Headaches & Migraines
Targeted treatment to identify and address the root cause of your head pain
What Is Headache & Migraine Treatment?
Headache and migraine treatment is a specialized physiotherapy approach that identifies and addresses the underlying causes of your head pain rather than simply masking symptoms with medication.
This treatment recognizes that headaches often originate from:
- Musculoskeletal dysfunction
- Postural imbalances
- Nervous system sensitization
We address a wide spectrum of headache types including tension headaches, cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches, migraines, TMJ-related headaches, and post-concussion headaches. Each type requires a unique assessment and treatment strategy.
Treatment typically combines manual therapy techniques, postural correction, targeted therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle guidance. By addressing root causes, we aim to provide lasting relief and reduce your reliance on pain medication.
At At Ease Physio in South Surrey, our therapists have advanced training in headache assessment and treatment. We take time to understand your unique headache pattern, identify your triggers, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
For deeper insights into headache treatment, explore our articles on the dural layers of the central nervous system, polyvagal theory and manual therapy, and vestibular physiotherapy for headaches related to balance dysfunction.
- Best for
- Tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, migraines, TMJ-related pain
- Typical course
- 4-8 sessions
- Coverage
- Extended health benefits (physiotherapy)
Who is this for?
- Experience frequent headaches (weekly, several times per week, or daily)
- Rely on medication for relief and want an alternative approach
- Have neck-related headaches that start at the skull base or worsen with certain positions
- Are recovering from a concussion with persistent headaches
- Want to understand why your headaches happen and how to prevent them
- Have tried other treatments without lasting success
Conditions and concerns
- Tension headaches — band-like pressure around the head, often related to muscle tension and poor posture
- Cervicogenic headaches — pain originating from cervical spine dysfunction, typically starting at the skull base
- Migraines — complex neurological events with throbbing pain, nausea, and light sensitivity
- TMJ-related headaches — stemming from temporomandibular joint dysfunction, often with jaw pain or clicking
- Post-concussion headaches — persistent headaches following head injury, may include dizziness and cognitive difficulties
- Cluster headaches — severe, one-sided headaches occurring in clusters over weeks or months
- Chronic daily headaches — headaches occurring 15+ days per month, requiring comprehensive multi-factor approach
How it helps
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Headache Frequency Reduction
Targeted interventions decrease how often you experience headaches
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Pain Intensity Decrease
Treatment techniques reduce severity, making headaches more manageable
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Trigger Identification
Systematic assessment pinpoints your specific triggers (postural, dietary, environmental, or stress-related)
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Postural Correction
Addressing forward head posture and alignment issues eliminates a major source of chronic pain
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Muscle Tension Release
Manual therapy relieves tight muscles in neck, shoulders, jaw, and upper back
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Medication Dependence Reduction
Many patients need fewer pain medications as underlying causes are addressed
What to expect
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Your First Visit
Detailed headache history covering location, intensity, duration, frequency, and triggers. Thorough physical examination of neck mobility, posture, muscle tension, and neurological function. You leave understanding why you get headaches and what we can do about it.
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During Treatment
Manual therapy techniques including soft tissue release, joint mobilization, and trigger point therapy. Specific exercises for posture and strength, plus recommendations for work setup, sleep position, and daily habits. Additional techniques may include dry needling or craniosacral therapy.
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After Treatment
Keep a headache diary to track frequency, intensity, and triggers. Most patients notice improvement within 4-6 sessions. Our goal is to equip you with tools and knowledge to manage headaches independently.
Meet the Practitioners
Our team of experienced physiotherapists and kinesiologists are ready to help you on your path to recovery.
New to physiotherapy?
Start with an assessment. You do not need to choose a treatment technique.
Why choose At Ease Physio?
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Specialized Headache Assessment
Our therapists have advanced training in headache evaluation, identifying all contributing factors, not just the obvious ones.
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Multi-Modal Treatment Approach
We draw from manual therapy, exercise, lifestyle modification, and stress management to address your specific needs.
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Integration with Craniosacral and Vestibular Care
Many headache patients benefit from craniosacral therapy or vestibular rehabilitation. We offer these services under one roof.
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Focus on Lasting Relief
We identify and address root causes for lasting improvement, not temporary fixes.
Frequently asked questions
Can physiotherapy actually help migraines?
How many sessions until I see improvement?
What causes my headaches?
Should I see a doctor before starting physiotherapy?
Does insurance cover headache treatment?
Tired of Living With Headaches?
There's often more to headaches than meets the eye. Book an assessment to identify your triggers and find lasting relief.