Health & Wellness Newsletter by Kerrville Physical Therapy Center
Health & Wellness
February, 2020
NEWSLETTER
RECOGNIZING THE CAUSES OF A CLUSTER HEADACHE
Any type of pain that occurs within the head can be referred to as a “headache.” Most headaches will resolve on their own without medical intervention; however, severe or recurrent headaches that interfere with one’s quality of life should most certainly be evaluated further. The challenge lies in identifying which type of headache you’re experiencing and then devising a treatment plan accordingly. Cluster headaches are a specific type of chronic headache. Also known as Horton’s syndrome, cluster headaches are short-lived but painful headaches that occur every day for weeks or even months at a time. They occur in patterns or “clusters,” and they may even happen at the same time every year, such as in the spring or fall. Most cluster attacks occur at night; however, it is possible for them to occur at any point during the day, sometimesmultiple times throughout the day. The pain you feel from cluster headaches is defined as chronic, due to the nature of the ongoing clusters. If you are suffering from chronic headaches, it is important to realize that you are not alone. In fact, according to the International Headache Society, headaches are the third most common pain complaint across theworld.
If you’ve been living with nagging headaches that seem to come and go at different times, you may be experiencing cluster headaches. Contact Kerrville Physical Therapy Center today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physical therapists and figure out exactly what type of headache is plaguing you. What causes a cluster headache? While some headaches have specific triggers, such as hormonal changes, stress, or tension, cluster headaches typically do not. While the exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, many medical professionals believe that they are associated with the hypothalamus. Some factors that may put you at a higher risk for developing cluster headaches include: • Age. Most people who develop cluster headaches are between 20-50 years old. • Sex. Males are more likely to develop cluster headaches than females. • Smoking. A large number of people who experience cluster headaches are smokers. • Alcohol. Alcohol use can aggravate or even trigger a cluster attack. • Family history. Those who have family members with cluster headaches are more likely to develop them themselves.
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How can physical therapy help relieve my CLUSTER HEADACHES?
Physical therapy isn’t normally someone’s first thought when they have a headache - most of the time, the common reaction is to take some form of pain-relieving medication. This may help to relieve pain in the short-term, but if you are constantly suffering from headaches, pain relief drugs will not provide you with the same long-term effects that physical therapy will. Some common physical therapy treatments for headache relief includes: • Trigger point therapy
headaches, your physical therapist may also suggest lifestyle changes to help prevent the headaches from occurring. This may include increasing exercise or cutting out alcohol and/or cigarettes. Your physical therapist can also provide you with stress relief exercises to try and avoid stressful situations that may cause your cluster headaches, or the adoption of additional healthy lifestyle choices, such asmaintaining a consistent sleep schedule or implementing a more nutritious diet. Contact Kerrville Physical Therapy Center today: We can help get to the root of your problemandfigureoutwhat factors are causing your cluster headaches so we can treat them accordingly. If you have been dealing with persistent, ongoing headaches that you believemay be cluster headaches, don’t hesitate to contact our office today. We will help you figure out the cause of your headaches and provide an effective, safe, and natural treatment plan for eliminating them!
• Heat or ice compressions • Soft tissue mobilization • Muscular releases • Muscle energy techniques • Body mobilization • Cervical traction • McKenzie-based therapies • Strengthening • Stretching
Since there are some environmental factors associated with cluster
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Patient Success Spotlight
I would not be where I am today!
“Individualized needs assessment and physical therapy plan for every need provides for a full recovery and better health if YOU take your recovery seriously. The super staff of therapists and assistants care about everyone’s individual needs and help you get back to a more normal life either pain free or with other referrals to get you there. After two different joint replacements in one year, I would not be where I am today, back on the road to a more active life with little to no pain, without KPTC. It takes work but if you do it you will get better. Thank you to all the great folks at KPTC that helped me get there.” - Bill M.
FREE PHYSICAL THERAPY ANALYSIS
To THANK YOU for choosing our physical therapy practice, we are offering a FREE Physical Therapy Analysis! Limited to the first 25 patients to call. SCHEDULE YOUR FREE ANALYSIS BY CALLING 830-896-7377 TODAY! EXPIRES 02-28-20
OUR SERVICES & MODALITIES
• Cervical & Pelvic Traction • Hivamat
• Kinesio Taping • Epley Maneuver • Ultrasound • Electric Stimulation
• Physical Therapy • Massage Therapy
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THINK KERRVILLE PHYSICAL THERAPY CENTER FIRST
At Kerrville Physical Therapy Center, you will receive hands-on therapy treatments by our friendly, caring health experts during focused and individualized sessions.
It’s time to visit Kerrville Physical Therapy Center if: • You’re tired of living in pain • You want to feel better and move better • You have been in an auto accident or injured on the job • You want to prevent injury 1. Call and talk to your therapist 2. Discover why your pain has come back 3. Get your custom recovery program
White Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp white chocolate chips • 1/2 cup nonfat vanilla greek yogurt • 3/4 cup frozen raspberries • 1 cup almond milk/milk of choice • 1/2 cup ice • Fresh raspberries for garnish (optional) DIRECTIONS
In a small microwave safe bowl, heat white chocolate chips about 30 seconds and stir until smooth and melted through. Set aside to cool slightly. Add all ingredients, including melted chocolate, to a blender (or bullet, food processor, etc). Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and top with fresh berries. Enjoy!
https://livelytable.com/white-chocolate-raspberry-valentines-smoothie/
Exercise Essentials Try these exercises to keep you moving...
SCAPULAR RETRACTION Stand tall, shoulders relaxed. Pull shoulder blades back and down. Don’t hunch your shoulders. Strengthens Neck
Exercises copyright of
www.simpleset.net
DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING Lie on your back with your knees bent. Breathe deep, from the belly. Stretches Neck Muscles
The above exercises are designed to be performed under the instruction of a licensed physical therapist.
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