Migraine & Headache Treatment
If you suffer from regular or chronic headaches or migraines, you have come to the right place. Susan understands the debilitating effects of persistent headaches and migraines on your daily life and is committed to helping you find relief.
What are the different types of headaches?
Headaches usually range from a dull throb to an intense ache in any head region. There are several common types of headaches, each with unique characteristics:
Headaches usually range from a dull throb to an intense ache in any head region. There are several common types of headaches, each with unique characteristics:
- Tension Headaches: Often described as a constant band-like pain around the forehead or at the back of the head and neck. The pain is usually on both sides of the head and has a tightening or pressing quality; these are typically the result of muscle contractions and can be brought on by stress, anxiety, or postures where your head is in one position for a long time. It can last 30 minutes - 7 days and is not associated with auras or nausea and vomiting.
- Migraines: These are severe headaches on one side of the head only with a pulsating quality. They often include symptoms like vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound or nausea. Some, but not all, sufferers may also experience an aura — flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling in their face or extremities — preceding a migraine. It is also possible to have only the aura without a headache. Migraines can typically last 4 - 72 hours.
- Cluster headaches: These are excruciating headaches characterised by pain on one side of the head, usually around the eye. They occur in series or "clusters," often at the same time of day or night and can last for 15 - 180 minutes. The pain is often accompanied by tearing of the eye (lacrimation), nasal congestion, eyelid swelling, facial sweating or drooping of the eyelid.
- Sinus headaches: Sinus headaches are associated with deep and consistent pain in your cheekbones, forehead, or the bridge of your nose. They are caused by inflammation in your sinuses.
- Menstrual Migraine: Occurs from day 1 - 3 of menstruation and at no other times in the cycle. It can present with or without an aura and presents as a migraine.
Various factors can aggravate migraines and headaches. These may include stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, sleep deficiency, and environmental factors such as weather or bright lights. All headaches stem from problems in the first 3 vertebrae of the neck (with the exception of those caused by significant medical causes, e.g. strokes, tumours and head injuries).
How can physiotherapy treat migraines and headaches?
Physiotherapy can play a key role in accurately assessing and managing migraines and headaches. Susan Carmichael uses her extensive knowledge and experience to help patients find relief. She employs the techniques developed by Dean Watson of the Headache Institute to address both the symptoms and the underlying triggers of your headaches and migraines, helping you find relief in your daily life.
- Manual Therapy: This is a highly specialised hands-on technique where gentle manipulation and mobilisation are used to alleviate tension in the muscles and joints in the neck and head that are causing your headaches or migraines.
- Stress Management Techniques: Learning to manage stress effectively is crucial in managing headaches and migraines. Susan will introduce you to stress management techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness meditation.
- Lifestyle Advice: Susan can advise on lifestyle changes which help reduce the intensity and frequency of your headaches and migraines. These may include changes to your diet, sleep habits, exercise routine, and work environment.
How can you help me?
Recognising that each person's experience with migraines and headaches is unique, she provides personalised care tailored to your specific condition and lifestyle needs. She begins with a detailed assessment to understand your symptoms, triggers, and impact on your life, which forms the basis of a customised treatment plan.
Susan’s aim extends beyond just alleviating your immediate symptoms. She strives to tackle the root cause of your migraines or headaches and equip you with the tools to prevent future occurrences.
Schedule an appointment today and discover the transformative power of personalised physiotherapy care at Susan Carmichael Physiotherapy.