Trigger Point Series: Temporalis Muscle – Could Your Headache Actually Be Muscle Tension?

Do You Frequently Get Temple Headaches?

If you often feel aching around your temples, forehead, or even your upper teeth, the problem may not always be your head—it could be your temporalis muscle.

The temporalis is one of the main chewing muscles located on the sides of your head. When it develops trigger points, it can refer pain to areas that many people mistake for migraines, sinus headaches, or dental problems.

Where Is the Temporalis Muscle?

The temporalis is a broad, fan-shaped muscle located above the ears on both sides of the skull.

It helps you:

• Close your jaw

• Chew food

• Bite down

• Stabilize the jaw joint (TMJ)

Because we use this muscle every day, it can easily become overworked.

Common Symptoms of Temporalis Trigger Points

Trigger points in the temporalis muscle may cause:

✅ Pain at the temples

✅ Headaches above the eyes

✅ Forehead pain

✅ Jaw soreness

✅ Pain while chewing

✅ Upper tooth pain without a dental problem

Some people also experience:

• Morning headaches

• Jaw fatigue

• Clenching or grinding teeth

• Tenderness around the temples

• Clicking or discomfort in the TMJ

Because headaches and tooth pain can have many causes, persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional or dentist.

What Causes Temporalis Trigger Points?

Common causes include:

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)

• Jaw clenching due to stress

• Chewing gum for long periods

• Excessive chewing on one side

• Poor head and neck posture

• TMJ dysfunction

• Previous injury to the jaw or side of the head

Stress is one of the biggest contributors, as many people unknowingly clench their jaw throughout the day.

Simple Temporalis Stretch

This gentle exercise may help relax the temporalis muscle.

Step 1

Place your fingertips lightly over both temples.

Step 2

Slowly open your mouth as wide as comfortable.

Step 3

While exhaling, gently glide your fingertips upward along the temporalis muscle.

Hold the stretch for 20–30 seconds.

Repeat 3–5 times.

Do not force your jaw open. Stop if you experience sharp pain or jaw locking.

Self-Care Tips

You may also find relief by:

• Applying a warm compress to the temples

• Limiting gum chewing

• Avoiding jaw clenching

• Practicing stress management

• Taking frequent breaks during computer work

Maintaining good posture

How Massage Therapy Can Help

Registered Massage Therapists can assess whether the temporalis muscle is contributing to your symptoms.

Treatment may include:

• Trigger Point Therapy

• Therapeutic Massage

• Myofascial Release

• TMJ muscle release (when appropriate)

• Neck and shoulder treatment

• Home stretching advice

Many clients notice less jaw tension, fewer headaches, and improved relaxation after treatment.

When Should You Seek Professional Advice?

Consult a healthcare provider or dentist if you have:

• Severe or sudden headaches

• Persistent tooth pain

• Jaw locking

• Difficulty opening your mouth

• Swelling around the jaw

• Headaches that continue despite self-care

Visit Tsingtao Wellness Spa

At Tsingtao Wellness Spa, our Registered Massage Therapists provide personalized treatments to help relieve muscle tension throughout the head, jaw, neck, and shoulders.

If headaches or jaw tightness are affecting your daily life, we're here to help you Relax. Recover. Renew.