There are many types of headaches, some of which can be treated very successfully using physical therapy.
Tension headaches often result from tight cervical and facial muscles, trigger points, or impaired alignment at the head and neck. Connective tissue restrictions at the suboccipital and thoracic inlet areas can restrict flow and contribute to migraine headaches. TMJ disorder can result in chronic muscle tension, and even tailbone malalignment can result in dural tension and headaches. In fact, almost any malalignment of the body can relate to headaches, because alteration at one joint causes a chain reaction of altered tension and tone throughout the body.
Using techniques such as Barnes myofascial release, joint mobilization, stretching, muscle activation and conditioning, headache frequency and intensity can be reduced.
Dr. Leslie Wakefield PT also treats TMJ, headache, lower back pain, neck pain, postural dysfunctions, alignment, women's health concerns, pelvic floor, scar tissue, chronic pain, orthopedics; she utilizes both exercise and manual treatments including myofascial release, visceral manipulation, trigger point release, joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques, and others.