Headache and Migraine Treatment Brisbane
Why Am I Getting Headaches and Migraines?
Headaches and migraines can have myriad causes. While they are often caused by common conditions such as dehydration, lack of sleep and stress, you may be surprised at how many headaches and migraines originate from musculoskeletal issues.
In an era where more and more of us spend our days sitting at desks, factors such as neck joint stiffness, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, and referred pain from the upper cervical spine are becoming some of the most common contributors to persistent headaches and migraines.
Anyone who suffers from frequent headaches knows how crippling they can be. Fortunately, physiotherapy can address more than just the symptoms. With hands-on treatment for immediate relief, and a longer-term plan targeting the postural and musculoskeletal causes, we can keep them from coming back.
What Conditions Can Physiotherapy Treat for Headaches?
The following is a non-exhaustive list of headache and migraine conditions that physiotherapy can effectively treat:
Tension headaches – These are the most common form of headache, and tend to come from muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders.
Cervicogenic headaches – The term cervicogenic means of or related to the cervical spine. This part of the body can be where headaches originate from, and physio is particularly suited to assessing and treating these sorts of headaches.
Migraine with cervical involvement – Dysfunction in the neck and spine can increase the frequency and severity of migraines. Our physicians use the world-leading Watson Headache Approach to address cervical issues.
Post-concussion headaches – Concussions can affect balance and spatial orientation, causing headaches amongst other issues. Physiotherapy supports recovery through vestibular rehabilitation and cervical treatment.
Posture-related headaches – Suboptimal desk/screen positions are becoming a highly common driver of repeat headaches and migraines.
What Happens in a Headache Treatment Session at Physiophi?
At Physiophi, a typical first consultation will involve a thorough discussion which covers:
– your overall medical condition;
– your headache history;
– common triggers;
– the frequency and severity of headaches you are experiencing.
Our physios will then look to make a diagnosis after physically examining your neck, shoulders and other potentially problematic areas.
After making a diagnosis, our physios will apply some hands-on techniques such as massage, cervical mobilisation, soft tissue therapy and dry needling if applicable, in order to relieve tension and muscular stress. From there, we aim to give you the tools, exercises and knowledge that you need to self-manage the root causes of your headaches.
We understand that no two headache patients are the same, and the underlying causes of repeat headaches often take a lot of time and work to cure. With this said, most of our patients see significant improvement within the first few sessions.
Why Choose Physiophi for Headache and Migraine Treatment?
Physiophi has improved quality of life for over 50,000 Brisbane patients, with headache and migraine treatment forming a cornerstone of our uniquely people-centered approach.
We bring a different level of expertise to headache treatment: our physiotherapist Tim Wu is a Level 2 certified practitioner of the Watson Headache Approach, an evidence-based, sophisticated method of treatment for migraines and tension-based headaches.
Our convenient online booking system makes it easy to get started. Book your headache assessment at Physiophi today and take the first step toward fewer headaches, and lasting relief.
Why Choose Physiophi for Headache and Migraine Treatment?
Physiophi has improved quality of life for over 50,000 Brisbane patients, with headache and migraine treatment forming a cornerstone of our uniquely people-centered approach.
We bring a different level of expertise to headache treatment: our physiotherapist Tim Wu is a Level 2 certified practitioner of the Watson Headache Approach, an evidence-based, sophisticated method of treatment for migraines and tension-based headaches.
Our convenient online booking system makes it easy to get started. Book your headache assessment at Physiophi today and take the first step toward fewer headaches, and lasting relief.
Check Out Our Other Services
Check Out Our Other Services
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you determine if my chronic head pain is originating from my neck?
We perform a detailed assessment of your neck, posture, movement, joint function, and nervous system. Many headaches and migraines are cervicogenic (originating from the neck). Specific clinical tests allow us to determine whether your neck is contributing to your symptoms.
What is the specialised treatment approach used at Physiophi?
At Physiophi, we use the Watson Headache® Approach, a world-leading, evidence-based method specifically designed for treating migraines, cervicogenic headaches, and tension-type headaches. This approach targets the upper cervical spine and nervous system drivers of headache disorders. Our senior physiotherapist, Tim Wu, is specially trained in this technique and has a strong clinical focus on treating patients with chronic headaches, migraines, and complex neck-related conditions, delivering highly targeted and effective care.
What does a treatment session for headaches include?
Treatment typically includes precise hands-on treatment to the upper neck, posture correction, movement retraining, specific exercises, and education about triggers and long-term management. Over time, treatment aims to reduce frequency, intensity, and reliance on medication.
What types of headaches can be treated with this approach?
The Watson Headache® Approach is highly effective for:
- Migraines
- Cervicogenic headaches (neck-related headaches)
- Tension-type headaches
- Chronic daily headaches
- Some post-concussion and post-whiplash headaches