The Dental Physio Podcast

Simon Coghlan

Bite-sized expert advice from the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Join expert physiotherapists Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll to explore orofacial pain, TMD, headaches, bruxism, and more. Visit us at www.sunshinecoastdentalphysio.com.au About Your Hosts Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll are highly experienced physiotherapists with over 50 years of combined clinical practice. Specialising in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), headaches, and orofacial pain, Simon and Lorraine bring world-class expertise to the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, drawn from backgrounds working with elite athletes, performers, and in university teaching. With Master’s degrees in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, advanced training in medical acupuncture, and leadership roles in professional education, they combine evidence-based care with a practical, down-to-earth approach. Their goal is to make complex issues around jaw pain, headaches, and dental-related conditions clear, relatable, and useful for both patients and professionals. Disclaimer The Dental Physio Podcast provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health care professional for any concerns about your health, and never ignore or delay professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast.

  1. May 19

    Facial Pain, Jaw Pain and the Nervous System: What People Often Miss

    Jaw pain, facial pain, headaches, tooth pressure, ear symptoms, and other forms of orofacial pain do not always come just from the jaw itself. In this episode, Simon Coghlan from Dental Physio on the Sunshine Coast explains how stress, poor sleep, clenching, and nervous system sensitisation can keep pain going, and why effective treatment often needs to address both the jaw and the wider system.   About Your Hosts Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll are highly experienced physiotherapists with over 50 years of combined clinical practice. Specialists in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), headaches, and orofacial pain, they bring world-class expertise to the Sunshine Coast from backgrounds working with elite athletes, performers, and in university teaching. With Master’s degrees in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, advanced training in medical acupuncture, and leadership roles in professional education, Simon and Lorraine combine evidence-based care with a practical, down-to-earth approach. Their goal: to make complex issues around jaw pain, headaches, and dental-related conditions clear, relatable, and useful for both patients and professionals. Disclaimer The Dental Physio Podcast provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health care professional for any concerns about your health, and never ignore or delay professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast.

    5 min
  2. Apr 22

    Why You Wake with Jaw Pain: The Sleep and TMJ Link

    Morning jaw pain, facial tightness, temple headaches, and a bite that feels off on waking can all point to overnight jaw loading. In this episode, Simon Coghlan from Dental Physio on the Sunshine Coast explains how sleep bruxism, poor sleep, airway issues, and existing TMJ overload can combine to drive morning symptoms and outlines a calm, conservative treatment approach.   About Your Hosts Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll are highly experienced physiotherapists with over 50 years of combined clinical practice. Specialists in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), headaches, and orofacial pain, they bring world-class expertise to the Sunshine Coast from backgrounds working with elite athletes, performers, and in university teaching. With Master’s degrees in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, advanced training in medical acupuncture, and leadership roles in professional education, Simon and Lorraine combine evidence-based care with a practical, down-to-earth approach. Their goal: to make complex issues around jaw pain, headaches, and dental-related conditions clear, relatable, and useful for both patients and professionals.   Disclaimer The Dental Physio Podcast provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health care professional for any concerns about your health, and never ignore or delay professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast.

    4 min
  3. Mar 12

    Jaw Clicking and Hormones: The TMJ Link That May Be Missed

    Jaw clicking, popping, or the feeling that your jaw might lock can be unsettling, and for some people symptoms seem to flare at hormonally dynamic times. It may be painless, or it may come with headaches, facial tension, jaw tightness, or aching near the ear. In this episode, Simon Coghlan from Dental Physiotherapy on the Sunshine Coast explains why jaw clicking happens, how the disc inside the TMJ can slip and recapture, and how hormones and connective tissue can be a contributing factor, especially for women. He also outlines what a typical treatment plan looks like, including jaw and neck assessment, hands-on treatment, retraining to reduce clenching and constant checking behaviours, and adjuncts such as medical acupuncture which includes the dry needling technique, plus options like therapeutic ultrasound or low level laser therapy.   About Your Hosts Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll are highly experienced physiotherapists with over 50 years of combined clinical practice. Specialists in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), headaches, and orofacial pain, they bring world-class expertise to the Sunshine Coast from backgrounds working with elite athletes, performers, and in university teaching. With Master’s degrees in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, advanced training in medical acupuncture, and leadership roles in professional education, Simon and Lorraine combine evidence-based care with a practical, down-to-earth approach. Their goal: to make complex issues around jaw pain, headaches, and dental-related conditions clear, relatable, and useful for both patients and professionals.   Disclaimer The Dental Physio Podcast provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health care professional for any concerns about your health, and never ignore or delay professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast.

