Happiness is . . . the moment you realize your headache is gone.

We understand the debilitating effects that headaches can have on daily life. Many people are not aware of how effective massage can be in alleviating tension headaches, migraine and sinus pressure. Our team of skilled therapists will provide valuable information on how regular massages can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches, allowing you to experience relief and improve your overall well-being. 

Below, we delve into the various techniques used to target headache pain and focus on the benefits of Massage & Bodywork for different types of headaches. 

HEADACHE TYPES:

MIGRAINE – Is a headache disorder that causes intense pulsing pain deep within your head. The episodes often come with palindrome and postdrome symptoms, including visual disturbances, phantom sounds or smells, light and sound sensitivity, nausea and vomiting. Episodes can last hours or even days without treatment. 

POST-TRAUMA HEADACHE – These headaches develop after an accident affecting the neck/spine or after a direct injury to the head. They feel very similar to migraine or tension headache. They can last weeks or even months after an injury occurs, and can become chronic.

SINUS HEADACHE – These types of headaches are prevalent in the Spring due to blooming and blossoming trees and flowers, and the excess of pollen, along with rains and winds that stir up the air. Sinus pressure usually builds up around the eyes and nose, but can also be felt across the forehead, in the cheeks and even teeth. 

TENSION HEADACHE – As the name suggests, this type of headaches is usually caused by stress and tension. The pain you feel from a tension headache will be a dull, aching sensation all over your head, but is most often at the base of your skull (where your head meets your neck) and/or across your forehead. Tightness and discomfort may also be at the scalp, around your ears, neck, and into your upper back and shoulders. 

While there are several types of headaches having primary or secondary causes, these are the most commonly seen and treated types for most bodyworkers.

Life is better without a headache.

TECHNIQUES & BENEFITS:

ASSISTED STRETCHING – Stretching muscles associated with areas of tension can aid in the relaxing of muscles and make other techniques more effective. (Stretching and Massage may also make chiropractic adjustments easier and less uncomfortable.)

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY (CST) – Focusing specifically on the Cranium (Skull), Spine, and Sacrum, as well as the Central Nervous System, this modality aids in relaxation, as well as the gentle  “releasing” or “adjusting” of the Skeletal System. Techniques used in CST are subtle and non-invasive, making it a good treatment option for most clients.

SWEDISH MASSAGE – This fancy-sounding term simply refers to a standard relaxation massage that includes lotion and flowing application of pressure to relieve tension and relax muscles. Benefits also include improved sleep, decreased stress, improved circulation, lowered blood pressure, and more.

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE – Though this modality is technically specific to the Lymphatic System, there are protocols for the head, face and neck that aid in relieving sinus pressure by encouraging sinus drainage. Many clients also find this technique to be very relaxing, which in itself can decrease perception of pain.

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE – This approach uses pressure to “melt” or soften adhesions and tightness in the muscles. Muscle and connective tissue unstiffen, loosen and rehydrate, and tension releases, as the area relaxes. 

RELEXOLOGY – This approach is based on the idea that specific points in the hands and feet are indirectly related to other areas in the body, and that gently massaging or applying pressure to these points can relax and promote healing in their corresponding areas. This is most likely do to the way energy channels run (according to Western medicine). Treating the reflex points for the head, neck, shoulders, spine, and/or sinuses may relieve headaches for some people.

TRIGGER POINT THERAPY – Trigger points are the “knots” in muscles that radiate or refer pain to other areas. Tender points are similar, except that they don’t have referred or radiating pain. In this therapy, gentle pressure is applied to the knotted area until the discomfort is decreased or alleviated completely. This application is most often used with tension headaches.

There is a high chance you know someone who lives with migraine or experience it yourself.

Receiving regular Massage & Bodywork has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches both directly and indirectly by treating the involved areas of tension and discomfort, as well as the symptoms associated with them. 

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We invite you to explore the world of massage therapy as a natural, holistic approach to managing headaches and enhancing your quality of life.

_{(If your headache worsens, is severe/debilitating, occurs along with other symptoms, or is “new” or “different” in any way, please check with a physician before seeking massage treatment.)}