Some headaches may start as a dull ache in the back of your skull, growing worse and worse as you try to ignore it and go about your day. Other times, a headache can occur suddenly and without warning. Either way, experiencing a splitting headache can make it difficult to work, drive or even complete simple tasks around the house. If you experience splitting headaches often, it may be time for you to visit a physical therapist.
While pain medication may ease the symptoms of a headache temporarily, it does not help to treat the cause of your headaches. Pain medications can also subject you to unwanted side effects, including the risk of addiction. Physical therapy is a safe and effective way to treat headaches at the source, without the need for medication.
How can a physical therapist treat splitting headaches?
A physical therapist can help you pinpoint the underlying cause of your splitting headaches. From there, they can work with you to find the best treatment methods to suit your needs. Here are four physical therapy methods that your therapist may use on your splitting headache:
- Manual therapy ” Manual therapy techniques are designed to reduce joint and muscle stiffness, as well as increase the mobility of your head and neck. These hands-on techniques can also free nerves that may have become pinched or compressed, which is a common cause of splitting headaches.
- Muscle energy technique ” Muscle energy technique helps to induce relaxation in tight muscles and tendons that may be the cause of your head pain. This technique involves careful positioning of an area of the body by your therapist. You will be asked to contract the muscle or resist a movement done by the physical therapist, followed by a stretch to lengthen the soft tissue.
- Posture training ” Poor posture is often the culprit behind the stiff muscles and pinched nerves that often cause headaches. Your physical therapist can work with you to improve the way you sit and stand, as well as helping you find ways to keep good posture while working.
- Electrical stimulation ” Electrical stimulation therapy delivers small electrical shocks to your nerves and muscles using a special device, helping to relieve pain from a splitting headache. It also helps to reduce stiffness in the neck and other surrounding muscle groups.
Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for chronic head pain
At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we're proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that's close to you and who can help you address the cause of your splitting headaches.
Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform.
Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury or condition.
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