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Head for Relief: How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Migraines

Physical Therapy for Migraines

Physical therapists are experts in optimizing bodily movements. They treat joint pain, problems with coordination and balance and chronic pain. Did you know that physical therapists also help people who suffer with migraines? Read all about how physical therapy for migraines addresses and manages these debilitating headaches.

What Are Migraines?

Migraines are a type of headache which affects millions of people worldwide–particularly women. Migraines can impact an individual’s quality of life, ability to perform daily tasks and stay in communication with friends and family.

Migraine headaches are characterized by very intense throbbing or pulsing pain–usually on one side of the head, at the temples and across the face and neck.

Along with the pain, people with migraines also report:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Changes in mood
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Fatigue
  • Increased appetite and thirst
  • Increased urination

Also, migraines often resolve with a number of postdrome symptoms. These can include the above gastrointestinal complaints and also dizziness and stiff neck muscles.

Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours to three (or even more) days. The intensity and frequency of migraines varies from person to person. Some individuals may get a few headaches a year while others can experience them several times a month.

Causes of Migraines

Researchers still have not discovered the exact cause of migraines. The exact cause of migraines is still not fully understood. However, they believe migraines may be caused by changes in brain chemicals and blood vessels.

Certain things can precipitate a migraine attack. These triggers can include:

  • Stress
  • Hormonal changes, especially changes during the menstrual cycle or menopause
  • Lack of quality sleep
  • Dehydration and missing meals
  • Changes in the weather
  • Certain foods (such as aged cheese, caffeine, chocolate, hot dogs and alcohol)

Plus, research suggests that genetics plays a role in whether or not you experience migraines. In other words, if family members are migraine sufferers, you are more likely to have this problem.

How Can Physical Therapy Help with Migraines?

Physical therapy can play a key role in helping individuals cope with the discomforts of migraines. Physical therapy focuses on improving mobility, strength and function through various exercises and treatment modalities. These can include massage, heat and cold therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and acupuncture.

All our physical therapy patients undergo a complete in-office evaluation to understand the extent and source of their migraine symptoms. As one of our patients, you will receive a detailed care plan which incorporates proven ways to manage migraine pain and reduce the number of headache days you experience.

One of the main benefits of physical therapy is uncovering and addressing underlying muscle tension and imbalances which may contribute to migraine symptoms. Poor posture, neck and shoulder tightness and jaw clenching all can trigger or worsen migraines.

Physical therapy for migraines can help alleviate these issues through targeted exercises and stretches which promote relaxation and proper cervical spine alignment. Cervical (neck) traction, massage and hands-on manipulation of the back of the neck can release painful tension and improve mobility.

In addition, our physical therapists provide education on proper body mechanics and ergonomics to reduce strain on the muscles and joints of the neck and shoulders. This can be especially helpful for individuals who sit at their desks or must stand for long periods of time in their workplaces.

Additionally, our therapists discuss workable lifestyle modifications to reduce migraine triggers. These may include strategies for managing stress, improving sleep habits and identifying specific foods or environmental triggers to avoid.

Physical Therapy for Migraine Relief

At the H2 Health Family, our team of experienced physical therapists work with many adult patients who struggle with the pain and discomfort of migraines. Our approach addresses the whole person–body, mind and spirit–and not just a collection of symptoms. As such, we deliver solutions which really work.

Why not learn more about how an individualized physical therapy program can help you?

Call the office team at the H2 Health Family today to book your consultation at a location nearest you by dialing (800) 699-9395 or request your visit here. We will be in touch with you shortly. Rest assured that we will work with you to find real relief for migraines.