Headaches

At Therapy SPOT – Bellaire, we understand that headaches are not only common, but they can be one of the most frustrating conditions to manage. Whether it’s a tension-type headache or a more complex issue, headaches can disrupt your daily life, leaving you feeling drained and uncomfortable. Our physical therapists are skilled in identifying the underlying causes of headaches and providing targeted treatments to help alleviate pain, restore function, and prevent future occurrences.

Tension-type headaches, often caused by neck or jaw problems, poor posture, or stress, are among the most common types of headaches in adults. These headaches typically begin at the back of the head and spread to the top, often causing tightness or a sensation of wearing a tight cap. They can be triggered by specific activities such as sitting at a desk for long periods, and they may worsen with poor posture or muscle tension in the neck and upper back.

Our physical and occupational therapists begin by conducting a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your headaches. This may involve reviewing your health history, assessing your posture, measuring your range of motion, and performing muscle strength and sensation tests. If your therapist identifies tension-type headaches or musculoskeletal factors contributing to your pain, they will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include manual therapy techniques to improve neck mobility, strengthen muscles to support proper posture, and provide education on lifestyle changes to reduce headache triggers.

Our approach to headache treatment may include:

• Manual Therapy: Specialized techniques to improve the mobility of your neck, shoulders, and upper back, relieving pain and muscle tightness.
• Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to build strength in muscles that stabilize your neck and upper back, improving posture and endurance.
• Posture Correction: Teaching you how to adjust your posture throughout the day to reduce strain on your neck and upper body.
• Workstation Modifications: Practical advice for improving your workstation or home office setup, such as adjusting your computer screen to eye level or using a headset to reduce neck strain.

For example, Sarah, a recent patient, experienced a “pressure sensation” at the base of her head that traveled to her forehead while sitting at her computer for extended periods. After consulting with her physical therapist, Sarah’s therapist diagnosed her with a tension-type headache due to tightness in her neck muscles. Through a combination of manual therapy, strengthening exercises, posture correction, and adjustments to her workspace, Sarah was able to significantly reduce her headache symptoms and eventually become headache-free.

If you’re struggling with headaches that are interfering with your daily activities, we invite you to schedule an evaluation with one of our skilled physical therapists. We’ll work with you to identify the root cause of your pain and create a customized treatment plan to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.