What are Headaches & Migraines?
Physiotherapy might not be the first thing you think of for headaches or migraines—but it can be incredibly effective, especially when muscle tension or neck stiffness are contributing factors.
Many people experience tightness in the neck and shoulders that builds up over time, leading to tension-type headaches, cervicogenic headaches or triggering migraines.
We take a detailed look at your movement, posture, and stress patterns, and offer treatments that reduce symptoms and restore comfort. These may include joint mobilisations, soft tissue release, exercises and acupuncture or dry needling, which can be especially helpful in calming overactive muscles and relieving pressure points. We’ll also give you practical strategies to manage flare-ups and reduce triggers—whether it’s how you sit at your desk, how you sleep, or how you manage stress.
If you’ve been relying on medication or just trying to “push through,” physiotherapy offers a sustainable, evidence-based way forward. Relief is possible—and we’d love to help you find it.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What has caused my Headaches & Migraines ?
Headaches and migraines can be caused by various things. Sometimes it is related to your neck (cervico-genic), especially the upper 3 levels, with muscle tightness or weakness.
The physiotherapist will conduct a detailed assessment to establish if there is any referral from your neck and what are the issues that need to be dealt with.
How long does it take to recover from Headaches & Migraines ?
Headaches often take longer to settle than other conditions. This is because we have to start very gently and progress more slowly than with other areas of the body.
The physiotherapist will discuss this with you at your first appointment.
What treatments are available for Headaches & Migraines ?
This will depend on what the physiotherapist finds on the assessment but could include hands on treatments, advice, exercises and acupuncture/dry needling. At the first and subsequent appointments the physiotherapist will discuss with you the best options, so that together you can decide the best approach for you.
NICE guidelines recommend a trail of acupuncture for migraines.
Will I need an X-ray or MRI?
This is often not needed.
An X-ray will be needed if a fracture is suspected as a result of an injury.
A MRI or ultrasound is most useful when considering next steps if physiotherapy has not been helpful, such as planning for surgery or an injection.
The physiotherapist will be able to discuss this with you and if necessary refer you to an appropriate service.
Can physiotherapy help prevent Headaches & Migraines from recurring?
Yes there is evidence that physiotherapy and exercise/activity can reduce further recurrences.