Have you tried everything you can think of to get rid of the headaches you deal with regularly but have seen little to no results? You might be ready to throw in the towel. Before doing it, consider using physical therapy for headaches in West Windsor, and Allentown, NJ.
Unfortunately, severe headaches have become part of everyday life for many people. Studies suggest up to 15% of Americans suffer from them.
If you fall into this category, physical therapy could be the answer to your headache pain. Learn more about how it may provide drug-free pain relief below.
Understanding How To Use New Jersey Physical Therapy for Headaches
According to a 2024 YouGov survey, over 50% of American adults have used physical therapy at some point. Many have done it after sustaining injuries in accidents or suffering injuries while playing sports.
However, physical therapists now see an uptick in patients seeking help with headaches. This shouldn’t be a surprise, considering the World Health Organization reports that headache disorders impact about 40% of the global population.
Here is how those who provide physical therapy in West Windsor, NJ, and Allentown, NJ, help headache sufferers.
Figuring Out the Source of Headaches
There are dozens of potential headache causes. From a lack of sleep, dehydration, and stress to high blood pressure, allergies, and medications, yours might stem from any number of factors.
When you start using physical therapy for headaches, a physical therapist will begin by performing a mechanical assessment. It will evaluate your musculoskeletal system by testing your:
- Muscle length
- Joint flexibility
- Range of motion
- Skeletal alignment
- Posture
Following this assessment, a physical therapist can determine if musculoskeletal problems cause your headaches, enabling them to devise a treatment plan.
Addressing the Underlying Causes of Headaches
If a physical therapist believes musculoskeletal issues are to blame, this is when using physical therapy for headaches will come in handy. It will allow them to target the specific body parts that may cause your headaches.
For example, those who suffer from tension headaches typically have tightness in their necks, shoulders, and backs. By undergoing neck pain and headache therapy, you might successfully address the underlying causes of your pain.
A physical therapist may recommend manual therapy techniques, such as massage and soft tissue mobilization, to eliminate tension and improve blood flow. Over time, they could effectively treat headaches.
Strengthening Muscles To Minimize Headaches
Working out the tension in your neck, shoulders, and back might prevent headaches in the short term, but for long-term success, you must work on strengthening the muscles in these areas. A physical therapist can show you how to do exercises for headache relief like:
- Chin tucks
- Shoulder shrugs
- Bilateral shoulder depressions
- Cat cow stretches
- Shoulder blade squeezes
As your muscles strengthen, you may start to see how physical therapy helps headaches. You may also notice improvements in your mobility and posture, which also play a key part in alleviating headaches.
Making Lifestyle Changes To Reduce Headaches
Headache management involves more than working closely with a physical therapist. To experience results, you must make lifestyle changes away from the office.
A physical therapist can guide you by discussing changes you should consider making. Their suggestions may include:
- Drinking more water
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress better
By making the appropriate changes and using physical therapy for headaches, you may put them behind you for good.
Contact Us To Schedule Physical Therapy in Allentown, NJ, and West Windsor, NJ
Are you interested in using physical therapy for headaches? Align Health & Wellness is here to help. Call us at 609-799-8444 to make an appointment.
We can also discuss using it to treat other ailments, highlighting the potential benefits of early physical therapy for back pain. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
FAQs
Find answers to other commonly asked questions.
How Long Does Using Physical Therapy for Tension Headaches Take To Work?
You might start experiencing relief immediately when using physical therapy for tension headaches. You may also have to wait several weeks or months to notice results.
Can I Use Physical Therapy for Migraine Headaches?
Yes, you can use physical therapy for migraine headaches. Using physical therapy for migraine relief often helps those with musculoskeletal problems, postural imbalances, and tension that cause headaches.
Does Everyone See Results After Using Physical Therapy for Headaches?
Not everyone will see results after using physical therapy for headaches. Results may vary based on what causes people to suffer from headaches and how much effort they put into physical therapy sessions.