Headaches and Migraines

Your Myotherapist can help treat certain types of headaches and migraines, primarily those related to musculoskeletal issues and muscle tension.

 

Here's how your Myotherapist may treat headaches and the types they can potentially help with:

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Tension Headaches: Your Myotherapist can use various techniques, including massage, trigger point therapy, dry needling, electrotherapy, myofascial release, and stretching exercises, to address muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. By releasing tight muscles and improving muscle function, they can often provide relief from tension headaches.

 

Cervicogenic Headaches: These headaches originate from issues in the neck, such as muscle imbalances, joint dysfunction, or nerve irritation. Your Myotherapist can assess and treat these underlying musculoskeletal problems, which may alleviate cervicogenic headaches.

 

Migraines: While the exact cause of migraines is complex and multifactorial, muscle tension and trigger points can contribute to migraine symptoms. Your Myotherapist may work on muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders, to help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.

 

Cluster Headaches: The precise cause of cluster headaches is not fully understood, but your Myotherapist may focus on relieving muscle tension and improving posture, which can be contributing factors in some cases.

 

Sinus Headaches: Your Myotherapist can provide relief from sinus headaches by using techniques that help alleviate sinus pressure and tension in the facial and neck muscles.

 

Postural Headaches: Poor posture, especially when sitting for extended periods or using electronic devices, can lead to headaches. Your Myotherapist may offer posture correction guidance and ergonomic recommendations to prevent these headaches along with treatment.

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Your Myotherapist employs various techniques to assess, manage, and treat headaches and migraines.

 

Here are some common approaches and interventions that your Myotherapist may use to treat headaches:

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Assessment: Your Myotherapist will begin by conducting a thorough assessment to understand the nature and potential causes of your headaches. This assessment may include discussing your medical history, lifestyle factors, and the specific characteristics of your headaches.

 

Muscle Palpation and Assessment: Your Myotherapist will use palpation techniques to identify areas of muscle tension, trigger points, and muscle imbalances in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. These muscle issues can contribute to various types of headaches. They may also utilise muscle tests and orthopaedic assessments to ascertain any muscle and joint dysfunction.

 

Manual Therapy: Your Myotherapist may use manual therapy techniques, such as massage, myofascial release, dry needling, electrotherapy and trigger point therapy, to address muscle tension and improve circulation in affected areas. This can help relax muscles and reduce headache symptoms.

 

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: They may prescribe specific stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility , strength and range of motion in the neck and shoulders. These exercises will can help alleviate muscle tension and prevent headaches from recurring.

 

Posture Correction: Your Myotherapist often emphasises the importance of maintaining good posture, especially during activities like sitting at a desk or using electronic devices. They can provide guidance on proper ergonomics and posture to reduce strain on muscles and decrease the likelihood of headaches.

 

Home Care Instructions: Your Myotherapist may recommend self-care techniques and exercises for you to perform at home. These may include relaxation exercises, heat or cold therapy, and strategies to manage stress, which can all contribute to headache relief.

 

Education: Your Myotherapist may provide education about lifestyle factors that can exacerbate headaches, such as diet, hydration, sleep, and stress management. They may offer advice on making positive changes to these factors.

 

Collaboration: Your Myotherapist often work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, chiropractors, neurologists, or physiotherapists, to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to headache management.

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If you experience severe or chronic headaches, it's a good idea to consult your Doctor first to rule out any underlying medical conditions or neurological issues prior to seeing your Myotherapist.