Physical Therapy for Headaches and Migraines
Are frequent headaches or migraines interfering with your focus, productivity, or sleep? At Bodyworks Physical Therapy in Fargo, we help patients find long-lasting relief through personalized, hands-on physical therapy. If you’ve been relying on pain medication for short-term relief, physical therapy offers an effective alternative that treats the source, not just the symptoms.
What Causes Your Headaches?
Whether you’re dealing with tension headaches, posture-related pain, or recurring migraines, our expert team is here to uncover the root cause and create a personalized plan for lasting relief. While migraines can have many triggers, including hormonal changes, treating the cervical spine through physical therapy may help reduce their frequency or intensity.
Find Lasting Relief with Physical Therapy
If you’ve tried medication but still suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, it’s time to try something new. Our one-on-one care helps you understand the source of your symptoms and equips you with tools to prevent them from coming back.
Common Headache Types We Treat
Our physical therapists have advanced training in managing various types of headaches, including:
- Tension Headaches – Often linked to neck, shoulder, or jaw muscle tightness.
- Cervicogenic Headaches – Originating from the cervical spine and radiating pain to the head and face.
- TMJ-Related Headaches – Connected to temporomandibular joint dysfunction, jaw tension, and grinding.
- Postural Headaches – Caused by prolonged sitting, screen time, and poor ergonomics.
- Migraine-Associated Neck Pain – Neck dysfunction can trigger or worsen migraine symptoms. Treating the cervical spine may help reduce how often migraines occur.
We understand that each type presents differently, which is why we take the time to assess your specific symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits to develop a treatment plan that works for you.
Not sure which type you’re experiencing? Request an appointment and let our team perform a thorough assessment.
How Physical Therapy Helps Headaches & Migraines
At Bodyworks Physical Therapy, we combine hands-on manual therapy, postural training, targeted exercises, and ergonomic guidance to reduce headache frequency and intensity. Our approach may include:
- Manual therapy to release tight muscles and improve joint mobility
- Postural retraining to correct forward head and shoulder posture
- TMJ therapy for jaw-related tension and dysfunction
- Strengthening exercises for neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles
- Stretching routines to relieve muscle tension
- Education on ergonomics and daily habits that may contribute to your symptoms
- Gentle movement strategies to reduce migraine frequency and intensity
While PT may not eliminate migraines entirely, it can significantly reduce triggers, improve tolerance to daily activities, and enhance quality of life.
FAQs About Headaches & Migraines
Can physical therapy actually help with headaches and migraines?
Yes, for many types of headaches. Tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches (originating from the neck), TMJ-related headaches, and migraines with a neck-related component often respond well to physical therapy that addresses the neck, jaw, and posture, rather than relying on medication alone.
What’s the difference between a tension headache and a cervicogenic headache?
A tension headache typically comes from tightness in the neck, shoulder, and jaw muscles, while a cervicogenic headache originates from the joints or structures of the cervical spine and radiates up into the head and face. Both can be evaluated and treated with targeted manual therapy and exercise.
Can physical therapy get rid of migraines completely?
Physical therapy may not eliminate migraines entirely, since migraines can have multiple triggers, including hormonal ones. However, treating the neck and improving posture can reduce how often migraines occur, how intense they are, and how much they interfere with daily life.
How does posture contribute to headaches?
Prolonged sitting, screen time, and forward head posture put ongoing strain on the neck and upper back muscles, which can trigger or worsen headaches. Postural retraining and targeted strengthening are a core part of headache treatment at Bodyworks.
Do I need a referral to be evaluated for headaches or migraines?
In most cases, no. Many patients can schedule a headache/migraine evaluation at Bodyworks without a referral. However, some insurance plans, including Medicare, may require an order or referral from a physician or other healthcare provider. Our team is happy to help you determine what your specific insurance plan requires so you can get started.
How long does it take to see improvement in headache symptoms?
This varies based on the type and cause of your headaches. Many patients notice a reduction in frequency or intensity within the first few weeks of treatment, though a full plan is set at your evaluation based on your specific symptoms.
Still have questions about how headache & migraine therapy works or if it’s the right option for you?
Contact our team today to learn more and schedule your therapy session.
Further Reading on Headaches & Migraines
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