Headache

Case Description: The patient is a 32 y/o female with a history of migraines and frequent headaches.  In the several weeks prior to staring PT, she noted that HA’s had become constant and more severe, progressing to the point that she felt she might pass out.  She was forced to take off from work for several days prior to her initial evaluation.  She worked in a setting with bright lights and loud machinery, causing the HA to increase in severity.  

Objective Measures: The patient was seen for 5 physical therapy visits over a 1 month period (4 visits in a 2 wk period and 1 visit at a follow up after 1 month to insure changes were lasting)

Tests and Measures	Initial Evaluation	Day of Discharge from Physical Therapy
VAS for Pain	2-9/10	0/10
Neck Disability Index	51% disability	2% Impairment
Headache Impact Test	(63) Severe impact on daily life	(48) Very little impact on daily life
Work Status	Off work and mainly on bed-rest at home	Full work participant, including several 12 hour shifts

Summary:   HA symptoms had almost fully resolved and she was able to return to full time work without issue.  Her relief remained even after a 2 week follow-up and she noted full resolution of pain.  She no longer needed to take any pain medication and she had a home program to continue using if symptoms returned. 

Patient Comments at Discharge: “The best change has been my headaches going away because of the tools I learned to use from therapy.  Clinic was always friendly and helpful.  I felt that my problem was taken seriously and I felt that people cared about me and helping me.”

Sincerely,

Luke Vander Zouwen, DPT
Full Potential Physical Therapy