    5 min
  4. Feb 16

    The Jaw-Eye Connection: Why Your Eyes May Feel Off

    Eye pressure, eye twitching, temple headaches, or blurred vision that comes and goes can sometimes be linked to jaw and neck overload, even when an eye exam is normal. Jaw pain, clenching, headaches, and neck tension often sit in the background. In this episode, Simon Coghlan from Dental Physiotherapy on the Sunshine Coast explains how TMD can drive eye area symptoms through shared nerve pathways and referred pain. He covers common triggers like posture, screen time, and stress, plus a clear, conservative plan that may include hands-on physiotherapy, rehab, habit change, medical acupuncture which includes the dry needling technique, and electrotherapy options such as therapeutic ultrasound or low level laser therapy.   About Your Hosts Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll are highly experienced physiotherapists with over 50 years of combined clinical practice. Specialists in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), headaches, and orofacial pain, they bring world-class expertise to the Sunshine Coast from backgrounds working with elite athletes, performers, and in university teaching. With Master’s degrees in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, advanced training in medical acupuncture, and leadership roles in professional education, Simon and Lorraine combine evidence-based care with a practical, down-to-earth approach. Their goal: to make complex issues around jaw pain, headaches, and dental-related conditions clear, relatable, and useful for both patients and professionals.   Disclaimer The Dental Physio Podcast provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health care professional for any concerns about your health, and never ignore or delay professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast.

    5 min
  5. Jan 22

    Sleep, Snoring and the Jaw

    Loud snoring, breathing pauses during sleep, waking up tired, morning headaches, jaw pain, or feeling worn out during the day can all be signs of obstructive sleep apnoea. Sometimes, jaw pain, clenching, or trouble using CPAP or a mandibular splint are also present. In this episode, Simon Coghlan from Dental Physiotherapy on the Sunshine Coast talks about how obstructive sleep apnoea and jaw problems can overlap. He explains how physiotherapy can work alongside medical treatment. You will hear about how jaw and neck muscle tension can make sleep worse, how TMJ pain can make splint use difficult, and how physiotherapy and medical acupuncture may help with comfort and sticking to treatment. This episode is for anyone dealing with sleep apnoea along with jaw pain, headaches, clenching, or facial tension. It is also for those looking for a straightforward, coordinated way to improve sleep and long-term health. About Your Hosts Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll are highly experienced physiotherapists with over 50 years of combined clinical practice. Specialists in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), headaches, and orofacial pain, they bring world-class expertise to the Sunshine Coast from backgrounds working with elite athletes, performers, and in university teaching. With Master’s degrees in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, advanced training in medical acupuncture, and leadership roles in professional education, Simon and Lorraine combine evidence-based care with a practical, down-to-earth approach. Their goal: to make complex issues around jaw pain, headaches, and dental-related conditions clear, relatable, and useful for both patients and professionals.   Disclaimer The Dental Physio Podcast provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health care professional for any concerns about your health, and never ignore or delay professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast.

