Headache and Migraine
Gain pain relief with physiotherapy targeted at headaches and migraines.
One of the leading type of headaches is Cervicogenic Headaches, which refers to headaches caused by neck, and often postural factors. Physiotherapy is the leading treatment option for these types of headaches especially.
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The Impact of Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and migraines are common issues, and most people experience one or both at one time or another during their lifetime. They can cause symptoms that range from mild to severe and can impact daily life to varying degrees depending on their nature, cause, and longevity. Headaches and migraines can lead to reduced functionality, which can affect your overall well-being and quality of life.
There are many reasons why you may experience a headache or migraine. These range from structural, medical, and mental health factors to lifestyle and environmental aspects. Seeking professional help can be advantageous to gain a thorough assessment and reliable advice. Physiotherapy has the potential to be beneficial to many people because it can target many of the common underlying causes.
Headaches and migraines may be a common occurrence, but this does not mean you should put up with them. Rather than pushing through or reaching for medication, explore your options with an experienced physio who is trained in assessing and managing headaches and migraines.
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What are Headaches and Migraines?
Many people place headaches and migraines into the same category. However, they are different types of head pain and differ in characteristics, intensity, and causes.
Headaches are often described as generalised pain, which can be mild or moderate in intensity and last from a brief period to several hours. There are many causes, such as dehydration, eye strain, stress, illness, hormonal changes, poor posture, and certain foods. When it comes to headaches that may respond well to physiotherapy, there are two main categories: tension and cervicogenic headaches.
Migraines are generally more severe than headaches, and not everyone will experience them. Along with intense, throbbing head pain, which is often on one side of the head, there are other symptoms that can accompany migraines. They can last for hours or days and vary in frequency.
Tension Headache
Head pain that is bilateral and steady and feels like dull pressure against or within your head is often a tension headache. This type is typically related to muscle tension, poor posture, or stress.
Cervicogenic Headache
The pain associated with this form of headache generally originates in the neck region and radiates to the head. It is often unilateral and may be worsened by certain actions, injuries, or postures.
Migraine
Unilateral, throbbing pain can be linked to migraines. This is typically joined by other symptoms, such as auras, light or noise sensitivity, nausea, or vomiting. Migraines may be triggered by factors such as hormones, smells, foods, and stress, and there is often a familial link. They can be debilitating for some people.
Symptoms of Headaches and Migraines
Symptoms that are associated with headaches and migraines differ from person to person and depend of the type and cause. Some symptoms may include:
- Head discomfort, such as dull, sharp, throbbing, or aching pain.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Fatigue.
- Disturbed vision.
- Noise and light sensitivity.
- Muscle and joint tightness in the shoulder and neck areas.
- Mood changes.
- Reduced functionality.
Physiotherapy for Headaches and Migraines
Did you know that physiotherapy is the leading, non-pharmacological treatment for acute and chronic headaches and migraines? The methods that physiotherapists employ may be highly beneficial for many people because of many of the underlying factors and causes involved. Physio techniques can often be particularly helpful for cervicogenic headaches due to the structural factors related to the neck.
Our experienced and dedicated physiotherapists will undertake a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and history and discuss your goals and requirements with you. This will typically include a hands-on analysis to identify potential causes. We will then develop a personalised plan that addresses the underlying causes to reduce the occurrence of your headaches or migraines.
Your treatment plan will involve a physiotherapy approach specific to your symptoms and the cause of your problem. Some options may include:
- Trigger point therapy.
- Deep tissue massage.
- Dry needling.
- Mobilisation of the neck or jaw
- Neck stretches and exercises.
- Postural education.
- Ergonomic advice.
- Exercise program development.
- Clinical Pilates.
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Headache and Migraine Frequently Asked Questions
Your head pain may be caused by neck issues, which is useful to know for appropriate treatment. Your physio will assess the strength, flexibility, and joint mobility in your neck region. They will examine you for structural issues such as tightness in the muscle flexors or misaligned cervical spine joints. If your neck does not seem to be impacting your pain, your physio will explore other options, such as stress and posture.
The regularity and number of physio sessions required to improve your headaches or migraines is dependent on the cause, your symptoms, your overall health, and your response to physiotherapy. Some people may experience almost immediate relief, while others may require regular ‘tune-ups’. We will assess your progress and discuss with you what may be involved.
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Why Choose Ace Allied Health for Headache and Migraine Management?
Our knowledgeable team is dedicated to helping you find relief and reach your goals. We provide comprehensive care so that you can get back to the things you love to do sooner.
Personalised Treatment
Headaches and migraines are different for everyone, which means a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. We provide care that is specific to your needs and goals.
Multi-disciplinary Team
Our diverse team take a range of diagnostic, treatment, and management approaches. This means you can access care that is tailored to your specific requirements.
High-Quality Service
It is important to us to deliver care based on up-to-date, evidence-based technology and knowledge. We continuously develop our skills and experience and utilise modern resources to provide the care you deserve.
Ace Allied Health for Headache and Migraine Support
Headaches and migraines can be frustrating and inconvenient and may even become debilitating. They can make daily life difficult, keeping you from your usual activities like social events, exercise, and work. However, in many instances, the symptoms associated with headaches and migraines may be improved with professional support.
Contact our team to organise your initial consultation, and let us help you work towards relief from headaches and migraines.
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Empowering Health and Performance
At Ace Allied Health, your well-being is our priority. No matter your age, stage of life, or lifestyle, we want to help you feel your best! Whether that’s with physiotherapy, exercise physiology, dietetics, or something else, we’re the team in your corner cheering you on to help you reach your goals. Take the first step towards a healthier and happier life by booking an appointment today.