Suffering From Migraines? Here’s How a Physiotherapist Can Help

by Marta Jordan Writer

Migraines are a debilitating condition. They can strike with no warning and leave the sufferer stranded in bed for days on end. Standard painkillers bring little relief, with nausea and light sensitivity also being common, unpleasant symptoms that accompany the throbbing head pain.

Many people suffer migraines for years on end, failing to find any way to relieve their pain. The biggest problem when treating migraines is that there is no one cause for the condition. While there are certain triggers to avoid, migraines tend to be very complex in nature and demand an equally complex treatment strategy.

One tactic that has proven effective for many people is seeking physiotherapy. A physio in Mooroolbark can both treat migraines and prevent them from occurring, providing much needed relief from pain and enabling sufferers to get on with daily life.

Migraines explained

A migraine is a particularly severe headache, which can last for days on end. There are several different types of migraines, the common symptom between all being debilitating head pain that tends to affect one side of the head.

Other symptoms include:

● Sensitivity to light, sound, and touch.

● Nausea and vomiting

● Visualising bright lights, shapes, and colours

● Vision loss

● Difficulty speaking

The exact cause of a migraine is unknown. Doctors believe that they result from abnormal brain activity that affects nerve signals, chemical movement, and blood activity in the brain.

There are a number of triggers — dietary, physical, hormonal, and environmental — that can provoke a migraine attack. Being able to manage these triggers can help reduce the severity and frequency of migraines. It is also thought that the condition may have genetic and hereditary links, making it even more difficult to treat.

How a physio can help

Physiotherapy is commonly associated with muscle strains and tears, but these medical professionals actually possess the knowledge and techniques to treat a much wider range of conditions — including migraines.

Physiotherapists specialise in posture and movement. Oftentimes, headaches and migraines can be exacerbated (or even caused) by poor posture or pre-existing injuries of the back and neck. Muscle manipulation (also known as massage), rehabilitative exercises, and strength and conditioning training can all be used to reduce the impact of this trigger.

Another method of migraine treatment that often proves very effective is exercise. Many studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise, be it walking, jogging, or cycling, can decrease the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraine attacks. Your physio in Mooroolbark can help put together an exercise program that is appropriate to your abilities and helps prevent migraine symptoms.

If you have suffered debilitating migraines for many years, your GP may recommend that you visit a physio in Mooroolbark to discern whether poor posture, injury, or a lack of exercise is exacerbating the condition. With any luck, their knowledge and expertise will help bring some relief to your daily life.