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Physical Therapy Treatment of Headaches

Headaches can be one of the most common sources of daily pain. There are many different types of headaches and our physical therapists can help identify the type and cause. The most commonly treated types of headaches are tension, migraine, and cluster. While most headaches are harmless and resolve on their own, individuals can suffer from chronic headaches that can affect activities of daily living.

Causes of Headaches

There are many causes of headaches, but often they may be linked to a neck or jaw problem, muscle tension, poor posture, fatigue, or stress.

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Treatment

Your physical therapist will conduct a thorough examination that includes a review of your health history. They will ask you questions and perform tests to determine the most likely cause of your headaches.

In addition, your physical therapist will:

  • Perform tests of muscle strength and sensation
  • Examine your posture when sitting, standing, and performing various tasks
  • Measure the range of motion of your neck, shoulders, and other relevant parts of your body
  • Use manual therapy to evaluate the mobility of the joints and muscles in your neck

If it is found that your headaches may be related to a physical impairment, your physical therapist will work with you to correct the potential root cause of your headaches, teach you how to manage and prevent them from coming back by:

  • Improving neck and joint mobility
  • Improving strength and muscle imbalances
  • Improving posture
  • Reducing stress
  • Improving workstation ergonomics

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Techniques

  • Manual Therapy - our physical therapists are trained in manual therapy utilizing their hands improve joint and soft tissue mobility.
  • Dry Needling - to alleviate muscle tension and trigger points.
  • Exercise - to improve muscle strength and endurance in order to reinforce postural changes.
  • Education - how to manage symptoms on your own, live a balanced lifestyle and promote health habits.

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We Can Help
Trust the Best

Dr Huff and his team are very professional and courteous. I had to have hip labrum repair and he and his team were top notch. From the time I walked back into the surgical area and met the first nurse, to the time I woke up in recovery,... Dr Huff and his team are very professional and courteous. I had to have hip labrum repair and he and his team were top notch. From the time I walked back into the surgical area and met the first nurse, to the time I woke up in recovery, I was treated with outstanding personal attention. I highly recommend Dr Huff and his team to anyone that has to have ortho surgery, you will not be disappointed. Keep up the good work!!!

Kevin Clemons

Dr Vasicek sees me as a whole person, not a collection of ailments. She listens and explains things well. She is proactive in addressing my needs, and will recommend various steps I can take versus just mentioning one option per visit.... Dr Vasicek sees me as a whole person, not a collection of ailments. She listens and explains things well. She is proactive in addressing my needs, and will recommend various steps I can take versus just mentioning one option per visit. I am very thankful for her expertise and help

Anonymous

Wonderful, caring, conservative doctor.

Roger Richardson

Saw Dr. Donegan for the 1st time on February 1st. Had already received high accolades from former patients. I was not disappointed. He and his nurse and made me feel most comfortable. I was encouraged as to my outcome when I left. Saw Dr. Donegan for the 1st time on February 1st. Had already received high accolades from former patients. I was not disappointed. He and his nurse and made me feel most comfortable. I was encouraged as to my outcome when I left.

Everett T. Priddy

I had a question about my tendons in my left hand, middle finger regarding tendon stretching. Dr. O'Neill and a therapist gave me the information I needed to make a decision. Same compassionate care I always receive from Dr. O. Now I... I had a question about my tendons in my left hand, middle finger regarding tendon stretching. Dr. O'Neill and a therapist gave me the information I needed to make a decision. Same compassionate care I always receive from Dr. O. Now I just have to make one.

Anonymous

I saw Dr.Balthrop for a knee injection. I have had two previous knee injections elsewhere that were horribly painful !!!! So I was dreading today so bad. I Literally never felt a thing . It was no pain at all. He is very professional... I saw Dr.Balthrop for a knee injection. I have had two previous knee injections elsewhere that were horribly painful !!!! So I was dreading today so bad. I Literally never felt a thing . It was no pain at all. He is very professional and caring yet very down to earth. I've been to his office twice and will continue as needed.

T. Ramos

Dr Harrod is a patients doctor. Easy to speak with. Compassionate. Sympathetic toward your problem . Explains diagnosis and offers solutions. I trust him fully. A true professional.

Gary Coughlin

Dr. O'Neill is a great surgeon. He always takes the time to listen, is compassionate and goes the extra mile to make sure the patient is taken care of. He is easy to talk to and thorough. I never feel rushed during my appointments. His... Dr. O'Neill is a great surgeon. He always takes the time to listen, is compassionate and goes the extra mile to make sure the patient is taken care of. He is easy to talk to and thorough. I never feel rushed during my appointments. His staff is great too - friendly and caring. I highly recommend Dr. O'Neill and this facility.

Tammy

She was thorough and listened to my problem.

Anonymous

I had a fantastic experience with Dr. Vasicek in 2006. Another physician in her practice insisted I did not have a torn rotator cuff, because it was not visible on the MRI. He grew frustrated with my continued pain and immobility and... I had a fantastic experience with Dr. Vasicek in 2006. Another physician in her practice insisted I did not have a torn rotator cuff, because it was not visible on the MRI. He grew frustrated with my continued pain and immobility and referred me to her. She felt that I did have a tear and actually found two during the surgery. She listens carefully, retains your information and keeps careful notes. I have complete confidence in her abilities.

JustAnotherMedic

Professional and caring. Explained my options throughly and understandably.

Lora Hessing

Awesome. Dr Donegan and his staff are caring and make the patient the number one priority. He diagnosed me on my first visit.

Gleda Blevins

The office staff were ready for me as soon as I walked through the door. After I filled out some information, it was a couple of moments and I was told that he was ready to see me. I had to take an elevator to one floor up. As the doors... The office staff were ready for me as soon as I walked through the door. After I filled out some information, it was a couple of moments and I was told that he was ready to see me. I had to take an elevator to one floor up. As the doors opened, there stood a nurse to take me to a room. Dr. Donegan came in within a few mins. He was very nice, listened to me and looked me in the eye while I talked also, when he spoke. Dr. Donegan is wonderful along with his staff. Dr. Donegan is a FIVE Star!!

Anonymous

Without reservation, I highly recommend Dr. Christensen and his staff! It is reassuring to have a doctor hold your hand and pray specifically for you just before he does surgery! From my very first emergency appointment, through surgery... Without reservation, I highly recommend Dr. Christensen and his staff! It is reassuring to have a doctor hold your hand and pray specifically for you just before he does surgery! From my very first emergency appointment, through surgery and follow-up I’ve had exemplary care! Everyone in Dr. Christensen’s office cared about me! Matt was my Physician Assistant, he is amazing ! Brittany and Tammy Fugate helped to make my knee replacement a positive experience!!! I am Thankful!

Donna

Great bedside manner, professional, efficient and explained procedures where I could understand everything!

Timothy Conlin