Headaches
Do You Suffer From Headaches?
Headaches unfortunately are a very common complaint. They vary in intensity and duration but generally relate to pain that is experienced in and around the head, in the temples and behind the eyes.
Often people reach for painkillers or a dark room as the solution, but this just doesn’t provide the relief they are after. Not many people realise that physiotherapy for headaches is even an option, but for chronic headache sufferers it can be an excellent non-invasive treatment.
The neck has been recognised as a source of many headaches, which means Physiotherapy is really well placed to help people due to the positive impacts it can have on strength, mobility and overall neck function.
Two most common types of Headaches...
1) Cervicogenic Headaches:
Symptoms include deep painful ache, dizziness, nausea, vertigo and blurred vision.
Common causes include spondylosis (arthritis of the neck joints) to the upper neck joints and whiplash type injuries, in which the neck is jarred and soft tissues are badly strained.
2) Tension Headaches:
Symptoms include low intensity ache, as opposed to throbbing pain that is felt across both sides of the head. A tight band like sensation can be felt across the forehead, temples and upper neck area.
Common causes include increased muscle tension of the neck and associated upper back muscles due to stress, fatigue, dehydration or muscle imbalance (poor strength and mobility).
How do we treat Headaches?
We use our 4-step system to assess and treat your condition as outlined below. This ensures you have the best possible chance of getting better and the problem not returning in future.
1) Assess
First, we listen to you and take a detailed history of your problem and how it affects you. Then, we assess your neck/upper body using movement tests and screens.
We then explain your likely diagnosis and proposed treatment plan of exactly what we need to do, to get you better.
2) Mobilise
Soft tissue massage and mobilisation
Joint mobilisation
Acupuncture and Dry Needling
Muscle Energy Techniques
Taping
Advice around lifestyle, posture and ergonomics.
3) Strengthen
Once pain has begun to settle and we are moving in the right direction the emphasis turns to helping you build the necessary strength and resilience of muscles and joints, in order to get those long-lasting results. We work with you 1:1 in our dedicated rehab space and/or start you in our group PhysioFit Pilates classes.
4) Optimise
Now you are well on your way to being pain free, we show you how to build on these results. Many of our clients choose to start our Physio Led Pilates classes which are an excellent way to stay consistent with your exercises, and keep you on track going forwards.
Note: Most people don’t need scans but if during the assessment or subsequent treatment sessions we decide your condition does need further investigation like an X-ray or MRI, we have the facilities to refer you privately if you wish. Usually, we can get this organised and have a result within 3-5 days.
How do I get started?
If you are ready to book in then you can either phone the main desk on 0191 814 9717, or use our easy online booking system by clicking here and selecting the ‘Physiotherapy Assessment/First Appointment’ option at a day and time that suits you. You will usually be offered an appointment within 48 hours.
Like to speak to someone first?
No problem, please call the main desk and if needed we can have a physio call you back to discuss your specific situation.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
