Migraines, Caitlin Kelley

Migraines are a type of headache that recurrent, can range from moderate to severe pain. According to the International Headache Society,  patients would need to have had at least 5 headaches lasting 4-72 hours and include 2 or more of the following symptoms: unilateral (one sided) location, pulsating quality, moderate or severe intensity, avoidance of normal day to day activity. During the episode, patient must have at least 1 of the following: nausea, sensitivity to light or sound. 

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If the above sounds like you, read along to find out how physical therapy can help, as well as, some tips at home to get some relief. 

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What is physical therapy, and how can it help your migraines? Physical therapy is the treatment of disease and injury with use of manual therapy and exercise, instead of medication or surgery. We can assess your neck, from how it moves, soft tissue and joint limitations, to strength inadequacies that may be leading into your symptoms. We use a myriad of techniques to help restore motion and soft tissue extensibility, through massage, joint mobilization and manipulation, and tools such as dry needling and cupping. Once pain is diminished, we are able to look at your posture and help guide you in the most optimal and succinct exercises to improve posture and reduce the stress that may be contributing to your migraines. 

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 There are at home stretches you can start now to try and diminish symptoms, if you head to our social media there is a video to show the exercises that will be described. The first one is a pectoralis major stretch (muscles in the front of your chest), gentle stretching of the upper trapezius muscles (the muscles on the side of the neck), and engaging the muscles behind the neck in a chin tuck to build strength in your neck muscles. . 

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The long term benefits of physical therapy can include prevention of recurring migraines through improved posture and muscle health. Reduction in reliance on medications and minimizing side effects. Combining physical therapy with lifestyle changes (ergonomics, stress management, sleep, hydration) can help achieve improvement in migraines. 

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If migraines are a condition that you struggle with, schedule with our front office today to meet with one of our physical therapists to help improve your symptoms and quality of life. 

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