Headaches are among the most common pain complaints, affecting millions of people worldwide. While some are fleeting and mild, others can be chronic, debilitating, and impact your quality of life. What many people don’t realize is that physical therapy can be an effective treatment for several types of headaches—particularly those related to musculoskeletal issues.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common types of headaches that physical therapy can help with, and how one of our trained physical therapist can guide you toward lasting relief.
- Tension Headaches
What it feels like: A dull, aching sensation around the forehead, temples, or back of the head. Often described as a tight sweat band around the head.
How PT helps:
Tension headaches are often linked to muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Poor posture, stress, and long hours at a desk can all contribute. Physical therapists address these through:
- Postural correction
- Soft tissue mobilization and massage
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Ergonomic education
By relieving muscle tension and improving posture, many patients experience fewer and less intense tension headaches.
- Cervicogenic Headaches
What it feels like: Pain that starts in the neck and radiates to the head, often on one side. Movements of the neck may worsen the headache.
How PT helps:
Cervicogenic headaches stem from dysfunction in the neck often the upper levels of the cervical spine, including joint restrictions, muscle imbalances, or nerve irritation. Physical therapy focuses on:
- Manual therapy to mobilize stiff joints
- Neck stabilization and strengthening exercises
- Postural re-education
- Nerve gliding techniques (if nerves are involved)
Targeting the root of the problem in the neck can significantly reduce both frequency and severity of these headaches.
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- Migraine with Musculoskeletal Triggers
What it feels like: Intense, throbbing pain often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light/sound, and visual disturbances. Can last for hours or days.
How PT helps:
While migraines are a complex neurological condition, physical therapy can help manage triggers—especially those related to poor posture, muscle tension, or jaw dysfunction. A PT can:
- Identify musculoskeletal contributors
- Guide you through exercises to reduce trigger frequency
- Use manual therapy for upper spine and jaw alignment
- Teach relaxation and breathing techniques
Physical therapy isn’t a cure for migraines, but it can be an essential part of a broader management plan.
- TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Headaches
What it feels like: Headaches around the temples, jaw pain, clicking or locking of the jaw, often worse with chewing or clenching.
How PT helps:
TMJ dysfunction often leads to referred pain in the head. A physical therapist can address this through:
- Manual therapy to relieve tight jaw muscles
- Education on jaw relaxation techniques
- Exercises to improve jaw alignment and mobility
- Postural corrections to reduce strain on the TMJ
Addressing jaw mechanics can greatly reduce or even eliminate TMJ-related headaches.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re dealing with persistent headaches and suspect they may have a musculoskeletal component, physical therapy could be a valuable part of your treatment plan. Not only can it provide symptom relief, but it can also help you correct the underlying issues contributing to the pain—leading to long-term results.
When to See a Physical Therapist for Persistent Headaches
If your headaches are frequent, associated with neck or jaw pain, triggered by posture, or don’t respond well to medication, it’s worth working with one of our physical therapists for effective management.
Headaches may be common, but suffering from them doesn’t have to be.
Break Free from Headaches — Discover How PT Can Help
If headaches are interfering with your daily life, physical therapy might be the solution you’ve been missing. Whether your pain stems from posture, neck tension, or jaw issues, our expert therapists can uncover the root cause and help you find lasting relief. Don’t wait—take the first step toward a headache-free life today.
