Migraine and Headache Physiotherapy
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We're here to help you understand, treat, and manage your headaches and migraines
If you experience regular headaches or migraines, we understand the frustration of what seems to be countless sick days, medications and affected productivity.
Our patients come to us when they seek long-term solutions that don’t require medications. From acute to chronic sufferers, we will assess where your headaches are likely to stem from, provide effective treatments and plan your treatment goals together.
We're experienced in treating a
wide range of conditions:
Cervicogenic (Neck Induced) Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches often accompany pain in other areas such as the neck, shoulders and between the shoulder blades. These types of headaches are common in those who work in jobs that require awkward or sustained neck positions.
Migraines (With and Without Aura)
Migraines can start at any age and can come regularly without much warning. Sometimes, these can be accompanied by visual disturbances (auras) and sensitivity to sound, taste and smell. Migraines can often feel like deep, throbbing headaches which can cause nausea and vomiting.
Tension-type Headaches
Tension headaches can feel like a generalised squeezing or pressure, which may also refer to other areas of the neck and head. Trigger point therapy around the base of the skull can be helpful in alleviating these types of headaches.
Hormonal/Menstrual Migraines
Despite popular belief, hormonal migraines are NOT a life sentence. They can be caused by sensitivity within the neck. Treatments aimed at desensitising the neck can provide long-term relief of hormonal migraines.
Let's break the cycle together
Don’t let your life revolve around your headaches. Get in touch with our friendly team or book online to find relief that lasts.
Watson Headache® Approach
Our Physiotherapist Michelle Lieu is one of a select few physiotherapists in South Australia to have completed Certified Watson Headache® Institute Courses:
- Level 1 Foundation Headache Course (2021)
- Level 2 Consolidation Headache Course titled “The Role of C1-C3 Cervical Afferents in Primary Headache” (2022)
- Level 3 Watson Headache Certification Course (2023)
What does this mean?
Michelle is equipped with the clinical reasoning and practical skills to treat complex migraine presentations. This approach also allows us to accurately assess and treat the source of the headaches/migraines which can include:
- Migraines with aura
- Abdominal migraines
- Hormonal/menstrual migraines
- New daily persistent headaches
- Chronic migraines (yes, even ones that have existed for 20+ years)
- Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgia (TACs) facial pains
The Approach is medication and radiation-free, non-invasive (no injections) and comprises a series of non-manipulative (no ‘cracking’) techniques applied in a systematic way.
The Watson Headache® Approach is recognised as a scientifically researched method of examination and treatment. The diagnostic accuracy of the Watson Headache® Approach is unparalleled. It can confirm if disorders in the upper neck are responsible for headaches or migraine and determine the exact nature of the disorder as well as which spinal joints are involved. There is no guesswork and no cracking or manipulation.
For further information about the Watson Headache® Approach, click here.
At Physio Physique, we set ourselves apart by:
Using a holistic assessment and treatment approach
We use a comprehensive assessment and treatment approach that combines highly effective manual therapy and personalised exercises specific to your needs.
Designing our services for busy schedules
Our Adelaide clinic is open 7 days a week with extended hours and flexible appointment times suitable for busy people.
Empowering you to reclaim control of your health
We support and encourage clients to self-maintain their health through education as the key to preventing future issues. We teach you to heal yourself.
Helping build sustainable habits for lasting results
We believe that positive and long-lasting results are achieved by introducing realistic goals that you can stick to.
Offering specialised care for NDIS participants
We understand that NDIS participants have a range of specific needs and deliver services that ensure their goals can be met.
Providing a welcoming environment and service
Our staff create a professional yet relaxing atmosphere filled with flourishing plants and welcome clients with coffee or tea.
We provide specialised care for headache and migraine management and relief
All of our physiotherapists are trained in treating and managing headaches and migraines. In addition, we are fortunate to have Michelle Lieu who has attended the Watson Headache® Institute, Level 1 Foundation Headache Course and Level 2 Consolidation Headache Course titled “The Role of C1-C3 Cervical Afferents in Primary Headache”.
Frequently Asked Questions
There have many studies that suggest migraines and headaches are commonly more of a muscular (coming from the muscles) or vascular (coming from the blood vessels) condition. Our physiotherapists will assess your pain and help you understand where your headaches are coming from.
Despite medications being a very common treatment method for migraines, they surprisingly aren't the ONLY treatment for headaches.
If you are currently taking medications, physiotherapy treatment will still be safe. Headaches are a complex condition - there is no 'one size fits all' approach.
The short answer is no. The particular technique we use can be used for anyone suffering from headaches or migraines, no matter the duration of your symptoms. It may just take a little more time to settle down the pain.
If you have a previous history of trauma (ie. car accident, sporting accident or concussion), scans of the neck will be helpful in ruling out any major instability issues. However, they are not always necessary. Your physiotherapist can conduct a series of stability tests prior to starting any treatment.
If you have recently taken scans of your neck, feel free to bring them along with you to your appointment.