Targeted Relief
Headache & Migraine Relief
Address the Muscle Tension Behind Your Head Pain
Chronic headaches and migraines often have muscular components that massage therapy can effectively address. Our specialized headache relief protocol focuses on the neck, shoulders, and cranial muscles that commonly contribute to head pain.
How Massage Therapy Addresses Headaches
Many headaches—especially tension headaches and some migraines—are triggered or worsened by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and head. Poor posture, stress, and repetitive activities (like computer work) can create trigger points that refer pain to your head.
Our headache relief treatment targets these common culprits: the suboccipital muscles at the base of your skull, the trapezius and levator scapulae in your shoulders, the SCM muscles in your neck, and the temporalis and masseter muscles of your jaw.
The Tension-Headache Connection
Trigger points in the neck and shoulder muscles can refer pain directly to your head, creating what feels like a headache. By releasing these trigger points, we can often reduce both the frequency and intensity of headaches.
Areas We Address
Neck & Suboccipitals
The muscles at the base of your skull are common headache contributors.
Shoulders & Upper Back
Tension here can pull on neck muscles and contribute to referred head pain.
Jaw & TMJ
Jaw tension from clenching or grinding often leads to temple headaches.
Scalp & Face
Gentle work on facial and scalp muscles can provide immediate relief.
Types of Headaches We Can Help With
Tension Headaches
The most common type of headache, often described as a tight band around the head. These respond particularly well to massage therapy.
- Band-like pressure around head
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Triggered by stress or posture
- Usually responds well to massage
Cervicogenic Headaches
These headaches originate from problems in the neck and are characterized by one-sided head pain that often starts at the base of the skull.
- Starts in neck/base of skull
- Usually one-sided
- Worsens with neck movement
- Massage can address root cause
About Migraines
While massage therapy may not directly treat migraines, it can help reduce their frequency by addressing muscle tension that may trigger episodes. Many migraine sufferers find regular massage helpful as part of their overall management strategy. Massage is best done between migraine episodes, not during an active attack.
Headache Relief Treatment
Headache and migraine relief techniques are included in our standard massage therapy sessions at no additional charge.
Simply let us know about your headaches when booking, and we'll incorporate targeted headache relief techniques into your session.
View our massage therapy pricing →Between Sessions: Self-Care Tips
Posture Check
If you work at a computer, ensure your screen is at eye level and take regular breaks.
Gentle Stretching
Regular neck and shoulder stretches can help prevent tension buildup.
Heat Application
A warm compress on the neck and shoulders can help relax tight muscles.
Stress Management
Stress is a major headache trigger. Find healthy outlets that work for you.
Find Relief from Headache Pain
Don't let headaches control your life. Book a session focused on relieving the tension that may be causing your pain.
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