The Dental Physio Podcast

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.

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.

TMJ joint replacement sits at the far end of the treatment path, but for the right person, it can be genuinely life-changing. In this episode, Simon Coghlan breaks down what TMJ prosthetics are, when they’re considered, and what the journey looks like from surgery to long-term recovery. You’ll learn the difference between custom and stock implants, the risks and benefits, the role of physiotherapy after surgery, and how to know whether this option is worth exploring. 
 
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.

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.
 
 

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.

Botox has moved far beyond the world of cosmetics — and for some people with jaw pain, it’s recommended as a potential solution. But does it truly work? And how does it compare with physiotherapy and other conservative treatments?
In this episode, Simon Coghlan — physiotherapist and pain specialist — discusses the evidence, mechanisms, and myths surrounding Botox for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism.
From how botulinum toxin actually works to why results can vary so widely, Simon unpacks some of the science, shares clinical insights, and offers a balanced view of when (and when not) to consider injections.
You’ll also learn why addressing underlying causes such as stress, posture, and joint mechanics is important to give lasting relief — and how physiotherapy can help rebuild jaw comfort and confidence for the long term.
 
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.

Few conditions cause pain as sharp or sudden as trigeminal neuralgia — often described as an electric shock to the face. In this episode, Simon Coghlan explains what happens when the trigeminal nerve misfires, how to tell it apart from jaw-related pain, and why early diagnosis is vital. Learn about the latest imaging techniques, medications, and surgical options that can help restore comfort and control.
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.

Bite disorders, or malocclusions, affect far more than appearance — they can change how we chew, speak, and even how our jaws feel day to day. In this episode, Simon Coghlan explains the different types of bite problems, from overbites and crossbites to open bites, and the health issues they can cause if left untreated. Learn how orthodontics, surgery, and physiotherapy can help restore comfort, function, and confidence.
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.

Stress doesn’t just live in the mind — it often shows up in the jaw. In this episode, Simon Coghlan explains how stress fuels habits like clenching and grinding, how this can lead to jaw pain and temporomandibular disorders, and why the cycle of stress and pain can feel so hard to break. Learn practical ways to recognise the signs, manage the impact, and protect both your jaw and overall wellbeing.
 
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.

Chronic jaw and facial pain doesn’t always match what scans or tests reveal — and that can be confusing for patients and clinicians alike. In this episode, Simon Coghlan explains the concept of pain memory, how the nervous system can amplify and prolong pain, and why factors like stress and past experience play a role. Learn how physiotherapy, activity, and psychological support can help retrain the pain system and restore quality of life.
 
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.