Not all headaches are the same — and treating them all the same way is why so many people keep having them. At PhysioLogix we identify the type of headache you're experiencing and address what's actually causing it, which for many patients produces faster and more lasting relief than they've found elsewhere.
Types of Headaches and What Physiotherapy Can Treat
Understanding which type of headache you're dealing with determines how it should be treated. Physiotherapy is highly effective for two of the most common types.
Tension headaches present as a pressing, band-like tightness around the head — often described as a vice squeezing the skull. They're primarily driven by muscle tension and trigger points in the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull, the upper trapezius, and the cervical spine. They're extremely common in people who spend long hours at a desk or in sustained postures and are one of the most responsive headache types to physiotherapy treatment.
Cervicogenic headaches originate from the upper cervical spine — typically the top two or three vertebral joints — and refer pain to the head, often on one side. They're frequently associated with neck stiffness and are often worse after sustained postures or neck movements. The headache is a symptom of a cervical spine problem, which means treating the neck is what resolves the headache. This is a specific and well-recognised condition that physiotherapy is very effective for.
Migraines are a neurological condition and are not primarily treated by physiotherapy. However, some patients with migraines have a cervicogenic component contributing to their headache frequency — identifying and treating this can reduce migraine frequency for some patients, though physiotherapy is not a migraine treatment per se. If migraines are your primary concern, your GP is the appropriate first contact.
What Causes Tension and Cervicogenic Headaches
Sustained posture and desk work — prolonged forward head posture places significant load on the suboccipital muscles and upper cervical joints. This is the most common driver of both tension and cervicogenic headaches in desk workers and anyone spending extended time looking at screens.
Physical trauma — impacts to the head, neck, or upper back from sport, accidents, or falls can irritate the upper cervical joints and surrounding musculature, triggering cervicogenic headache patterns. Whiplash injuries are a common cause.
Muscle tension and trigger points — chronic tightness in the neck and shoulder muscles develops predictable trigger point patterns that refer pain to the head. These are highly responsive to dry needling and soft tissue release.
Joint restriction in the upper cervical spine — restricted movement in the top two or three cervical segments is a specific finding in cervicogenic headache and is directly addressed through cervical joint mobilisation.
How We Treat Headaches at PhysioLogix
Assessment starts with a thorough history and physical examination of the cervical and thoracic spine, postural analysis, and movement assessment. We identify which structures are involved and whether the headache is tension, cervicogenic, or a combination before any treatment begins.
Hands-on treatment for headaches typically includes cervical and upper thoracic joint mobilisation to restore restricted movement, soft tissue release targeting the suboccipital muscles, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae, and dry needling where trigger points are maintaining the headache pattern and are slow to respond to manual release alone.
Exercise rehabilitation addresses the strength and postural deficits that allow the problem to persist — deep neck flexor strengthening, thoracic mobility work, and scapular stability exercises are central to most headache programs. Advice on workstation setup, sleep posture, and activity modification is provided where relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can physiotherapy cure my headaches?
For tension and cervicogenic headaches, physiotherapy can produce significant and lasting relief when the underlying cervical and muscular factors are properly identified and addressed. Most patients notice a meaningful reduction in headache frequency and intensity within the first few sessions.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. Book directly online using the button bellow Cliniko or call 0450 075 955.
How do I know if my headaches are cervicogenic?
Cervicogenic headaches are typically one-sided, associated with neck stiffness, and provoked or worsened by neck movements or sustained postures. They often start at the base of the skull and spread to the front of the head. If this sounds familiar, a physiotherapy assessment is appropriate.
Where is PhysioLogix located?
6/567 Newcastle Street, West Perth WA 6005. We regularly see patients with lower back pain from Subiaco, Leederville, North Perth, Nedlands, Mount Hawthorn, and across the inner Perth suburbs. Free street parking is available directly outside with no time limits during clinic hours.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on how long the headaches have been present and how the underlying structures respond to treatment. Most patients with tension or cervicogenic headaches notice improvement within one to six sessions. We'll give you a realistic assessment at your first appointment.
Dealing with headaches that keep coming back? Call us on 0450 075 955 and we'll tell you whether physiotherapy is the right step.
Can tension and cervicogenic headaches resolve without physiotherapy?
Occasional tension headaches often settle with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief. Recurring tension or cervicogenic headaches that are driven by cervical joint restriction, muscle tightness, and postural factors do not typically resolve without addressing those underlying causes. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for both conditions when the cervical and muscular contributors are properly identified.