Headaches in Huntington
What types of headaches are there?
Headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, tension, poor posture, and muscle weakness. While medication is often the go-to solution for treating headaches, physical therapy can also be an effective way of managing headaches and reducing their frequency and severity. In this article, we will explore how physical therapy can help treat headaches and how it can be incorporated into a treatment plan.
Before we dive into how physical therapy can help treat headaches, it’s important to understand the different types of headaches that exist. The three most common types of headaches are tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches.
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are often caused by stress or tension in the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders. They can range in intensity from mild to severe and are often described as a dull, achy pain that feels like a tight band around the head.
Migraine headaches are a type of headache that is typically accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They are often characterized by a throbbing pain on one side of the head and can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Cluster headaches are a less common type of headache that are characterized by intense pain around one eye. They often occur in clusters, meaning they happen several times a day for several weeks or months, followed by a period of remission.
How can Physical Therapy help my Headaches?
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy can be an effective way of treating headaches, particularly tension headaches. There are several ways in which physical therapy can help, including:
Correcting Posture
Poor posture is a common cause of tension headaches. Physical therapists can work with patients to correct their posture, which can help relieve tension in the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders. This can be done through exercises and stretches that target the muscles that are causing the tension.
Strengthening Muscles
Weak muscles in the neck and shoulders can also contribute to tension headaches. Physical therapists can work with patients to strengthen these muscles, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. This can be done through exercises such as shoulder shrugs, neck stretches, and shoulder rotations.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a hands-on approach to physical therapy that can be used to treat tension headaches. This can include techniques such as massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. These techniques can help relieve tension in the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
Education
Physical therapists can also provide education to patients on how to manage their headaches. This can include tips on how to maintain good posture, how to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders, and how to manage stress. By providing patients with the tools and knowledge they need to manage their headaches, physical therapists can help improve their quality of life.
Incorporating Physical Therapy into a Treatment Plan
If you’re interested in incorporating physical therapy into a treatment plan for headaches, there are several things you can do. Here are some tips to get started:
Consult with a Physical Therapist
The first step in incorporating physical therapy into a treatment plan for headaches is to consult with a physical therapist. They can evaluate the patient’s condition and recommend a course of treatment that is tailored to their individual needs.
Develop a Treatment Plan
Work with the physical therapist to develop a treatment plan for the patient. This may include a combination of exercises, stretches, and manual therapy techniques that are designed to relieve tension in the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders.
Request An Appointment
Please fill out this form and
we will contact you about scheduling.
Lou M
“I am not a “PT” person. My experience has always been the same – minimal hands on and then do your exercises yourself.
A referral to Universus by good friend was described as “not your typical PT, you have to give them a chance”. Great advise.
Universus treats you one on one. A solid, engaged therapy session with the same person each time.
I had two issues – back (discs, nerves and stenosis) and a torn rotator cuff.
They treated both simultaneously. I went from unable to climb steps and lift my arm, to almost full use of both my legs and shoulder.
I have a way to go yet, but I am certain Universus will get me there.
Also, everyone in the office – staff & Therapists (with special thanks to Nathaniel) keep it on a personal level and are always supportive and reflect positive attitudes.
As my friend said – This is not your typical PT. Over and above – They heal the body and work on the mind! My thanks to everyone at Universus.”
Bob R
“Family friendly PT office. Receptionist is well versed in her job. Therapists work hard to get you back to where you should be in R.O.M. and flexibility. Questions answered with enough detail to satisfy most inquiries and if you need more information – just ask. They aim to make your visit as productive as they can.”