessment, we create a treatment plan tailored to your condition. This may include targeted manual therapy, muscle release techniques, and specific exercises designed to restore movement and improve function.
Tracking Progress
Your physiotherapist will monitor how your symptoms respond to treatment and adjust your plan as needed. Many patients notice early improvements in pain or movement within the first few sessions.
When Other Specialists May Be Involved
If your condition requires additional care, we may work alongside other health professionals such as dentists or GPs to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment.
Find Lasting Relief From Headaches and Neck Pain
Muscle Energy Technique can help relieve your headaches and get rid of neck pain, but it’s just one of the many tools we use to help our patients on their journey to pain-free living.
We use techniques like MET as part of a comprehensive approach to treating complex head, neck and jaw conditions. By identifying the underlying causes of pain, our treatment can provide lasting relief.
If you’re struggling with recurring headaches, neck stiffness, or jaw pain, we can help. Book an assessment with our specialists to help uncover the source of your problem and find a solution.
Nigel Smith, co-founder of The Headache, Neck & Jaw Clinic, has over 20 years of experience as a specialist physiotherapist in jaw, neck, and headache pain management. Initially pursuing sports physiotherapy, Nigel found his true calling in TMJ treatment following a chance encounter with an oral surgeon.
His personal experience with TMJ issues and his dedication to developing conservative treatment pathways have made him a go-to expert for Dentists and oral surgeons seeking alternatives to surgical options.
Nigel’s commitment to excellence includes advanced training with the Watson Headache® Institute and lecturing at the University of Queensland. His expertise, backed by decades of hands-on practice and training, makes him a respected leader in this niche field. You can read more about my background, here.