10) Headaches Solved: Advice From A Physiotherapist
When most of us think of physiotherapists, we often picture them helping people with sports injuries, sore backs, or post-surgery rehabilitation. But did you know that physiotherapists can also help treat headaches? Yep, you heard that right. If headaches are making your life miserable, seeing a physio might be a game-changer. Let’s dive into the types of headaches they can treat and how they work their magic to help you feel like yourself again.
Understanding Headaches: A Quick Overview
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s worth knowing that not all headaches are the same. Different types have different causes, and that’s why the treatment varies. While some require medical intervention or medication, others can stem from physical issues that a physio can address. Things like poor posture, muscle tension, or even stress can trigger them that are within a physio’s expertise to manage.
Now, let’s look at the types of headaches physiotherapy can help with.
1. Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are incredibly common, and chances are you’ve experienced one at some point. They feel like a tight band squeezing around your head or a dull, aching pressure. Often, they will result from stress, poor posture, or prolonged time in one position (hello, desk workers!).
How can a physio help?
- Postural Corrections: Your physio w ill assess your posture and help you make adjustments to reduce strain on your neck and shoulders.
- Massage Therapy: Tense muscles, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, are often the culprits. Massage can work wonders to release that built-up tension.
- Exercise Programs: Simple exercises can strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility, and prevent future headaches.
2. Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are a mouthful to say, but they’re fairly straightforward in how they occur. They will often start in the neck but are felt in the head, and typically only on one side. They’re typically caused by joint or muscle issues in the neck, poor posture, or even an injury like whiplash.
How can a physio help?
- Manual Therapy: Techniques like joint mobilisation or manipulation can help restore proper movement and reduce pain.
- Dry Needling: This technique involves inserting thin needles into trigger points in your muscles to relieve pain and tension.
- Neck Strengthening Exercises: Weak neck muscles can contribute to cervicogenic headaches, so your physio may give you targeted exercises to build strength.
3. Migraines
Migraines are a bit more complex. They’re often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and a throbbing pain that can last for hours or even days. While migraines are usually managed with medication, physiotherapy can play a supportive role, especially if physical triggers are contributing to them.
How can a physio help?
- Identifying Triggers: Your physio can help you identify physical triggers like tension or poor posture that may be setting off your migraines.
- Relaxation Techniques: Stress and tension can exacerbate migraines, so learning how to relax your muscles can be incredibly helpful.
- Improving Sleep Posture: How you sleep matters. Your physio might recommend changes to your sleep setup to reduce strain on your neck.
4. Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are less common but incredibly intense. They’re often described as a piercing or burning pain around one eye and typically occur in clusters (hence the name) over weeks or months. While physios can’t treat the root cause of the cluster type, they can help manage some of the secondary symptoms.
How can a physio help?
- Pain Management Strategies: Techniques like gentle massage and relaxation exercises can help reduce overall tension and discomfort.
- Improving Overall Wellbeing: Your physio might focus on general health and stress management to support your body during these episodes.
5. TMJ-Related Headaches
Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull, and issues with this joint can lead to headaches. TMJ-related pain is often felt in the jaw with clicking or popping sounds, and even difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
How can a physio help?
- Jaw Exercises: Specific exercises can improve the function of your TMJ and reduce pain.
- Massage and Stretching: Releasing tension in the jaw and surrounding muscles can work wonders.
- Postural Adjustments: Since your jaw and neck are closely linked, improving your posture can alleviate symptoms.
6. Headaches Following a Concussion
If you’ve had a concussion, headaches can linger long after the initial injury. These are often due to neck issues, muscle tension, or even changes in how you move as your body compensates for the injury.
How can a physio help?
- Neck Rehabilitation: Addressing any stiffness or weakness in your neck can help reduce the pain.
- Balance and Coordination Exercises: If your concussion has affected your balance, your physio can guide you through exercises to restore it.
- Education: Your physio can teach you strategies to pace yourself during recovery and avoid activities that might aggravate your symptoms.
How to Know If Your Headache Is Physio-Treatable
Not every headache will benefit from physiotherapy. If it is sudden, severe, or accompanied by symptoms like vision changes, confusion, or weakness, you should seek medical attention immediately. But if it seems tied to physical tension, mental stress, posture, or previous injuries, a physio might be just what you need.
Signs your physio might be able to help:
- You notice stiffness or discomfort in your neck, shoulders, or jaw.
- Your pain comes on after sitting for long periods.
- You’ve had a recent injury or accident.
- Stress or tension seems to make things worse.
What to Expect During a Physio Appointment
If you’ve never been to a physio for headaches before, you might be wondering what’s involved. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Assessment: Your physio will ask about your pain history, lifestyle, and any other symptoms you’re experiencing. They’ll also assess your posture, muscle tension, and joint movement.
- Treatment Plan: Based on their findings, your physio will create a tailored treatment plan. This might include manual therapy, strengthening exercises, or advice on ergonomics.
- Hands-On Treatment: Techniques like massage, mobilisation, or dry needling may be used to address tension and pain.
- Home Exercises: Your physio will likely give you some exercises to do at home to support your recovery and prevent future pain.
Tips for Preventing Headaches
Prevention is always better than cure, right? Here are some tips to keep headaches at bay:
- Move Regularly: If you sit for long periods, take breaks to stretch and move around.
- Check Your Posture: Make sure your desk setup is ergonomic and that you’re not slouching.
- Manage Stress: Find ways to relax, whether it’s through yoga, meditation, or a walk in the park.
- Sleep Well: A good night’s sleep can do wonders for headache prevention. Pay attention to your pillow and sleeping position.
Wrapping It Up
Headaches can be a real pain—literally—but they don’t have to take over your life. Physiotherapy offers a range of treatments that can help alleviate the pain and prevent it from coming back. Whether it’s tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, or even migraines, a physio can help you tackle the root cause and get back to feeling your best.
So, if headaches are getting you down, why not book an appointment with a physiotherapist at XPhysio today? You’ve got nothing to lose—except the headache, of course!
