Headaches are more than just a nuisance. If you suffer from them regularly, they affect everything: your work, your concentration, your social life. Yet many people don't know that physiotherapy can be very effective for certain types of headaches.
At Fysio Roode in Berghem, we treat tension headaches and neck-related headaches with proven methods. We address the source, not just the symptom.
Do you regularly suffer from headaches?
There are many types of headaches. Some types are caused by tension in the neck and shoulders, others by limited mobility of the cervical vertebrae. These types of headaches can be well treated with physiotherapy.
You have tension headaches
Tension headaches feel like a tight band around the head. The pain is pressing, not throbbing. It can last for hours or even days. Causes include stress, poor posture, or sitting in the same position for too long.
You have a headache that originates in your neck.
Neck-related headaches, also known as cervicogenic headaches, start in the neck and radiate to the head. The pain is often one-sided and accompanied by a stiff neck. This type of headache responds well to manual therapy and physical therapy.
You have recurring headaches.
Do you experience headaches multiple times a week or a month? Then there is likely an underlying cause that we can address. We will find out where the headaches are coming from and treat that specifically.
When physical therapy helps with headaches
Tension headache
Neck and shoulder pain
Tense muscles in the neck and shoulders can put pressure on nerves and blood vessels leading to the head. That pressure causes pain. With massage, exercises, and advice, we can reduce that tension and, consequently, the headache.
Stress and posture
Stress causes us to unconsciously tense our muscles, especially in the neck and shoulders. Poor posture exacerbates this. We will work on posture correction and teach you how to manage muscle tension.
Neck-related headache
Limited mobility
If the cervical vertebrae aren't moving properly, it can cause headaches. A manual therapist can restore neck mobility and thereby reduce headaches. This is one of the most effective treatments for cervicogenic headaches.
Radiating pain from the neck
Pain that begins in the neck and radiates to the head, temple, or behind the eye is a sign that the neck is involved in the headache. We specifically treat the neck joints and muscles to reduce this radiation.
How we help you
Cause analysis
Neck, posture, and load
We start with a comprehensive intake. We ask about your headaches, how often they occur, how long they last, and what makes them better or worse. Then we examine your neck, your posture, and your movement. This gives us a good overview of the cause.
Treatment
Exercises and relaxation
We will give you exercises that strengthen your neck muscles and reduce tension. These are exercises you can do at home and that will help prevent headaches. We will adapt them to your level and abilities.
Posture advice
A large part of the approach involves behavioral change. Small adjustments in how you sit, stand, or work can make a big difference. We provide you with practical, actionable advice that you can use immediately.
Make an appointment with headache symptoms
Reimbursement and referral
Physical therapy for headache is covered by supplementary insurance. You do not need a referral to make an appointment. Contact us if you have any questions.
Quick start with treatment
Don't wait too long to seek help, especially if you regularly suffer from headaches. The sooner we start, the faster you'll notice results. Make an appointment through our website or call us in Berghem.
