Choose Physical Therapy For Headache Relief
Physical therapy isn’t normally someone’s first thought when they have a headache. Most of the time, the common reaction is to take some form of pain-relieving medication. This may help to relieve pain in the short-term, but if you are constantly suffering from headaches or migraines, pain relief drugs will not provide you with the same long-term effects that physical therapy will.
A greater majority of headaches and migraines are attributed to cervicogenic headaches, meaning that they are related to the neck in some form. Poor posture, stress, and other factors can contribute to weakness, strain, and injury to the neck muscles and joints. This pain radiates up into the scalp, side of the head, and even the forehead, depending on the area of the neck involved.
If you suffer from headaches, you are not alone. Approximately 80-90% of people across the U.S. endure occasional or frequent tension headaches. They are also the third most commonly reported source of pain across the world! Whether they are acute and temporary or constant and chronic (such as migraines), headaches can all be treated with good results with physical therapy. Request your appointment today with Full Potential Physical Therapy in Holland, MI.
How can physical therapy help my headache?
It can help by identifying the source of the pain which is often referred from the neck to the head. So the first way to help is receiving a thorough evaluation of the neck, head and related areas to identify the factors involved in your head pain. From this information a therapist can design a treatment plan individual for your needs and help you overcome a common problem in our society.
At our practice, we have physical therapists who are specialized in both the assessment and treatment process. As well, they are specialized in facial and jaw pain and dysfunction which can be a source of head pain too.
Suffice it to say, head and neck pain can be complicated and multifactorial in its origins. It often requires high level skills to obtain a solution which lasts. Full Potential has the staff with the right training to help you overcome what can be a debilitating condition.
What type of headache am I experiencing?
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
Cervicogenic headaches are related to neck pain, involving the top three vertebrae of the neck. These headaches can develop as a result of certain conditions, such as a concussion or arthritis, but work-related strain can also trigger a cervicogenic headache. Professions that require a down-turned motion of the head or neck are the most prone for developing cervicogenic headaches. This may include hairdressers, long-haul drivers, chefs, nail artists, jewelers, etc.
Musculoskeletal Headache
Musculoskeletal headaches occur when there are significant amounts of tension in the neck. This is typically a result of physical imbalances, weaknesses, or damage, although emotional tension (such as stress) can also be a contributing factor. A traumatic injury to the neck, such as whiplash, is a common cause of musculoskeletal headaches. With neck injuries such as whiplash, the muscles and connective tissues in the neck can become torn or strained. This can lead to agonizing pain felt in the head, as well as in the face, shoulders, or neck.
Tension Headaches
The most common form of headaches are known as tension headaches. These can occur due to repetitive motions or poor posture in the neck/head. Tension headaches are caused by a strain on the “dura mater,” which is a sensitive membrane that envelops the brain. The dura mater lies in close proximity to small muscles at the base of the skull that go into spasm when the dura mater becomes strained, thus sending pain signals to the brain and causing your headache.
How can I get started on relieving my headaches?
Talk to your doctor and get a referral so you can start treatment right away. Or you can call our office at Full Potential Physical Therapy in Holland, MI and request an appointment and learn about your options for treatment.
A Better Life is Only Four Steps Away
Physical therapy can be an unfamiliar experience for many. To orient new patients to the process, we have divided their rehab journey into four segments called “The Four Phases of Getting Better.” It is important to note that while there are four phases utilized over the course of your care, they are not totally separate. They move gradually toward greater strengthening and function, which is the end goal to return confidently to the life you desire to live.1
Pain Relief
The first focus in getting better is pain relief. After your evaluation, your physical therapist will use hands-on techniques or manual therapy, light therapeutic exercise, and education on how to modify your activity and posture in order to give you more control over your pain. In this stage, modalities like ice, heat, myofascial release, electric stimulation and kinesiotape may be used.
2
Improve Mobility/Flexibility
The second step in this method is to improve mobility and flexibility. Your therapist will design a progressive program of range of motion and light stretching to restore mobility and reduce pain.
3
Improve Strength/Control
In the third step of this method, muscle weakness will be addressed to help you maintain the gains and momentum you achieve through phases one and two. A thorough strengthening process is the step that gives results that last, and this will prepare you for more functional training – the final step.
4
Functional Training
Now that your pain is resolved and you have the necessary mobility and strength, your program can be advanced into functional training. Whether you are returning to work, returning to life after post-op rehabilitation, getting back into recreation or sports, or simply returning to the activities of daily life, this step helps ensure your success after graduation and empowers you to be confident in your abilities again.
Reach Your Full Potential & Live Pain-Free!
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Book a Free Consultation Today to Find Out How Physical Therapy Can Help You Find Relief!
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Reach Your Full Potential and Live Life Pain-Free! Request an Appointment to Get Started Today!
