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Migraine Physio Melbourne
Physiotherapy can reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines and headaches, particularly if there is a problem in the upper neck region. At Eastside Physio + Co in Surrey Hills, our goal is to determine whether your neck is contributing to your headaches or migraines and tailor treatment accordingly. We regularly see patients from Surrey Hills, Camberwell, Box Hill, Hawthorn, and surrounding suburbs.
How physio treats migraine and headache
Physiotherapy treats neck-related factors that can contribute to headaches and migraines, known as “cervicogenic contributors”. Physiotherapy works alongside your GP or neurologist, not instead of them. The upper cervical spine (the top three segments of your neck) shares nerve pathways with the trigeminal nucleus in the brainstem. When the upper-neck spinal joints and cervical nerves become stiff or sensitised, they can cause or even amplify head pain.
Our approach is evidence-based, with treatment tailored to reduce your pain as efficiently as possible.
Headaches and migraines we treat
01
Hormonal migraine
Migraines triggered by hormonal changes throughout the month.
05
Tension type headache
A tight sensation and pressure pain across the entire scalp region, often associated with stress.
02
Menstrual migraine
Migraines caused by the menstrual cycle. Physiotherapy for women’s health can help with some contributing factors where appropriate.
06
Chronic daily headache
A headache occurring nearly every day for several months.
03
Vestibular migraine
A migraine accompanied by a feeling of dizziness and/or imbalance.
07
Sinus related headache
Headache in the forehead and facial areas, often misdiagnosed as sinus pressure.
04
Cluster headache
A very painful headache that comes in episodes, normally just on one side and near the eye.
08
Cervicogenic headache
A headache caused by the neck.
While symptoms vary depending on the type of headache, migraines often come with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. We take all of these symptoms into account during your assessment.
Watson-Headache treatment
At Eastside Physio + Co, we use the “Watson Headache Approach” to address neck-related headaches through manual therapy. This method targets the upper neck, namely the first three cervical segments (C1 to C3), by applying a gentle and sustained level of pressure. Unlike some manual therapy techniques, the Watson Headache Approach does not involve joint manipulation or neck cracking. This helps us determine whether your neck is contributing to your headaches.
What to expect: the four stages of migraine treatment
01
Examination
Your first appointment begins with a discussion about your symptoms and headache history before a thorough assessment of the upper neck to find the underlying cause of your pain.
02
Education
You'll gain a clear understanding of what's causing your headaches, along with a plan to address them, so nothing about your treatment comes as a surprise.
03
Treatment
Hands-on techniques and specific exercises are used to reduce irritation of the upper neck structures that are linked to headache pain. Care is tailored to your specific needs, and your plan matches what the assessment finds.
04
Self care
You are given a self-management plan for long-term control, which covers both everyday factors, like sleep and stress, and the physical load on your neck, so headaches are less likely to return.
When to see a GP or neurologist instead
Call 000 for a sudden severe (thunderclap) headache, or a headache with fever, stiff neck, vomiting, confusion, weakness, vision loss, or that follows a head injury. See your GP if you develop a new headache or if your usual headaches become more frequent, more severe, or change in pattern.
A neurologist plays a key role in diagnosing migraines and prescribing preventive treatments like Botox and CGRP therapies. Physiotherapy can also address neck problems that may be contributing to your headaches or migraines. Medication choices remain under the guidance of your general practitioner or neurologist.
What you pay, and how rebates and referrals work
You can book a private physiotherapy session without the need for a referral. However, if you are looking to claim a Medicare rebate, you'll need both a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (previously known as a CDM or EPC plan) and a signed referral from your doctor. Medicare offers a rebate of $63.40 per session. This applies to up to five sessions each calendar year. Those sessions can be shared across eligible allied health providers.
If you're already on a legacy plan, it remains valid until 30 June 2027. Bulk billing is available for eligible patients under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan. We can confirm your eligibility when you book. Private health rebates can be claimed on the spot through HICAPS. We also accept WorkCover, NDIS, TAC and Home Care patients; just tell us when you book and bring documentation. See our new patient information and fee schedule.
Clinic information
Eastside Physio + Co has treated Melbourne's eastern suburbs from our Surrey Hills clinic since 2017, with more than 6,300 clients.
Address: 427 Canterbury Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3127
Phone: (03) 9836 1333
Email: info@esphysio.com.au
Referral: none needed to book. Medicare rebates need a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan.
Private health: claim on the spot via HICAPS, all major insurers.
WorkCover, TAC and NDIS clients welcome.
Parking: there are three onsite parking bays at the front of the building and two at the rear. Additional street parking is available on Canterbury Road and the adjoining streets.