Massage therapy can be an effective method for treating migraines and headaches. Our registered massage therapists at Manotick PhysioWorks can help relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and relieve stress factors that often contribute to migraines and headaches.
How does massage therapy help with headaches and migraines?
Massage therapy specifically focused on the shoulders, neck, and head can help reduce the intensity and occurrence of tension-type headaches and migraines; reducing the negative impact that the symptoms can have on daily life.
Massage therapy can help:
- Release tension in the head, neck, and shoulders.
- Improve blood flow to the brain and reduce inflammation associated with headaches.
- Reduce stress; which is a common migraine trigger.
- Improve sleep quality, which is essential for headache and migraine recovery.
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What are the different massage techniques that help treat headaches and migraines?
There are several massage techniques that your Registered Massage Therapist can use to help relieve headaches and migraines:
1. Neck Massage: Focusing on the upper back and shoulders can release tension that often contributes to headaches.
2. Trigger Point Therapy: This technique involves applying pressure to specific trigger points, which can alleviate pain and reduce tension.
3. Head and Scalp Massage: Massaging the head, scalp, and forehead can relieve pain and minimize symptoms associated with headaches.
4. Facial Massage: Helps improve lymphatic drainage and reduces congestion that may contribute to headaches.
What should I expect at my first massage therapy appointment for headaches/migraines?
At your first appointment, your massage therapist will conduct an assessment to determine the root cause of your headaches and/or migraines. Your massage therapist may assess your posture, range of motion, and areas of muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Your massage therapist may use different levels of pressure throughout the massage to help release tension in problematic areas.
Post-massage treatment, it is normal to feel some soreness in your muscles. This is because your massage therapist may work areas that are particularly tight or contain trigger points.
Your massage therapist will follow up with you after treatment to discuss how you are feeling to help determine the steps needed to take post-treatment and how to adjust their technique at your follow-up appointment. Your massage therapist may also recommend stretching techniques and other modalities, such as heat or cold therapy, to manage symptoms in between treatments.
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