Can Massage Therapy Help with Migraines and Headaches?
Migraines and headaches can be debilitating, as they interfere with work, sleep, and quality of life. For many, medication alone does not solve the problem, or it causes unwanted side effects. More people have been venturing into drug-free alternatives such as massage therapy, with the success of cannabis oil contributing to that. But is massage therapy effective for migraines and headaches?
At Queenston Physiotherapy & Wellness, we recognize the value of whole-body treatment in managing pain. This is how massage therapy can provide an effective solution for headaches and migraines.
Understanding Migraines and Headaches
Not all headaches are created equal. Common types include:
- Muscle tightness and stress, which can lead to tension headaches
- Migraine headaches, which can cause throbbing pain, nausea, sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances
- Cervicogenic headaches, caused by problems in the neck or upper back
Muscle tightness, bad posture, anxiety, and limited blood circulation are all common culprits – ones that massage therapy can particularly lend a helping hand to.
How Massage Therapy Can Help
Massage addresses the physical and neurological components of headaches and migraines.
1. Reduces Muscle Tension
Tense neck, shoulder, jaw, and upper back muscles can trigger or exacerbate headaches. Massage therapy helps:
- Relax overworked muscles
- Release trigger points
- Increase flexibility in the neck and shoulders
This is especially useful for tension and cervicogenic headaches.
2. Improves Blood Flow and Circulation
Restricted flow can cause headache pain. Massage improves circulation, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients more effectively to an area experiencing inflammation.
3. Lowers Stress and Promotes Relaxation
A leading cause of a migraine is stress. Massage therapy:
Lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels
A relaxing effect on the nervous system
Helps regulate sleep patterns
Frequent sessions can help prevent stress-ha-resistant shingles.
4. Supports Nervous System Regulation
Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system — your body’s “rest and digest” mode. This soothing effect may help decrease migraine triggers associated with overstimulation of your nervous system.
What Types of Massage Are Most Effective?
Recommendations for what you should do can vary based on your symptoms:
- Chronic muscle tension and slow translation required massage
- Trigger point therapy for headache-provoked points
- Connective tissue tightness: myofascial release
- Therapeutic or relaxing massage to assist in balancing stress and anxiety
At Queenston Physiotherapy & Wellness, our registered massage therapists customize treatments to your headache patterns and triggers.
When Should You Consider Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy may be helpful if:
- Experience frequent tension headaches
- Suffer from stress-induced or tension-related migraines
- Sit at a desk or computer for long periods of time
- Pay attention to headaches that accompany neck or shoulder pain
It won’t work overnight, and a regular massage routine will yield better long-term results.
Find Headache Relief at Queenston Physiotherapy & Wellness
If migraines or headaches are making life difficult for you, massage could help offer significant relief. At Queenston Physiotherapy & Wellness, our friendly staff provide individualized, evidence-based treatments to help you feel and move better.
Schedule an appointment to find out how massage therapy can help you have fewer headaches and feel healthier.