Headache & Migraine Treatment
When headaches become frequent, painkillers can help you get through the moment but they won't address the underlying cause. Remedial massage and myotherapy work on the muscular tension that contributes to recurring headaches, supporting longer lasting relief at the source.
Book Your TreatmentTension Headaches and Migraines
Tension-type headaches are the most common form of headache, often described as a band of pressure around the head. They frequently originate from muscular tension in the neck, shoulders, and base of the skull. For many people, they occur several times per week and can impact concentration, mood, and quality of life.
Cervicogenic headaches — those originating from the cervical spine — are another frequently overlooked cause. These present as one-sided head pain that is provoked or worsened by neck movement or sustained postures. They can be responsive to manual therapy approaches.
Migraines involve a more complex neurological process, but muscular tension is a well-documented contributing factor. Tightness in the neck and shoulder muscles, and muscles of the jaw can initiate or amplify migraine episodes. By reducing these muscular contributors, remedial massage and myotherapy may help decrease the frequency and severity of migraines.
What Triggers Recurring Headaches?
Understanding your headache triggers is the first step toward breaking the cycle. Common muscular and lifestyle contributors include:
-
Sustained desk posture — forward head position and rounded shoulders create chronic tension through the neck and base of the skull.
-
Screen fatigue and eye strain — prolonged focus on screens can cause the muscles at the base of your skull to tighten, referring pain over the top of the head and behind the eyes.
-
Jaw clenching and TMJ tension — bruxism and habitual jaw clenching are major contributors to temple and forehead headaches.
-
Stress and poor sleep — both elevate baseline muscle tension and lower the threshold for headache onset.
-
Stiffness in the upper neck — restricted movement in the upper neck can directly refer pain into the head.
How We Treat Headaches
Our approach to headache treatment begins with discussing the lifestyle factors to help pinpoint what may be the underlying cause of your headaches. We understand the referral patterns of the head and neck musculature and use deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and dry needling to identify which muscles are contributing during the initial assessment.
Treatment is tailored to your presentation and may focus on muscles in the front, back, and side of your neck. These muscles contain well-documented trigger points that can refer pain into the temples, forehead, and behind the eyes. Your chest and back muscles can also contribute to compensation patterns that lead to posture and tension-related headaches.
Techniques may include targeted trigger point therapy, dry needling for deeper muscle release, gentle cervical joint mobilisation, and myofascial release through the neck and thoracic spine. When jaw tension is a part of the picture your therapist may also address the jaw muscles.
You can also expect advice to help manage tension between sessions.
What to Expect in Your Session
Your initial appointment includes an assessment of your neck mobility, posture, and headache patterns. Your therapist will ask about the location, frequency, and triggers of your headaches to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Treatment around this area can feel specific and focused. Your therapist works with precision and care, communicating throughout to ensure you are comfortable. Your therapist will discuss expected outcomes and a recommended treatment plan during your session.
Sessions are available Monday and Wednesday at our Melbourne CBD clinic. Health fund rebates apply under most major funds with extras cover.
You May Also Be Interested In
Jaw clenching is a major contributor to tension headaches.
Neck & Shoulder PainNeck tension and headaches frequently occur together.
Lower Back PainFull spinal tension patterns can drive headache symptoms.
Sports RecoveryExercise-related tension headaches and recovery.
MyotherapyLearn more about our evidence-based myotherapy approach.
Remedial MassageTherapeutic massage for broader tension and recovery.
Dry NeedlingEffective for releasing trigger points that contribute to headaches.
Ready to feel the difference?
Whether it's ongoing pain, post-exercise recovery, or just needing to reset — we're here to help. Appointments available Monday and Wednesday in the CBD.
Book Your Session