During a walk with your dog. While you’re working at the office. During playtime with your grandkids. A tension headache can strike at almost any time.
Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to avoid tension headaches. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that up to 75% of adults between 18 and 65 have had a headache in the past year. Fortunately, physical therapists can help you treat tension headaches and reduce their frequency. These specialists can also help you learn more about tension headaches and their causes.
What are tension headaches?
Tension headaches can be caused by many different issues. They often appear as a result of:
- Poor posture
- Increased stress, anxiety or depression
- Neck or jaw problems
- Fatigue
- Cervical arthritis
Stress-related headaches tend to start at the back of the head and progress to the top of the head. Sometimes, facial pain along the jaw and cheeks accompanies the headache.
Physical therapists can use these two techniques to treat tension headaches
Your physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your health history and a careful physical examination. He or she will ask you a series of questions to determine the type of headache you’re experiencing and determine the best routes to reduce your pain.
Two of the tension headache treatment methods your physical therapist may decide to use are:
- Myofascial release — This is a type of manual therapy. Physical therapists use this technique to break down areas of tension called trigger points. Myofascial release involves your physical therapist using their hands to apply directed pressure to the trigger points. One study shows that using this technique on trigger points in the neck helped reduce headache pain scores by almost four points.
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) — This technique can be useful for breaking down scar tissue in the neck that’s triggering tension headaches. Additionally, IASTM can reduce neck pain that could be the root cause of tension headaches. It involves your physical therapist applying pressure to the affected area with special metal tools. Medical researchers from one IASTM study reveal that patients who had it had a 3.6-point reduction in pain scores.
Find tension headache treatment at Whatcom Physical Therapy
Not sure where to turn for effective tension headache treatment? Our physical therapists at Whatcom Physical Therapy have the skills to help you address these common headaches. We offer free screenings that can reveal the source of your headaches. Then, our team can build you a personalized therapy plan designed to reduce your headache pain and frequency.
Do your headaches have you stuck at home? That’s OK! Our team offers virtual therapy sessions that you can do right from your own home. In addition, you won’t need to have a doctor’s recommendation before seeking our help with your headaches.
Don’t wait to begin getting our help with your headaches. Contact our team today for more information about how we can help you or to schedule your free screening.
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