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Find relief for several types of headache with physiotherapy today.
Migraine Treatment
Physiotherapy for Headache or Migraine Treatment
Headaches and migraines have the ability to greatly affect the quality of life for frequent sufferers, making the most basic of everyday activities, such as work or socialising, a major struggle.
At Eastside Physio + Co, we regularly see people with headaches such as migraines, hormonal or menstrual migraines, tension-type headaches, chronic headaches, and sinus-related headaches. The root cause of headaches can be complex, so our headache therapist will work closely with you to ensure the best possible outcome.
4 Stages of Migraine Treatment:
1.
Examination
The initial consultation aims to unpack the history and symptoms of your head pain as well as an in-depth physical examination to determine the cause of your pain.
2.
Education
A fundamental part of managing headaches is for you to understand the cause of your pain and the best path forward.
3.
Treatment
Treatment is individual to you and your needs, however you can expect both hands on techniques and specific exercises targeting a region of the brainstem known as the headache centre.
4.
Self Care
We’ll work with you to develop a plan for self management for long term outcomes.
Our goal is to return you to living life comfortably and doing the things you love.
What Types of Headache Can Benefit from Physiotherapy?
There are many types of headaches, and physiotherapy may be helpful in treating those that fall under the “primary headache” umbrella. What this means is that the pain in your head is the actual condition and has not been triggered by something else (such as an illness or allergies).
Common headaches we treat include:
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Cervicogenic Headaches - which occur due to a neck or jaw problem, poor posture, fatigue, or stress. The upper cervical spine (neck joints, tight muscles, and/or sensitised nerves) tends to be responsible.
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Tension-Type Headaches - which usually occur due to stress and anxiety, tiredness, not eating regularly, dehydration, and lack of physical activity.
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Migraines - these include hormonal, vestibular, and menstrual. There are a number of theories as to the cause of migraines (such as genetic predisposition and vascular system), but nothing concrete.
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Cluster Headaches - which may be triggered by food, stress or hormonal changes. It has been suggested that they are linked to abnormalities in the body’s biological clock, but the exact cause is unknown.
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Chronic Daily Headaches - this refers to a person who experiences headaches at least 15 days per month. It’s a broad term that can apply to any number of headache and migraine types.
At Eastside Physio + Co, patients are thoroughly assessed to determine what type of headache or migraine they’re experiencing to ensure the appropriate headache treatment is taken.
What to Expect from Physiotherapy for
Headache or Migraine Treatment
A fully qualified physiotherapist aims to determine the type of headache or migraine you’re experiencing, as well as get to the root cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan to suit.
A treatment plan with Eastside may involve:
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An explanation of the physiotherapist’s findings during your initial assessment (helping you to make sense of your headaches)
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Advice regarding any lifestyle changes you may need to make (such as headache triggers to avoid, physical activity, and sleep)
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Use of manual therapy and exercises to improve neck mobility
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Addressing any muscle weakness in the neck, upper back and/or shoulder girdle that may be contributing to your headaches
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Advice regarding any modifications needed for daily activities, workstations, sleep positions, and exercise to assist with recovery
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Stress management strategies
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Preventative strategies for reducing the intensity of migraines (particularly those associated with neck and jaw pain)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of a cervicogenic headache?
These types of headaches usually occur to one side of the neck and head - it will generally be painful and sensitive when you push into the affected area. Muscle spasms and tightness often begin at the back of the head, but may spread across the head and behind or above the eyes. These headaches are also aggravated by movement (so turning, looking up or down can make them more painful).
What are the symptoms of a tension-type headache?
These types of headache are usually more mild to moderate in intensity and are often described as a dull, aching sensation on both sides of the head. There may also be tenderness around the neck, forehead, scalp, and shoulder girdle muscles. These headaches are not usually affected by movement and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to seven days.
What are the symptoms of a migraine?
These types of headache are usually one-sided and are moderate to severe in intensity. They may be accompanied by other symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, dizziness, tingling in the hands and/or feet, and difficulty speaking). These headaches can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours and can occur with or without an aura (a set of sensations a person experiences just before the onset of a migraine).
What are the symptoms of a cluster headache?
These types of headache occur on one side of the face, with sharp pain around or behind the eye. They can be very severe in intensity and may be accompanied by other symptoms on the same side of the face (such as a red and weepy eye, droopy or swollen eyelid, runny or blocked nose, and sweaty skin). These headaches can last 15 minutes to three hours.
Why Choose Eastside?
Tailored Treatment Plans
To ensure that we provide individual treatment for you, our team tailor plans around your specific injury, circumstances, and goals. We take pride in finding the best path to recovery for each person we see.
Trusted Local Physios
With more than 6,300 clients treated in the last six years, we have quickly become the most trusted local physio and allied health practice in the area. Come and see what all the fuss is about - book an appointment today.
Fully Qualified Team
Our team is made up of a number of highly trained physiotherapists who focus on a variety of areas, from women’s health to sporting injuries. This ensures we aim to assist with any problem you may be experiencing.
What is the Watson-Headache Approach?
The Watson-Headache treatment is a manual methodology and protocol for examining and managing the upper cervical spine in headache and migraine conditions.
A trained physiotherapist will aim to determine if your headaches or migraines are being caused by your neck by reproducing and reducing your symptoms within a controlled session.
Curious About Physiotherapy as a
Migraine or Headache Treatment?
It’s important to remember that not all physiotherapists are trained in headache management - choosing a clinic with experienced practitioners is key.
At Eastside Physio + Co, we don’t believe that anyone should suffer in silence. If you are experiencing headaches or migraines that are increasing in frequency, intensity, and/or are impacting your quality of life, book an appointment with us today to investigate whether physiotherapy may be an option for you.