Say Goodbye to Headaches: How Physical Therapy Can Help You Find Lasting Relief

Dennis using dry needling to help a patient with headaches.

Did you know that physical therapy can be a game-changer when it comes to headaches and migraines?

If you’re tired of reaching for medication every time one strikes, you’ll be happy to hear that a lot of headaches are actually triggered by muscle tension and poor posture, things that physical therapy can help fix! 

Why Do Headaches Happen? 

Many headaches and migraines stem from muscle tightness or weakness in the neck and shoulders. The good news? A few simple posture corrections, targeted stretches, and strengthening exercises can make a world of difference. Unlike medications, which only offer temporary relief (and can be tough on your body over time), physical therapy provides long-term solutions to keep headaches at bay. 

Here’s how a physical therapist can help: 

1. Posture Fixes 

If you spend a lot of time looking down, whether at a phone, computer, or craft project, you’re putting extra strain on the muscles that hold up your head. Over time, this can lead to tension headaches or migraines. A physical therapist can help you improve your posture and adjust your workspace so your muscles don’t have to work so hard. 

2. Ergonomic Adjustments 

The way your workstation is set up can make a big difference in preventing headaches. Something as simple as using reading glasses instead of bifocals at the computer can reduce neck strain. A physical therapist can assess your setup and recommend adjustments to keep you comfortable and pain-free. 

Click for 3 Tips on how to set up your desk for the best ergonomics:

3. Dry Needling 

If you’ve never heard of dry needling, it’s a simple and effective technique that can provide instant relief for headaches and migraines.

Just ask Evan Z., who had this to say about his experience: "This was my first time experiencing dry needling for my migraines, and I couldn't be happier with the current results. Everyone's response is different, but in my experience, I noticed immediate positive results within moments of the first treatment. Currently, I have less sensitivity to light, no chronic headaches, and haven't had a full-blown migraine." 

By inserting very thin needles into tight or sore muscles, physical therapists can help release tension and ease your pain, often in just a few minutes! Plus, our team works with you to find the best treatment plan that fits your condition and lifestyle, just like Evan experienced. 

4. Stretching 

Muscle tightness in the upper back, shoulder, and neck is a common trigger for headaches and migraines. A physical therapist can teach you targeted stretches to relieve muscle tension and keep headaches from coming back. 

5. Strengthening Exercises 

Weak muscles in the neck, upper back and chest can also contribute to headaches. Strengthening these muscles helps provide better support for your head and neck, reducing strain and preventing headaches in the first place. 

6. Soft Tissue Mobilization 

This specialized form of massage targets knots and trigger points in the neck and upper back. Soft tissue mobilization can help reduce headaches' frequency and intensity by releasing muscle tension. 

7. Ultrasound & Electrical Stimulation 

These treatments can help relax muscles, decrease pain, and promote healing. A physical therapist may incorporate these techniques into your treatment plan for added relief if needed. 

8. Lifestyle Modifications

Talking about hydration, nutrition, general physical activity and sleep round out our holistic approach to headache and migraine management. Slowly incorporating new habits can help keep your symptoms at bay.

The Best-Kept Secret in Headache Relief 

One of the biggest secrets out there?

Physical therapy is an affordable and highly effective way to treat headaches without the side effects of medication or the high cost of treatments like Botox. And the best part? Many insurance plans don’t require a doctor’s referral to start! 

As Evan Z. puts it: "I would STRONGLY encourage anyone with chronic migraines/headaches to try this route before committing to chronic medication." 

If headaches or migraines interfere with your daily life, contact us! We offer free screenings to determine if physical therapy can help you.

Take control of your health today; we’d love to help you feel your best! 

—

Dennis Kaster is our Stevens Point North clinic's director and physical therapist. He specializes in treating headaches, migraines, and other head, neck, and upper back aches and pains. He has passed his knowledge along to many members of our team to provide you with the best care for headaches and migraines possible.