If you’ve ever had a migraine, you know it’s not just a simple headache. It’s a throbbing pain, often on one side of your head, that can make you feel sick, sensitive to light, and even unable to move. Some people see flashing lights or feel dizzy before a migraine starts—this is called an “aura.”
Migraines can last for hours or even days, making it hard to work, study, or enjoy life. Many people take painkillers, but what if there was a way to reduce migraines without always relying on medicine? That’s where physiotherapy comes in.
Can Physiotherapy Really Help with Migraines?
The short answer: Yes, physiotherapy can help reduce migraines, but it may not “cure” them permanently for everyone.
Migraines are complicated, and their causes vary from person to person. Some common triggers include:
- Neck and spine problems (poor posture, muscle tension)
- Stress and tension (tight muscles in the head, neck, and shoulders)
- Nerve irritation (especially in the upper spine)
Physiotherapy focuses on fixing these physical problems to reduce how often migraines happen and how painful they are.
How Does Physiotherapy Treat Migraines?
A physiotherapist can help identify the physical triggers of your migraines and use targeted techniques to reduce pain and prevent future attacks. Here’s how:
1. Manual Therapy (Hands-On Treatment)
A physiotherapist uses hands-on techniques, including massage therapy, to gently treat your neck, shoulders, and upper back to:
- Release tight muscles that may be pressing on nerves.
- Improve blood flow to the brain, reducing headache triggers.
- Correct joint stiffness in the spine that might be causing pain.
2. Posture Correction
Bad posture (like slouching at a desk or looking down at your phone for hours) can strain your neck and lead to migraines. A physiotherapist can teach you:
- Proper sitting and standing positions
- Exercises to strengthen weak muscles
- Stretches to relax tight muscles
3. Exercises and Stretches
- Strengthening neck and shoulder muscles
- Improving flexibility to reduce tension
- Teaching relaxation techniques to lower stress
4. Dry Needling (If Needed)
Some physiotherapists use dry needling—a technique where thin needles are inserted into tight muscles to relax them. This can help reduce migraine triggers caused by muscle knots.
Can Physiotherapy Cure Migraines Forever?
While physiotherapy can significantly reduce migraines and even stop them for some people, it may not be a “permanent cure” for everyone. Here’s why:
- Migraines have multiple causes (hormones, diet, stress, genetics). Physiotherapy helps with muscle and nerve-related migraines, but not all triggers.
- Lifestyle matters—if you keep straining your neck or stay stressed, migraines may return.
- Consistency is key—doing exercises and following the doctor’s advice will give you the best results.
8 Home Remedies for Migraine Relief
While physiotherapy can help manage migraines, some simple home remedies may also provide relief when a migraine strikes:
1. Cold or Warm Compress
- Apply an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) to your forehead or neck for 15 minutes to numb pain.
- Some people find relief with a warm towel on the neck to relax tense muscles.
2. Stay Hydrated
- Dehydration is a common migraine trigger. Drink small sips of water throughout the day.
- Avoid too much caffeine, as it can worsen headaches for some people.
3. Rest in a Dark, Quiet Room
- Exposure to intense lighting and sudden loud sounds may intensify migraine symptoms.
- Lie down in a dark, cool room and try to relax.
4. Gentle Neck and Shoulder Stretches
- Slow neck rolls (moving head in circles) can ease tension.
- Shoulder shrugs (lifting shoulders up and down) help release stiffness.
5. Peppermint or Lavender Oil
- Peppermint oil (diluted) rubbed on temples may ease pain.
- Lavender oil (inhaled or applied) can help relax nerves.
6. Magnesium-Rich Foods
- Low magnesium levels are linked to migraines. Eat foods like:
- Spinach
- Almonds
- Bananas
- Dark chocolate
7. Ginger Tea
- Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
- Drinking ginger tea may help reduce nausea and headache intensity.
8. Regular Sleep Schedule
- Lack of sleep or too much sleep can trigger migraines.
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at fixed times daily can help prevent migraine attacks.
What Can You Expect from Physiotherapy for Migraine?
If you’re considering physiotherapy for migraine relief, you might wonder: Will it really help? The good news is that many patients experience significant improvements! Here’s what you can realistically expect from treatment:
- Fewer Migraines – Many people notice migraines become less frequent after starting therapy.
- Milder Pain – When headaches do occur, they’re often less intense and easier to manage.
- Improved Mobility – Stiffness in your neck and shoulders decreases, making movement more comfortable.
- Reduced Reliance on Painkillers – As your body heals, you may need fewer medications to cope.
While results vary from person to person, most patients find physiotherapy helps them regain control over their migraine symptoms and daily life.
Should You Try Physiotherapy for Migraines?
If your migraines are linked to neck pain, poor posture, or muscle tension, physiotherapy could be a lifesaver. It won’t work overnight, but with time, many people see long-lasting relief.
The best approach? Combine physiotherapy with healthy habits—drink enough water, manage stress, and avoid known migraine triggers (like certain foods or lack of sleep). If you’re tired of migraines controlling your life, physiotherapy might be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Need Migraine treatment in Canada? Visit Khalsa Physiotherapy Clinic in Surrey, BC, for expert care and lasting relief from migraines.
FAQs
Vestibular migraines are headache disorders that primarily cause dizziness and balance problems. They can be managed through a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and stress management. It’s essential to consult a neurologist or physiotherapist in Surrey, BC for a personalized treatment plan.
Migraine Ophthalmique (ocular migraine) is a rare condition that causes temporary visual disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots. It can be triggered by stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, or certain foods like caffeine, artificial sweeteners, aged cheeses and alcohol. Optometrists, neurologists, and physiotherapists can help identify triggers and recommend treatments.
Cannabis sativa is a plant that contains compounds like THC and CBD and is helpful for pain relief, anxiety, and migraines under medical guidance. THC can also cause a “high,” leading to recreational use. Consult a licensed healthcare provider for its recommended dosage, potential benefits, and risks.
Here are 8 effective ways to get relief from a migraine headache:
- Rest in a dark, quiet room.
- Apply cold/warm compress to forehead/neck.
- Stay hydrated (sip water).
- Try ginger tea or peppermint oil.
- Massage neck/shoulders gently.
- OTC pain relievers (ibuprofen) if needed.
- Avoid triggers (stress, certain foods, bright lights).
- Practice deep breathing (inhale deeply, hold for 4 seconds, exhale from the mouth)
- Physiotherapy can help if neck tension is the cause.
Women are 3x more likely to get migraines than men, often due to:
Common Causes of Migraines in Women:
- Hormonal Changes – Fluctuations in estrogen (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause) are a major trigger.
- Stress & Anxiety – Emotional tension worsens sensitivity.
- Sleep Disruptions – Irregular sleep or lack of rest.
- Dietary Triggers – Skipping meals, caffeine, alcohol (red wine), and aged cheeses.
- Environmental Factors – Bright lights, strong smells, weather changes.
- Genetic Predisposition – Family history increases risk.
