Headache Physio Adelaide
We aim to help you reclaim your life with fewer headaches or migraines.
Comprehensive, Compassionate Headache Treatment
Headaches and migraines have the potential to make your day downright miserable. And what’s worse, they can become a regular feature. However, the good news is that for most headaches, there are steps you may be able to take to find some relief and prevent future flare-ups. With guidance from a physiotherapist, you may be able to reduce pain and get back to your day.
Our experienced team of physios at Therapia provides high-quality, thoughtful care that aims to help you feel as good as possible. To visit a great headache physio in Adelaide, please contact us today!
What are Headaches and Migraines?
Headaches affect most people at one time or another. Some may be mild, easily understood, and quickly dealt with, while others may be harder to identify and manage without guidance.
Some common types of headaches include:
Cervicogenic Headaches
These are neck-related headaches that come from the cervical spine, or the neck joints. They typically localise in one side of the head and may come in tandem with neck pain or stiffness. These may be due to a variety of reasons such as joint misalignment, pressure on the nerves, forward head posture, or muscle tension.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are common and can be brief or last for hours or days, often impacting day-to-day life to varying degrees. They typically feel like a dull, aching tightness in a band around the head. These are often stress-related headaches or are due to muscle tension or poor posture.
Migraines
Migraines are not headaches, as such, but have similarities. A migraine is a neurological disorder, which typically has a genetic factor. It is not a temporary issue, but it can be managed.
Migraines are complex and are not completely understood at this stage. However, we know they are impacted by a sensory overload that causes the brain to be over-stimulated and flooded with chemicals that cause a migraine. This involves irritated nerves, spasming blood vessels, and inflammation. Migraines often involve moderate to severe pain and may be debilitating for hours or days.
Headache and Migraine Symptoms
There are similarities between the different types of headaches, but each type holds its own characteristics. This may include the following:
- Aching, dull, burning, sharp, and/or stabbing head pain
- Reduced neck mobility or range of motion
- Possible sensitivity to sound and/or light
- Numbness or tingling in arms and/or fingers
- Auras or vision disturbances (mostly in migraines)
- Neck stiffness
- Neck pain
- Reduced appetite
- Nausea
Headache Clinic Physiotherapy Treatments
There are various ways physiotherapists may be able to manage headaches and migraines, which largely depends on the type and triggers. Physiotherapy may be beneficial for many people and involves a range of approaches, such as:
- Manual therapy
- Joint mobilisation
- Stretching
- Massage
- Dry needling
- Exercise prescription
- Posture assessment
- Lifestyle and ergonomics advice
- Stress-reduction techniques
- Heat or cold therapy
- Education
Headache Management FAQs
How many physio sessions may it take to make my headaches stop?
The amount of physio required to manage headaches or migraines depends on your triggers, lifestyle, overall health, and your commitment to at-home treatment, as well as the type of headache. Some people may find relief after just a few sessions, while others may need an occasional or regular appointment over an extended period.
Why do I get so many headaches?
There may be many contributing factors for most headaches. Causes can differ from person to person, and from headache to headache.
Understanding the possible root cause may help identify the best way to treat your headaches.
Some triggers may include:
- Neck dysfunction
- Tight or overused muscles
- Neck joint stiffness
- Certain medications
- Poor posture
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Disturbed or lack of sleep
- Exercise
- Heat
- Alcohol
- Certain foods
Do I require a referral for physiotherapy?
No, you can make an appointment any time to see a physio. If you may be eligible for a chronic condition management plan, which provides financial support, please visit your doctor for the required paperwork before your physio session.
Is physiotherapy suitable for all headaches?
Physio has the potential to help many types of headaches, both in relieving current pain and preventing further issues. However, there are times when headaches or migraines should receive medical guidance. If you experience symptoms such as the following, we recommend consulting your GP as soon as possible:
- Difficulty speaking
- Trouble understanding what people are saying to you
- Tingling, weakness, or numbness
- A marked change in the pattern of your headaches, such as frequency, length, severity, or symptoms
- Visual disturbances
- Severe nausea or vomiting
Why Visit Therapia for Headaches Physiotherapy?
We have been privileged to provide our community with physio support for over 26 years. We are dedicated to each of our patients, providing comprehensive assessments, management, and one-on-one care from your initial assessment.
Personalised Manual Therapy
Our team is highly experienced in working with a broad array of conditions and injuries through evidence-based physiotherapy methods.
Education
We believe education and self-management has the potential to play a pivotal role in addressing health conditions. Your physio will guide you through relevant steps and support you towards your desired outcomes.
Acute & Chronic Headaches
Whichever type of headache or migraine you have, we will work with you as a team, aiming to improve your overall well-being.
Professional Support for Headache and Migraine Sufferers
Head pain and reduced functionality attached to headaches and migraines can significantly interfere with life. However, in many cases, there are ways to manage the situation.
If you are suffering, please contact our friendly team to find out how we may be able to help you. We look forward to meeting and supporting you.