Headaches and Migraines

The neuromuscular and soft tissue causes of Headaches and Migraines

Headaches and Migraines can be due to a tightening and restricting of muscles and fascia in the neck and shoulders, sometimes involving trigger points – areas of muscle fibres which are permanently contracted – which refer pain to other areas of the body. Myofascial release can help with Headaches and Migraines by releasing all the fascia, connective tissue and trigger points in the neck and shoulder area, and rebalancing all the muscles involved. Specific “signature” headaches and symptoms resulting from distinct areas of fascial restriction and trigger points include the following and many more:

• Pain sweeping up the neck and up behind and over the ear – the ‘question mark’

• Stabbing pain behing the eye

• Pain across the front of the forehead

• ‘Vicelike’ pain around the head

• Pain under the bony ridge at the back of the skull

• Pain around the neck, particularly when moving the head

• Dizzyness or giddyness

• Nausea

• Accompanying nerve pain ‘neuralgia’ into the face, jaw and eye areas

• Extreme sensitivity to light and sound

Very often, after myofascial release and trigger point therapy for headaches and migraines, Trauma Recovery Clinic clients feel that they are able to move more easily in the neck, and that their eyesight and / or hearing has improved.

Myofascial release and trigger point therapy for headaches and migraines at the Trauma Recovery Clinic

Trigger point therapy

Treatment involves locating and releasing trigger points which are referring pain to the affected areas. Trigger points are areas of muscle fibres which are permanently contracted and sometimes painful to touch. They cause the entire muscle to shorten and tighten, and refer pain to other areas, in this case up into the head, the face or the jaw. Very often we will treat an area which is removed from the area of pain. The result is a significant reduction or elimination of pain in the affected area, although it has not been directly treated.

Craniosacral therapy

Headaches can be caused or exacerbated by an imbalance of the cranial bones which move in concert with the production and draining away of craniosacral fluid, the fluid the brain sits in. Craniosacral techniques are employed to gently rebalance the movement of the cranial bones, freeing up connective tissue that may by tight or adhesed, so that the bones can move freely.

Fascial Release

As well as trigger point release we look for areas of fascia which have been adhesed and are restricting normal functioning in their own and other areas. We use specific techniques for releasing fascia and the nerves and other structures it bears down on when restricted. We also use soft tissue release and myofascial stretching to release restricted areas.

Movement home exercises

When muscles, fascia and trigger points have been released we help you develop posture or ways of working which will prevent headaches and migraines from recurring due to soft and connective tissue restrictions. These may include exercises from Pilates or specific stretches. They will all be easily achievable and can usually be carried out discretely during the course of the day, even at the office.

How long will treatment take?

Usually between 4 and 6, 55 minute treatments at the Trauma Recovery Clinic bring about substantial decrease in headaches and migraines, and often significant improvement is experienced after the first session.