Physiotherapy for Headache Pain in Auckland
Headaches are draining, especially when they keep coming back and start affecting your everyday life. At Cairnhill Physiotherapy, treating headaches is a big part of what we do, with a focus on the neck, posture and muscle tension behind your symptoms. You can book online with no GP referral needed, free parking available onsite.
Alternatively, request an appointment using the form below.
Our Headache Physiotherapists
Headache treatment is a specific area of clinical focus for Harley Matthews, our senior physiotherapist and director, who holds a postgraduate certificate in Western acupuncture alongside his sports and musculoskeletal training.
Harley Matthews
Senior Physiotherapist & Director
Specialisations
• Sports Injuries
• Occupational Injuries
• Headache Treatment
• Musculoskeletal Injuries
Common Headache Types We Treat
Not every headache has the same cause, and working out which type you're dealing with shapes how we treat it. Here are some of the headache types and patterns we see most often at our Epsom clinic.
Tension-type headaches
Often felt as a tight band or dull pressure around the head, which can start with tension in the neck or shoulders and build as the day goes on.
Migraine-related neck tension
Migraine is usually one-sided, throbbing pain that can last hours to days, often with nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines are primarily managed medically, but neck and shoulder tension can contribute to how it feels, physiotherapy can be used alongside your GP's care.
Headaches from poor posture and desk-based work
Tightness through the neck and shoulders from long periods at a desk or on a screen.
Headaches following whiplash or a neck injury
Headaches that develop or worsen after a head or neck injury.
Why Choose Cairnhill Physiotherapy?
As a headache physiotherapist, our focus at Cairnhill is on finding out why your headaches are happening, not simply easing the pain in the moment.
Early and extended clinic hours
We're open 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, so ongoing headache treatment doesn't have to mean taking time off work for every appointment.
Treatment built around your triggers
We look at your posture, workstation setup, sleep and muscle tension together, rather than treating each headache as a one-off. Understanding what's setting them off is what helps stop them coming back.
Physio-led acupuncture
Our physiotherapists offer acupuncture to Auckland patients, treating conditions including headaches, neck pain and sciatica.
No referral required
As an ACC accredited physiotherapy provider, you can book directly without a referral from your GP. If your headaches are linked to an accident, such as whiplash or a head injury, we can lodge an ACC claim to cover treatment for that injury.
Our Headache Physiotherapy Services
Treating headaches effectively usually means combining a few different approaches, depending on what's causing them. Your physiotherapist will talk you through which of the following are likely to help at your first appointment.
Manual Therapy & Joint Mobilisation
Hands-on techniques to ease stiffness in the upper neck joints and restore normal movement.
Acupuncture & Dry Needling
Used to help reduce muscle tightness and pain, particularly for tension headache physio and cervicogenic headache physio treatment.
Postural and workstation advice
Practical guidance on desk setup and daily habits to help reduce the strain that can trigger or worsen headaches.
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
A structured assessment of the muscles, joints and nerves in your neck and upper back that may be contributing to your headaches.
Taping techniques
Used alongside manual therapy to support muscles and joints while they settle.
Strengthening programmes
Targeted exercises to strengthen weakened muscles that may be causing others to be overworked, which can otherwise keep triggering headaches.
Book A Headache Physiotherapy Session Today
Getting the right care at the right time can change everything. If you’re struggling with a new injury, persistent pain, or want help improving performance safely, now is the time to act. Book your initial consultation at Cairnhill Physiotherapy and get the expert support you need to recover, move well, and stay active.