Research regarding physical therapy for the treatment of migraine headache is limited. However, migraineurs can still benefit from physical therapy intervention. Pericranial muscles can be the cause of migraine and will be tender during a migraine. There may also be changes in suboccipital and paraspinal muscle tone and underlying cervical dysfunction between migraine episodes. This can be addressed through physical therapy using manual therapy, specific exercise training (including, stretching, strengthening, and self-distraction), education, and modalities to decrease the frequency/onset of the attack and duration/intensity of the attack.
Massage therapy, physiotherapy, relaxation, and chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy might be equally efficient as propranolol and topiramate in the prophylactic management of migraine. Some studies have demonstrated that physiotherapy is most effective for the treatment of migraine when combined with other treatments such as thermal biofeedback, relaxation training, and exercise.
Migraineurs can also benefit from physical therapy for vestibular related dysfunction as seen in vestibular migraine. If the migraine is accompanied or caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), PT can assist in reducing the frequency of attacks especially if this is the cause or exacerbation of the attack.
Value has been placed on the therapeutic relationship that physiotherapists have with individuals with migraine with indications that physiotherapy could be a compliment or an alternative to medication to ease the consequences of migraine.
“More research needs to be done on physical therapy treatment for migraine headaches. A multidisciplinary approach should be considered to coordinate care to improve the probability of long term success for the migraineur” as reported by the American Physical Therapy Association.
CardioFlex Therapy performs Home & Outpatient Physical Therapy treatment for patients who have Headaches, Migraines, Cluster Headaches, Tension Headaches, Migraine Headaches, Severe Headaches, Chronic Headaches, and Natural Headaches.
Our Physical Therapy clinic is located in Davie, FL. We travel to patient’s homes located in Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach Counties when it’s not convenient for them to travel to us. We understand that if we did not offer this service, many of these patients would not receive the care that they need. We always stay with our patients for a full hour treatment session.
For more info visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com