• Headaches (migraine and tension, Cervicogenic headaches)
  • Sinus conditions including pain
  • Jaw (TMJ), facial pain & dysfunction,
  • Bell’s palsy
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Vertigo/dizziness/tinnitus

Headaches are the third most commonly reported source of pain across the world! Whether they are acute and temporary or constant and chronic (such as migraines), headaches can all be treated by physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy isn’t normally someone’s first thought when they have a headache – most of the time, the common response is to take some form of pain-relieving medication. This may help to relieve pain in the short-term, but if you are constantly suffering from headaches or migraines, pain relief drugs will not provide you with the same long-term effects that physiotherapy can.

What are the different types of headaches?

Many people may not know this, but there are actually different types of headaches that all develop from different causes. The three main types of headaches include:

  • Tension headaches. The most common form of headaches are known as tension headaches. These can occur due to repetitive motions or poor posture in the neck/head. Tension headaches are caused by a strain on the “dura mater,” which is a sensitive membrane that envelops the brain. The dura mater lies in close proximity to small muscles at the base of the skull that go into spasm when the dura mater becomes strained, thus sending pain signals to the brain and causing your headache.
  • Musculoskeletal headaches. Musculoskeletal headaches occur when there are significant amounts of tension in the neck. This is typically a result of physical imbalances, weaknesses, or damage, although emotional tension (such as stress) can also be a contributing factor. A traumatic injury to the neck, such as whiplash, is a common cause of musculoskeletal headaches. With common neck injuries such as whiplash, the muscles and connective tissues in the neck can become torn or strained. This can lead to pain felt in the head, as well as in the face, shoulders, or neck.
  • Cervicogenic headaches. Cervicogenic headaches are also related to neck pain, involving the top three vertebrae of the neck. These headaches can develop as a result of certain conditions, such as a concussion or arthritis, but work-related strain can also trigger a cervicogenic headache. Professions that require a down-turned motion of the head or neck are the most prone for developing cervicogenic headaches.
Physiotherapy can address many of the causative and contributing factors leading to chronic headaches.

‘Brilliant physio. Really helped with TMJ issues, neck pain and knee pain. Anne is very professional and a lovely woman!’ Zoe Latchford