Headaches in Kearneysville

What types of headaches are there?

Headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, tension, poor posture, and muscle weakness. While medication is often the go-to solution for treating headaches, physical therapy can also be an effective way of managing headaches and reducing their frequency and severity. In this article, we will explore how physical therapy can help treat headaches and how it can be incorporated into a treatment plan.

Types of Headaches

Before we dive into how physical therapy can help treat headaches, it’s important to understand the different types of headaches that exist. The three most common types of headaches are tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are often caused by stress or tension in the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders. They can range in intensity from mild to severe and are often described as a dull, achy pain that feels like a tight band around the head.

Migraine headaches are a type of headache that is typically accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They are often characterized by a throbbing pain on one side of the head and can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Cluster headaches are a less common type of headache that are characterized by intense pain around one eye. They often occur in clusters, meaning they happen several times a day for several weeks or months, followed by a period of remission.

How can Physical Therapy help my Headaches?

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy can be an effective way of treating headaches, particularly tension headaches. There are several ways in which physical therapy can help, including:

Correcting Posture

Poor posture is a common cause of tension headaches. Physical therapists can work with patients to correct their posture, which can help relieve tension in the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders. This can be done through exercises and stretches that target the muscles that are causing the tension.

Strengthening Muscles

Weak muscles in the neck and shoulders can also contribute to tension headaches. Physical therapists can work with patients to strengthen these muscles, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. This can be done through exercises such as shoulder shrugs, neck stretches, and shoulder rotations.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on approach to physical therapy that can be used to treat tension headaches. This can include techniques such as massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. These techniques can help relieve tension in the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.

Education

Physical therapists can also provide education to patients on how to manage their headaches. This can include tips on how to maintain good posture, how to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders, and how to manage stress. By providing patients with the tools and knowledge they need to manage their headaches, physical therapists can help improve their quality of life.

Incorporating Physical Therapy into a Treatment Plan

If you’re interested in incorporating physical therapy into a treatment plan for headaches, there are several things you can do. Here are some tips to get started:

Consult with a Physical Therapist

The first step in incorporating physical therapy into a treatment plan for headaches is to consult with a physical therapist. They can evaluate the patient’s condition and recommend a course of treatment that is tailored to their individual needs.

Develop a Treatment Plan

Work with the physical therapist to develop a treatment plan for the patient. This may include a combination of exercises, stretches, and manual therapy techniques that are designed to relieve tension in the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders.

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Shannon Wright

Was introduced to Limitless Physical Therapy after a major run.  I stopped by to see why they were different from other therapies .  After talking with Krista, I scheduled an appointment for an evaluation. After talking with Krista, I told her that I had mild arthritis in my in my hips and knee and was told to take pain relieving medicine if necessary.  I did not want to put a Band-Aid on a problem that maybe I could help in a different way. After the evaluation, I found out that my left side hip and knee were much weaker than my right side.  I was taught how to do certain exercises to strengthen my left hip and  knee. A month of during the exercises, I ran my next race and took two minutes off my best time I thank  limitless, physical therapy for helping me do more of what I enjoy it. 

Brenda Palmer

Christa was amazing to work with. She listened to what I was feeling and my concerns and implemented ways to fix them in our sessions. I was very hesitant and worried that I wouldn’t fully recover but she assured me that she would do everything she could to help me meet my goals. With my busy schedule she was able to fit me in when it was convenient for me as well as stay with my pace. I never felt pushed harder than I needed to be I told to do things that were impossible. She let me stay in my comfort zone while pushing me to do better. I couldn’t have had a better experience. And I am happy to report that not only am I walking like normal again but I am starting to run again.