We all experience headaches now and then, and we usually consider them a mild problem, easily handled with over-the-counter medications. But when headaches become chronic, they can upend a person’s life. Perhaps surprisingly, physical therapy can help in many cases. After determining the type of headaches a person is experiencing, a qualified physical therapist can often construct a treatment plan to reduce the pain and improve a patient’s quality of life. Tension headaches are the most common cause of head pain, and many believe they are caused solely by stress or anxiety. But while your emotional state can undoubtedly contribute to the intensity of a headache, your neck muscles are the real culprit. Neck muscles just beneath the base of your skull can spasm when placed under stress by poor posture, osteoarthritis, or injury. The spasms initiate a tugging movement, which causes irritation and leads to a pounding or aching sensation in the head. The amount of stress on the muscles may seem small — like working at a computer or frequently looking down at your cellphone — but it can significantly impact your ability to comfortably complete daily tasks. A PAIN IN THE WHAT?
Cervicogenic headaches are another common type of headache that originates in the neck, this time in the upper spine. Damage to the spine’s nerves, discs, and joints can cause pain that spreads upwards. While these headaches often start as occasional events, they can become more frequent with time. Since musculoskeletal issues cause these headaches, physical therapy can help relieve the strain. Depending on your specific condition, your physical therapist may work with you to improve your neck mobility, strength, or posture. With better spine alignment, tension and cervicogenic headaches typically become less frequent. Meanwhile, myofascial release therapy can help loosen your muscles to reduce the impact of a headache. Physical therapy cannot treat every type of headache, but it can probably help more than you imagine. For example, physical therapy techniques can help lessen pain during a migraine, and manual therapy may help treat cluster headaches. Your physical therapist will also refer you to another health care provider if physical therapy is insufficient to address the problem. In the end, you’ve got nothing to lose by trying physical therapy — except, perhaps, your chronic head pain. PT Can Treat Chronic Headaches
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS Getting Confidence Back
“I am pain-free after months of living with pain. My experience with Kinetic is even better than the last time. After having hip surgery in September 2021, Amanda did a great job of helping me recover, and I was encouraged to get the other one done in January, 2022. I could not be more pleased. I am pain- free after months of living with pain. Everyone at Kinetic
“I had a great PT experience! Mandie was so
knowledgeable and was able to pinpoint the source of my pain so that it could be corrected. This was a better experience than others by far. Personal attention was key here! I will recommend Kinetic to others.” –Mark Woodbury
was very encouraging and would tell me how great I was doing which really gave me encouragement. The most friendly, fabulous group of people ever!! I have told many people about how great Kinetic is and will continue to do so. Thanks for a great job!” –Janet Krueger
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