How can physiotherapy help me?
Choose PT states that physiotherapy has been shown to help manage chronic headache pain in the following ways:
- Physiotherapy can help you cut back on the need for medications.
- It can decrease or resolve the intensity, frequency, and duration of headaches.
- You can experience an overall improved quality of life.
- It can improve the ease of motion in the neck.
- Therapy can improve function and mobility.
At PhysioPlus Health Group in Bloor West Village and The Kingsway, we are committed to providing you with the best treatment for your headaches.
At your initial appointment, one of our highly qualified physiotherapists and chiropractors will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your health history and symptoms, in order to assess what sort of headache you’re having and where it’s coming from.
A treatment plan will then be tailored specifically for you and your rehabilitation, most likely including targeted manual therapy to release tight muscles and stiff joints that can continue to headaches, postural exercise, and patient education to help minimize the number of headaches you will end up having in the future.
Remember that no two patients are alike, and neither are two treatment plans! The only way to find out what a therapist will recommend for your headache pain is to request an appointment with one.
What kind of headache do I have?
Many people may not know this, but there are actually different types of headaches that all develop from different causes. The three main types of headaches include:
Cervicogenic headaches
The majority of headaches are rooted in problems with the neck.
Cervicogenic headaches are related to pain in the neck, affecting the top three vertebrae of the neck.
These headaches may occur as a result of some disorders, such as concussion or arthritis, but work-related strains may also cause cervicogenic headaches.
People who work jobs that consistently require a down-turned motion of the head or neck are more likely to experience cervicogenic headaches.
These can include hairdressers, long-haul drivers, cooks, nail artists, jewelers, etc.
Musculoskeletal headaches
Musculoskeletal headaches arise when there is a large amount of strain in the neck. This is usually the product of physical imbalances or injury, while stress (emotional stress) can also be a contributing factor.
Traumatic damage to the neck, such as whiplash, is a common cause of musculoskeletal headaches. In the case of neck injuries such as whiplash, the muscles and connective tissues in the neck may become strained.
This can lead to agonizing pain in the head, as well as in the face, shoulders, or neck.
Tension headaches
This is the most common type of headache, which can occur due to repeated movements or poor posture in the neck/head. If you’ve ever seen someone at work holding their head at their desk, it’s possibly due to a tension headache.
READY TO FIND RELIEF?
At PhysioPlus Health Group, our therapy methods focus on pain relief, posture enhancement, and muscle strengthening in the neck and upper back.
All of these will help make your daily life much more relaxed and bearable without the agony of headaches!
Call (416) 760-8280 to talk to one of our physiotherapists and chiropractors or schedule your appointment.
