Three treatments that help get rid of a headache without medicine

Headaches are a fact of life. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that about half to three-quarters of adults have reported a headache in the last year. From minor afternoon tension headaches to the excruciating pain of a migraine, it’s something all of us have to deal with at one point or another. It’s also a fact that the first thing many of us associate with headache treatment is medication. While medication can be effective, it can also be habit forming and cause side effects, such as gastrointestinal issues, for many. 

Many people are surprised to learn that physical therapy can be an effective way to get rid of a headache without medicine. By taking an all-natural approach to headache relief, physical therapists can help patients address many of the factors that cause their development. To help you understand how this works, we’re sharing some of the specific ways physical therapy is used for headache treatment. 

We’re here to help. If you have any questions or want to learn more about our treatment options, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. 

Here’s how physical therapy can help get rid of a headache without medicine

At an initial appointment with a therapist, he or she will want to learn more about the causes of your headaches and your overall medical history. You can also expect to undergo a physical examination and perform movement and posture tests so that your therapist can determine if there are any physical issues that may be contributing. 

A treatment program designed to address headaches without overly relying on medicine will typically consist of the following methods:

1. Therapeutic exercise — Through a combination of strengthening exercises, range-of-motion exercises and posture improvement techniques, physical therapy can help people with chronic headaches improve many of the underlying factors that cause their development.
2. Manual therapy — With passive stretches, myofascial release and other hands-on techniques, our therapists can help relax tense muscles and promote blood flow in the neck and head. 
3. Patient education — Our physical therapists are experts in the proper functioning of the body and can help educate you on healthy lifestyle steps, such as hydration and proper nutrition, that can help lessen your risk of developing headaches. 

We’re happy to help you on your journey to headache relief 

At Back in Motion Physical Therapy, our highly skilled therapists are proud to take a highly individualized approach to wellness and relief. We work with each patient on a one-on-one basis to determine treatment goals and develop an effective program to reach them. 

Want to find out how we can help you manage recurring headaches? Contact us today to schedule your initial appointment.