PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR MIGRAINES
Getting To The Root Of The Problem
(continued from outside) One of the most promising long-term solutions for chronic migraine sufferers is physical therapy. One study showed that migraine sufferers who participated regularly in physical therapy experienced a significant reduction in their symptoms and severity. The improvement did not end with the prescribed course of physical therapy. In fact, its effect was still felt a year later when migraine sufferers reported a continued reduction in incidence and severity. Best of all, physical therapy is non-pharmacological and void of the side effects Traditionally, people think of physical therapy as a post-surgical or post-accident process designed to improve mobility and balance. While this is an important function, its scope provides a narrow picture of what physical therapy can do. Physical therapists are trained to recognize limits to the body’s function and prescribe ways to restore movement, balance, strength, mobility, and harmony of the body’s systems. For instance, some migraine sufferers experience neck and jaw pain that triggers an event. Physical therapists can recognize the cause of this pain and address it with manual therapies and exercise that, in turn, relieve a person’s symptoms. Even if the cause of a patient’s migraine is undefined, a physical therapist’s approach is ideal for identifying and addressing the underlying causes that may be contributing to a person’s symptoms. Manual Therapies Physical therapists will likely perform techniques designed to improve the range of motion in the patient’s neck. This may include joint mobilization techniques, so many other medications carry. Physical Therapy for Migraine
massage, physical therapy, or pressure point therapy. These manual therapy techniques reduce pain, but they also keep the head and neck moving the way they should. Manual therapies, especially massage, have also been shown to help migraine sufferers sleep better and experience attacks less frequently. Exercise Physical therapy targeted at migraines may include neck flexion exercises, postural exercises and recommendations for work or school accommodations that may help limit migraine frequency or severity. Additionally, regular aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce tension in the muscles that may be related to migraine symptoms. It can also help a person maintain a healthy weight that is essential to balancing hormone levels that may also contribute to migraines. Physical therapists are adept at prescribing customized exercise programs for every fitness level. While there is no definitive cure for migraines, physical therapy is among the most promising ways to manage your symptoms both now and in the future. Drug-free manual therapies coupled with targeted exercise at the hands of a physical therapist may be the key to managing the frequency, duration and severity of your migraine attacks. The only way to find out if physical therapy is right for you is to contact us for a consultation. Let us help you get on the road to better management of your migraine symptoms.
Sources americanmigrainefoundation.org/understanding-migraine/ americanmigrainefoundation.org/understanding-migraine-cat/migraine-triggers/ www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3072494/
Do you want a natural solution to improving your health? Gain your freedom from pain medication and avoid costly surgery with physical therapy!
We can help you: Naturally relieve stiffness and swelling. Prevent aches and stiffness. Be more active with your friends and family.
Have more energy. Feel better at work.
www.aptnewton.com
Mention or bring in this coupon today for a FREE Physical Therapy Screening
Offer valid for the first 25 people to schedule. Expires 4-30-19. CALL TODAY: (316) 283-7187
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker