Targeted Treatments to Ease Headache Pain
Headaches can develop for a number of reasons, including medical conditions, illness, and stress. They are typically characterized by discomfort or pain in the head and neck region, and pain may be felt on one or both sides of the head. A migraine, on the other hand, is a specific type of headache that results in throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head that can last for several hours or days. This type of headache is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound.
Fortunately, physical therapy is a holistic and pain-free way to treat all types of headaches. By focusing on strengthening key muscle groups and helping to reduce tension, physical therapy can provide relief from acute and chronic pain associated with conditions, including migraines, post-concussion symptoms, jaw and neck pain, tension headaches, and more.
Physical therapists use methods such as massage, joint mobilization techniques, targeted stretches, strengthening exercises, and more to provide long-lasting relief from the effects of headaches. To learn more about physical therapy and headache relief, schedule a consultation with a team member today. Call us at (732) 812-5200 to begin.
How can Physical Therapy Relieve Headaches?
Physical therapy is a safe, effective method for treating headache pain. A physical therapist can assess the root cause of your headaches and provide you with an individualized treatment plan that will help address the underlying cause.
There are several treatments a physical therapist can recommend to manage headaches, including manipulating joints and soft tissue to reduce muscle tension, increasing strength and flexibility in key areas of the body, providing guidance on lifestyle changes that may decrease headache frequency and severity, and prescribing home exercises for ongoing relief. In addition, physical therapists are specially trained in postural mechanics and ergonomics, which can help identify muscle imbalances or other factors that contribute to headaches.
According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, physical therapy is a beneficial alternative to conventional treatments for neck- and headache-related disorders. This study included a cohort of 30 participants with chronic headaches and migraines, all of whom completed 8 weeks of physical therapy treatment consisting of manual therapy, education on posture and body mechanics, correction of muscle imbalances, and customized home exercises. By the end of the study, most participants reported a significant decrease in severity and frequency of their headache pain.
The Goal of Physical Therapy
Your physical therapist will work with you to reduce your headache symptoms by alleviating muscle tension, restoring joint movement, improving posture, and more. Physical therapists can help identify and modify activities that may cause or worsen existing headaches and recommend exercises to alleviate existing headaches. The goal of physical therapy is to reduce pain and improve quality of life for those living with symptoms of chronic headaches.
Our personalized treatment plans at ProFysio Physical Therapy may include any combination of the following techniques:
- Targeted stretches
- Targeted exercises
- Balance and vestibular therapy
- Posture training
- Manual therapy
- Education on proper body mechanics
With consistent dedication and commitment to the treatment program provided by your physical therapist, it is possible to minimize or even eliminate chronic headaches without the need for medications or invasive treatments. If you or a loved one needs headache relief, our team at ProFysio Physical Therapy is here to help.
Contact us today at (732) 812-5200 to schedule your consultation.