MASSAGE THERAPY & HEADACHE RELIEF

Pain from a headache or migraine can be debilitating and sufferers are often looking for ways to manage the symptoms. Massage Therapy treatments are a great holistic option for decreasing headache frequency and intensity.

TYPES OF HEADACHES

Headaches come in different varieties. Determining what type of headache a client suffers from will help the massage therapist adapt the treatment to have the most positive affect.

MIGRAINES

Migraine headaches are the hardest to manage and typically present with the most intense symptoms. They have been found to be caused from a neurological influence. This influence could be associated with physiological changes such as diet, sleep patterns and stress. When trying to reduce the frequency and duration of migraine headaches, the massage therapist may focus more on promoting relaxation and decreasing stress.

TENSION HEADACHES

Headaches that result from tension in the muscles of the neck, face and upper back are often referred to as a tension headache. Tension headaches can be most easily managed by reducing the tension in the musculature throughout these areas. The possible causes of the increased tension in these areas would also be discussed during the client interview. Suggestions may be made for how to correct any activities or habits that may be identified as a contributing factor. Some common causes of tension related headaches are poor posture (looking down at a phone too much or not having a properly set up workstation), stress, sleep positioning, or injury.

TRIGGER POINT HEADACHE

Trigger points are hyperirritable spots within a muscle that refers pain in a specific pattern. When trigger points are present and active you may feel pain referred into the head that is actually coming form a trigger point in one of the neck muscles. Registered Massage Therapists are trained to treat and reduce a trigger point referral pattern in order to relieve the headache symptom.

RELIEF CAN BE FOUND!

Regardless of whether you suffer from migraines or tension related headaches, massage therapy is a great way to manage symptoms in a natural way. Regular massage therapy treatments can reduce the intensity and frequency of your headaches so you can feel better and get back to enjoying life!