Physical Therapy for Headaches & Migraines in Kansas City
90% of Americans suffer from headaches or migraines.
Headaches are often the result of tight muscles and restricted joints within the neck and upper back. Migraines can have hormonal and chemical predispositions, however they are most often associated with secondary headaches. Secondary headaches cause abnormal tension within the muscles of the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back, which increases the frequency and duration of migraines.
Headach & Migraine Symptoms
- Throbbing, pounding, pulsating, intermittent or constant un-comfortability
- Generally bilateral or global (entire head) discomfort
- Pain starts in the occipital region (back of the head) and spreads around the outsides toward the frontal area
- Pain is often made worse by neck movements or sustained postures
- Decreased neck range of motion
- Sensation of a band or vise around the head; sometimes described as a painful, tight scalp
- Muscular tenderness or soreness in the soft tissues of the upper cervical spine
- Pulsating
- One-day duration
- Unilateral (one side of the head)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Disabling
Treatments for Headaches & Migraines
Physical therapy treatment for headaches & migraines in Kansas City from F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic includes soft tissue massage as well as ART to muscles surrounding the head, cervical, and shoulder musculature. Mobilizations of the cervical spine can help improve cervical motion and decrease tissue tension surrounding the neck, in turn decreasing symptoms of headaches. Specific exercises for neck movement and strengthening of the deep neck flexors will help retrain the body to have better ergonomic positions and prevent frequency of headaches. Dry needling of cervical and shoulder musculature is beneficial to decrease muscle tightness, improve range of motion and decrease symptoms. Education on workstation set up and posture could also help decrease the frequency and intensity of headaches or migraines.
Our Treatment Process
F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic utilizes A.R.T. and other manual therapy techniques accompanied by guided exercises to help lessen and relieve your headaches and migraines.
The physical therapists at F.I.T. Muscle & Joint Clinic provide patient care that demonstrates the best evidence-based assessments and treatments for your musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.
Possible Treatments for headaches & migraines
Check out our chiropractic service options for headaches & migraines.
Active Release Technique
Active Release Technique (A.R.T) is one of the leading soft tissue therapies for the treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.
Learn More
Dry Needling
Dry Needling is the process of using a thin needle inserted into a trigger point to relieve a contracture within a muscle.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
What causes a headache?
Headaches can be the response to a variety of imbalances both musculoskeletal, hormonal and lifestyle. Each individual experiences headaches differently therefore a thorough evaluation is necessary to properly address the underlying issues that are causing your headaches.
Are you suffering from a headache or migraine?
Take a couple of minutes to tell us about your symptoms and pain areas. Prefer to chat over the phone? Call us for a free phone consultation.
Visit your local F.I.T. Physical Therapist
Meet the team at any of our 10 locations: Lee’s Summit, Crossroads, Liberty, Leawood, Paola, Blue Valley, Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park & Shawnee.
