Headaches and migraines aren’t just frustrating—they can seriously disrupt your life. Whether it’s a dull ache or debilitating pain, finding relief can feel like a challenge. That’s where we come in. At Summit Physiotherapy, we focus on treating the root causes of your headaches, so you can enjoy long-term relief and get back to feeling like yourself.
Don’t wait for the pain to worsen — book your assessment today!
What Causes Headaches and Migraines?
Headaches and migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or jaw
- Poor posture from sitting or screen time
- Stress and fatigue
- Dehydration or dietary factors like caffeine or food sensitivities
- Environmental changes, such as weather shifts or bright lights
- Hormonal changes or fluctuations
- Previous injuries, like whiplash or neck trauma
Identifying and addressing these triggers is key to effective treatment
If headaches or migraines are disrupting your life, book your appointment today and take the first step toward relief.
Most Common Types of Headaches We Treat
Understanding the type of headache you experience allows for precise, tailored treatment. Summit Physiotherapy addresses:
Tension Headaches
- What it feels like: A tight, band-like pressure around the head.
- Common triggers: Stress, fatigue, dehydration, screen overuse, poor posture or unsupportive pillow.
Cervicogenic Headaches (caused by neck issues)
- What it feels like: Pain that starts in the neck and refers to the back of the head, can also be felt behind the eyes or around the jaw.
- Common triggers: Poor posture, neck injuries/whiplash, unsupportive pillow, or heavy lifting.
Migraines
- What it feels like: Intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head, often with nausea, light sensitivity, or visual changes.
- Common triggers: Hormonal changes, sensory overload, seasonal changes or specific foods. Can sometimes be related to neck issues.
Don’t ignore these signs – early treatment can make a significant difference.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Relieve Headaches
The first step in tackling headaches is understanding what’s causing them. At Summit Physiotherapy, we start with a thorough assessment to dig into the details:
- Posture and Alignment: Poor posture, particularly from desk and computer work with a lack of proper ergonomics, can strain the neck and upper back, leading to tension headaches.
- Injury: whiplash, falling or a sporting injury can overstretch the soft tissues in the neck which can lead to headaches
- Muscle Tension: Tight or overactive muscles in the neck, shoulders, and jaw are common contributors to headaches.
- Lifestyle Factors: Stress, sleep quality, and ergonomics at work or home can also play a role.
- Medical History: Understanding your headache patterns and history ensures we design the right treatment plan for your needs.
By focusing on these triggers, we can reduce the intensity and frequency of your headaches and migraines while preventing future episodes.
Techniques That Provide Headache Relief
Our treatment plans are personalized to address your specific triggers and provide relief. Common techniques include:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy targets the physical causes of headaches, like poor posture and muscle tension, by improving alignment and mobility. Tailored techniques and exercises help reduce discomfort and lower the chances of recurring headaches.
Massage Therapy
Tight muscles often make headaches worse. Massage therapy eases tension, improves blood flow, and helps you feel more relaxed, cutting down on both pain and frequency.
Manual Therapy
Gentle, hands-on techniques performed by the physiotherapist work wonders for relieving tension in the muscles and fascia and improving mobility in joints of the neck and spine. This approach addresses the root causes of your headaches while helping you feel more flexible and comfortable.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture targets specific points that can affect your nervous and circulatory systems. Our acupuncture therapists deliver a customized approach to effectively alleviate discomfort by focusing on specific areas associated with headache symptoms.
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) uses fine needles to release tight muscles and ease tension that triggers headaches. It’s a quick, targeted way to improve blood flow and calm nerves, helping you feel better fast and avoid headaches.
Posture and Ergonomic Training
Bad posture can sneakily lead to chronic headaches. We’ll work with you to improve alignment, reduce strain, and build habits that support long-term relief. We also offer practical advice for arranging your workspace and adjusting daily routines to reduce tension and prevent discomfort.
Strengthening and Stretching Exercises
Our physiotherapists design personalized exercise programs to enhance muscle balance, increase flexibility, and strengthen your neck, shoulders and back, helping to prevent recurring headaches. Poor posture is often a result of certain muscles being weak and other muscles being too tight. A proper exercise program will help address these issues.
Lifestyle Advice
From hydration tips to stress management strategies to proper workstation setup advice, small changes can have a big impact on preventing headaches. Physiotherapy helps identify these changes and integrates them into your daily routine.
Preventing Future Headaches
Physiotherapy isn’t just about treating today’s pain—it’s about setting yourself up for long-term relief. By improving muscle strength, posture, and overall movement, you can reduce the frequency and severity of headaches over time.
Our clients often experience:
- Fewer headaches and migraines
- Reduced reliance on medication
- Improved posture and overall physical health
- Greater awareness of headache triggers
Take Control of Your Headaches and Migraines Today
Let Summit Physiotherapy help you lead a life with fewer interruptions. Call us today or easily book your appointment online to start your personalized treatment plan!
Find Headache and Migraine Relief with Our Skilled Specialists
Not sure which member of our team to work with? We can help! Contact our clinic today.
Ready to book an appointment?
Our physiotherapists and massage therapists specialize in treatments that ease pain, reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches, and help prevent future migraines. Take the first step toward lasting relief.