    5 min
  6. 12/12/2025

    When Your Ears Feel Sore but Tests Are Normal

    When ear tests are normal but your symptoms are not, the jaw is often the missing link. In this episode, Simon Coghlan explains how TMJ dysfunction (TMD) can create ear fullness, ringing, pain, dizziness and that lingering “off balance” feeling. You’ll hear why these symptoms are so often overlooked, how jaw and neck mechanics influence the ear, and what a proper TMJ assessment should include.    About Your Hosts Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll are experienced physiotherapists with over 50 years of combined clinical practice. Specialists in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), headaches, and orofacial pain, they bring world-class expertise to the Sunshine Coast from backgrounds working with elite athletes, performers, and in university teaching. With Master’s degrees in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, advanced training in medical acupuncture, and leadership roles in professional education, Simon and Lorraine combine evidence-based care with a practical, down-to-earth approach. Their goal: to make complex issues around jaw pain, headaches, and dental-related conditions clear, relatable, and useful for both patients and professionals.   Disclaimer The Dental Physio Podcast provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health care professional for any concerns about your health, and never ignore or delay professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast.

    5 min
  7. 11/12/2025

    How Physiotherapy Restores the Jaw

    Jaw pain, stiffness, and clicking can affect far more than how we chew or speak. They can influence sleep, posture, and daily comfort. In this episode, physiotherapist Simon Coghlan explores how targeted physiotherapy can ease pain and restore normal jaw function. From manual therapy and dry needling to exercises, education, and laser therapy, he explains the hands-on and evidence-based approaches that ease pain, improve movement, and prevent recurrence. Discover how understanding and retraining the system, rather than just treating symptoms, can help your jaw move freely and confidently again.   About Your Hosts Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll are experienced physiotherapists with over 50 years of combined clinical practice. Specialists in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), headaches, and orofacial pain, they bring world-class expertise to the Sunshine Coast from backgrounds working with elite athletes, performers, and in university teaching. With Master’s degrees in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, advanced training in medical acupuncture, and leadership roles in professional education, Simon and Lorraine combine evidence-based care with a practical, down-to-earth approach. Their goal: to make complex issues around jaw pain, headaches, and dental-related conditions clear, relatable, and useful for both patients and professionals.   Disclaimer The Dental Physio Podcast provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health care professional for any concerns about your health, and never ignore or delay professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast.

    5 min
  8. 11/04/2025

    The Buzzing Mystery: Tinnitus and the Jaw Connection

    That constant ringing, buzzing, or whistling in the ears — tinnitus — can feel like a bit of a mystery with no clear cause. But for some people, the answer lies closer than expected: in the jaw. In this episode, expert physiotherapist Simon Coghlan explores the relationship between tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). He explains how tension in the jaw and surrounding muscles can alter the way we perceive sound, and why addressing these links through physiotherapy, relaxation, and self-management can help ease both the noise and the stress it brings. Discover how gentle, evidence-based care can quiet the system and restore a sense of calm, from the ears down to the jaw. About Your Hosts Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll are experienced physiotherapists with over 50 years of combined clinical practice. Specialists in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), headaches, and orofacial pain, they bring world-class expertise to the Sunshine Coast from backgrounds working with elite athletes, performers, and in university teaching. With Master’s degrees in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, advanced training in medical acupuncture, and leadership roles in professional education, Simon and Lorraine combine evidence-based care with a practical, down-to-earth approach. Their goal: to make complex issues around jaw pain, headaches, and dental-related conditions clear, relatable, and useful for both patients and professionals. Disclaimer The Dental Physio Podcast provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health care professional for any concerns about your health, and never ignore or delay professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast.

    5 min

About

Bite-sized expert advice from the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Join expert physiotherapists Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll to explore orofacial pain, TMD, headaches, bruxism, and more. Visit us at www.sunshinecoastdentalphysio.com.au About Your Hosts Simon Coghlan and Lorraine Carroll are highly experienced physiotherapists with over 50 years of combined clinical practice. Specialising in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), headaches, and orofacial pain, Simon and Lorraine bring world-class expertise to the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, drawn from backgrounds working with elite athletes, performers, and in university teaching. With Master’s degrees in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, advanced training in medical acupuncture, and leadership roles in professional education, they combine evidence-based care with a practical, down-to-earth approach. Their goal is to make complex issues around jaw pain, headaches, and dental-related conditions clear, relatable, and useful for both patients and professionals. Disclaimer The Dental Physio Podcast provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health care professional for any concerns about your health, and never ignore or delay professional advice because of something you hear on this podcast.

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