Our Headache and Migraine Clinic

There is a group of patients for whom physiotherapy is likely to be beneficial and may help to prevent headaches from occurring in the first place. These are patients who suffer headaches with musckuloskeletal problems involving the neck joints and/or jaw.

There are two ways that the muscles and joints in these areas can produce pain in the head. The first is called referred pain. The most well-known example of referred pain is a heart attack. Most people know that pain in the chest, left shoulder, and left arm can signal a problem with the heart muscle. This is because when the heart muscle is stressed, the pain experienced can be referred into the arm. This is likely due to the particular way in which the nerves from the arm and the heart travel conjointly up to the brain. Similarly, the muscles and joints of the neck can refer pain into the head.

The second way in which structures in the neck can produce headache is by triggering a migraine event. In some patients, cervical spine and muscle tightness and dysfunction can occur, creating pain and discomfort that triggers a migraine headache. This is similar to how certain foods or environmental stimuli can trigger a migraine. In these patients, the hope is that by adequately treating the problems in the neck or jaw, one trigger for the individual’s migraine problem can be eliminated or greatly reduced.

At Circular Quay Physio & Pilates, we have a special interest in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of migraine and headache disorders. In particular, we focus on the diagnosis and treatment of neck headache and jaw headache. Our headache physiotherapist will be able to assist your diagnosis and migraine or headache source.

Treatment Frequency & Duration:

5 sessions over 3 subsequent weeks, follow up sessions as required.

Session 1:

A detailed history, assessment & treatment utilizing the Watson Headache® Approach. Allow 1 hour

Sessions 2 to 5:

We create change in the physiology of your headache and migraine. Guided by your feedback we apply gentle pressure to specific vertebral points to reduce the intensity of your headache. Allow half an hour.

Follow Up Sessions:

Help to reduce recurrence of symptoms. Allow half an hour.