Can physiotherapy help with headaches?

Physiotherapy for migraines?

More and more studies have been looking at whether physiotherapy can help treat migraines. A Spanish review that examined a number of existing studies found that physiotherapy can noticeably reduce how often migraine attacks happen. One common method is manual therapy, which is usually used to treat movement-related problems in joints, muscles, and nerves. Several studies prove that some of these manual therapy techniques can also help with migraines.

Compared with a placebo (a treatment which is simulated but not actually carried out) manual therapy can reduce both the intensity and frequency of pain episodes. The treatments also proved beneficial for the perceived quality of life of people living with migraine. The researchers considered this effect to be well-supported by evidence. Improvements were seen immediately after the final treatment session and were still noted four weeks afterwards. The studies show that different manual therapy techniques produce different effects. Methods that focus on improving movement patterns work differently to special stretching and mobilisation exercises for heavily stressed areas like the neck and shoulders, or the face and mouth region.

When the right treatment methods are used, physiotherapy can greatly reduce migraine symptoms. The perceived quality of life of patients also improves noticeably.

Physiotherapy as a non-drug treatment: a big opportunity

Recent research suggests that physiotherapy can be a meaningful treatment option for migraine. One big advantage compared to medication is that physiotherapy avoids potential side effects. In particular, it eliminates the risk of developing medication-overuse headache (more on this here ). Physiotherapy is especially valuable for people who want to avoid taking medication wherever possible. We will explore this point in more detail in the next paragraph.

Migraines are particularly common in women of reproductive age. Significant symptoms can also occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding. During these stages of life, people are usually very cautious about taking medication, with the important aim of avoiding any potential risk to their unborn or newborn baby. One study examined physiotherapy combined with relaxation exercises in pregnant women with migraine. After eight weeks of treatment, participants experienced a clear reduction in the frequency, duration and severity of migraine attacks. Their quality of life, stress levels, and sleep quality also improved noticeably.

The researchers concluded that the interventions studied are effective and safe ways to alleviate and prevent migraine during pregnancy. These methods are scientifically backed alternatives to medication-based approaches. The authors recommend using this type of holistic strategy for pregnant migraine patients in particular.

Physiotherapy for tension-type headaches: promising results here, too

When it comes to tension-type headaches, the research is not as advanced as for migraines, but it is still very encouraging. A major Italian review analysed existing findings and concluded that physiotherapy is a good way to positively influence this type of headache as well.

Again, the effectiveness of different physiotherapy techniques was compared. For tension headaches, combining several physiotherapy methods appears to be the most effective strategy. Strengthening certain muscle groups and loosening tight muscles both have noticeable effects. Targeted relaxation exercises can also make a real difference, and their effectiveness is backed by science.

This can reduce how often headaches occur and how severe they are. It can also improve how people cope with their headaches on an emotional level. Feeling more in control can help reduce the impact headaches have on everyday life.

Looking ahead: physiotherapy as a science-backed treatment for headache disorders

One thing that may strike you after reading this: although the effectiveness of physiotherapy for headache disorders is increasingly well-documented, healthcare practitioners are still more likely to rely mainly on medication-based treatments. Researchers in this field argue that medical practitioners should take more notice of the effectiveness of physiotherapy in treating headache disorders. This would mean making greater use of proven physiotherapy approaches for treating patients. The various authors also emphasise that more research is still needed to fully understand and develop all the physiotherapy options that could help reduce the burden and improve the lives of people living with headaches.