How Physiotherapy Can Treat Headaches and Migraines

Headaches and migraines are a debilitating condition that affects a significant portion of the population in New Zealand. Severe headaches can result in sensitivity to light and sound, and cause nausea. While medication is one form of treatment for migraines, physiotherapy can also be an effective way to manage the symptoms and prevent future attacks. 

Headaches can occur due to sleeping poorly, increased muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders, poor posture, or after a head or neck injury. This pain may be due to nerves in the neck, muscles in the shoulders or base of the skull, or joints in the upper neck. At Cairnhill, we start by diagnosing which type of headache you are suffering from, before educating you on why it is occurring and how to manage it moving forward. 

Here are is why you should consider seeing a physiotherapist if you suffer from migraines:

Physical Therapy Techniques

We can use various joint and soft tissue mobilisations, taping techniques and acupuncture to help reduce muscle and joint tightness and stiffness and restore normal mobility to the joints to ease your pain. We also provide specialised strengthening programmes to strengthen any weakened muscles that may be causing other muscles to be overworked and can advise you on desk or workstation set-up to help alleviate any discomfort this may be causing.

Personalised Migraine Treatment

Our physiotherapists will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan based on your individual needs and symptoms. They will conduct a thorough assessment of your posture, neck mobility, and muscle tension, which are often linked to migraines. Based on their findings, they will recommend specific exercises, stretches and techniques to help relieve your pain.

Advantages of Physiotherapy as a Non-Invasive Treatment Option

Unlike medication, physiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment option that doesn’t involve taking drugs or undergoing surgery. Instead, physiotherapy focuses on natural, safe, and effective methods to manage pain and improve function. This makes it a great option for people who prefer a more holistic approach to healthcare.

Physiotherapy can prevent future migraines from occurring. By addressing the underlying causes of migraines, such as poor posture, muscle imbalances, and tension, our physiotherapists can help you make the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent migraines from happening in the first place. This can include ergonomic adjustments at work, postural exercises and stress reduction techniques.

Migraines can have a significant impact on your quality of life, causing you to miss work or social events and limiting your ability to participate in everyday activities. Physiotherapy can help improve your overall physical function and mobility, which can lead to a better quality of life. By reducing pain, improving range of motion and enhancing muscle strength, physiotherapy can help you get back to doing the things you love.

If you are suffering from headaches, get in touch with us today to book an appointment.