How Physical Therapy Can Help Relieve Headaches and Migraines

June 3, 2025

Headaches and migraines are more than just a nuisance — for many, they’re a debilitating part of daily life. From tension headaches to chronic migraines, these conditions can significantly impact quality of life, productivity, and emotional well-being. While medications are often the first line of defense, physical therapy is emerging as a powerful, non-invasive tool in the fight against head pain.

Understanding the Root Cause

Not all headaches are the same, and neither are their causes. Tension-type headaches are frequently linked to poor posture, muscle tightness, or stress. Migraines, on the other hand, often have neurological roots but can be aggravated by musculoskeletal issues — especially in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

That’s where physical therapy comes in.

How Physical Therapy Helps

Physical therapists specialize in identifying and addressing the physical triggers that contribute to headaches and migraines. Here are several ways physical therapy can offer relief:

1. Postural Correction

Poor posture — especially from prolonged sitting or screen time — can place excessive strain on the neck and upper back muscles. Over time, this can lead to tension headaches. Physical therapists assess posture and teach patients how to correct alignment through strengthening and stretching exercises, reducing the mechanical stress that contributes to head pain.

2. Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques like soft tissue mobilization and joint manipulation can relieve muscle tension and restore mobility in the cervical spine (neck), a common source of referred pain in tension and cervicogenic headaches. Studies have shown that manual therapy can reduce headache frequency and intensity over time.

3. Neck and Shoulder Strengthening

Weakness in the neck and shoulder muscles can lead to instability and strain, triggering headaches. Targeted strengthening exercises help stabilize these regions and reduce the likelihood of headache-inducing muscle fatigue.

4. Trigger Point Therapy/Dry Needling

Trigger points — tight knots in muscles — often refer pain to other areas, including the head. A physical therapist can locate and treat these points, relieving pain and reducing headache episodes.

5. Stress Management Techniques

Many physical therapists incorporate relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness-based exercises. These help manage stress — a major trigger for both tension headaches and migraines.

6. Education and Lifestyle Modifications

Physical therapy also includes educating patients about ergonomics, activity pacing, and lifestyle habits that can reduce headache triggers. This empowers individuals to take an active role in their recovery.

Evidence-Based Relief

Clinical research supports the use of physical therapy for headache relief. A 2020 systematic review published in The Journal of Headache and Pain found that manual therapy and exercise interventions significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of tension-type headaches and migraines. While results can vary from person to person, many patients report noticeable improvements after just a few weeks of consistent therapy.

When to Consider Physical Therapy

You may benefit from physical therapy if you experience:

• Frequent tension headaches or migraines

• Headaches that begin in the neck or after long periods of sitting

• Poor posture or neck stiffness

• A desire to reduce reliance on medication

Final Thoughts

Physical therapy offers a holistic, drug-free approach to managing and preventing headaches and migraines. By addressing the musculoskeletal imbalances and lifestyle factors that contribute to head pain, physical therapy empowers you to take control of your health and live with less discomfort.

If headaches are interfering with your life, consider speaking with a physical therapist. Relief could be closer — and more natural — than you think.