# Headaches & Migraines Treatment Physiotherapy treatment for chronic headaches and migraines in South Surrey. Relief from tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and migraine symptoms. [Call +1 604 923 8323](tel:+16049238323) ## Symptoms & causes ### Common symptoms - Dull, aching head pain - Pressure or tightness around forehead or sides - Pain originating from neck or base of skull - Sensitivity to light or sound - Nausea with severe headaches - Pain that worsens with neck movement - Tender scalp or neck muscles - Headaches triggered by stress or posture ### Common causes - Neck joint dysfunction (cervicogenic headaches) - Muscle tension in neck and shoulders - Poor posture, especially forward head position - Stress and anxiety - Eye strain from screens - TMJ dysfunction - Dehydration and poor sleep - Hormonal changes Prevalence 47% of adults have headaches annually Common age Most common ages 25-55 Recovery time 4-8 weeks for significant improvement Coverage Covered by extended health ## How We Treat Headaches & Migraines At At Ease Physio in [South Surrey](https://ateasephysio.ca/contact), we specialize in treating headaches that originate from the neck and musculoskeletal system. Many chronic headaches are cervicogenic - caused by dysfunction in the upper neck joints. Our physiotherapists use [manual therapy](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/manual-therapy) to restore normal joint mobility, release muscle tension, and address postural factors that contribute to headache frequency and intensity. ## What to Expect Your assessment includes a detailed examination of your neck, posture, and headache patterns to determine the type and source of your headaches. Treatment typically involves manual therapy to the upper cervical spine, soft tissue release for tense muscles, [dry needling](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/dry-needling) for trigger points, [craniosacral therapy](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/craniosacral-therapy) techniques, and postural correction exercises. Many patients notice reduced headache frequency within the first few sessions. **Learn more:** Our blog explores [how the dural layers affect headaches](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/dural-layers-central-nervous-system), [polyvagal theory and nervous system regulation](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/polyvagal-theory-manual-therapy), and [concussion recovery misconceptions](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/5-misconceptions-about-concussions). ### Our treatment services [Manual Therapy Skilled hands-on techniques to restore mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/manual-therapy) [Dry Needling Targeted trigger point therapy to release muscle tension and reduce pain Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/dry-needling) [Craniosacral Therapy Gentle therapy targeting the skull, spine, and sacrum for headaches and chronic pain Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/services/craniosacral-therapy) ## Prevention & self-care ### Prevention tips - Maintain good posture at your desk - Take regular breaks from screens (every 30 minutes) - Stay well hydrated throughout the day - Manage stress through relaxation techniques - Exercise regularly to reduce tension - Ensure adequate quality sleep - Set up an ergonomic workstation - Stretch neck and shoulders regularly ### When to see a physiotherapist - Headaches occurring more than twice per week - Headaches not responding to over-the-counter medication - Neck pain accompanying headaches - Headache pattern has changed recently - Headaches affecting work or daily activities - Headaches triggered by neck movement ## Meet the Practitioners Our team of experienced physiotherapists and kinesiologists are ready to help you on your path to recovery. ### [Susannah Reid](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/susannah-reid) Clinic Owner & Registered Physiotherapist [View Profile](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/susannah-reid) ### [Larissa Vishniakoff](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/larissa-vishniakoff) Registered Physiotherapist [View Profile](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/larissa-vishniakoff) ### [Michaela Toffoli](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/michaela-toffoli) Registered Physiotherapist [View Profile](https://ateasephysio.ca/team/michaela-toffoli) ## New to physiotherapy? Start with an assessment. You do not need to choose a treatment technique. [First visit & fees](https://ateasephysio.ca/patient-info#pricing) ## Frequently asked questions **Can physiotherapy help with migraines?** Yes, physiotherapy can significantly help many migraine sufferers. While migraines have multiple causes, neck dysfunction and muscle tension are common triggers. By addressing cervical spine problems and reducing muscle tension, we can reduce migraine frequency and intensity. Many patients experience fewer and less severe migraines with regular physiotherapy treatment. **What is a cervicogenic headache?** Cervicogenic headaches originate from problems in the upper neck (cervical spine). They typically start at the base of the skull and radiate to the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes. They're often one-sided and worsen with neck movement or sustained postures. Physiotherapy is highly effective for cervicogenic headaches because we directly treat the source. **How long before I see improvement in my headaches?** Many patients notice reduced headache intensity within the first 2-3 sessions. Significant reduction in headache frequency typically occurs within 4-6 weeks of consistent treatment. Chronic headache sufferers may take 8-12 weeks to see full benefits. The key is addressing the underlying cause, not just treating symptoms. **Can poor posture cause headaches?** Absolutely. Forward head posture places significant strain on the neck muscles and joints, which can trigger tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches. For every inch your head sits forward, the effective weight on your neck increases by 10 pounds. Correcting posture is often a crucial part of long-term headache management. **Should I stop taking headache medication?** Don't stop prescribed medications without consulting your doctor. However, as physiotherapy reduces your headache frequency and intensity, many patients naturally need less medication. Overuse of pain medications can actually cause 'rebound headaches,' so reducing reliance on medication through physiotherapy often improves overall headache patterns. ## Related Conditions [Neck Pain Treatment Comprehensive physiotherapy treatment for neck pain in South Surrey. Specialized care for cervical pain, stiffness, and headaches. Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/neck-pain) [TMJ & Jaw Pain Treatment Specialized physiotherapy for TMJ disorders and jaw pain in South Surrey. Relief from clicking, locking, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Learn More](https://ateasephysio.ca/conditions/tmj-jaw-pain) ## Related Articles [Physiotherapy and the Polyvagal Theory: Supporting Your Nervous System Discover how the Polyvagal Theory guides our approach to manual therapy, helping regulate your nervous system for better digestion, mood, and overall health. Read more](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/polyvagal-theory-manual-therapy) [Dural Layers Explained: A Hidden Cause of Headaches, Vertigo & Neck Pain What are the dural layers? How the dura mater affects headaches, vertigo, whiplash recovery, and chronic pain — and how gentle manual therapy can help. Read more](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/dural-layers-central-nervous-system) [A Nervous System Approach to Better Movement Learn how recalibrating the brain sensory input through holistic physiotherapy promotes lasting relief from chronic tension and restricted movement. Read more](https://ateasephysio.ca/blog/nervous-system-approach-better-movement) ## Ready to Start Your Recovery? Book your initial assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists at South Surrey. [Book an appointment](https://ateasephysio.janeapp.com/) [Call +1 604 923 8323](tel:+16049238323)