There is almost nothing worse than a headache that will not go away, and a migraine can be absolutely debilitating. Headaches can be triggered from a variety of sources such as hormonal changes, diet, dehydration, or eye strain. What I see most often is my clients experiencing headaches, resulting from stress, lack of sleep, TMJ, muscle tension, or any combination thereof.
Tension Headaches are quite common affecting ~20% of people, migraines affecting ~15% of people and chronic severe migraines affecting ~1-2% of people. Regular massage therapy, even as short as a 30-minute treatment, has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and if caught early enough can prevent a migraine attack.
Tension in the neck, shoulder and jaw muscles can lead to headaches. When treating these muscles, I like to use a light amount of pressure and take my time. Making sure the muscles are adequately warmed up and using slow consistent passes over the muscle tissue making sure include treatment of the deep layers of muscles. Using too much pressure and/or working too quickly can increase symptoms and even trigger a migraine.
If the light pressure used in general massage is too much and aggravating
your headache symptoms, consider opting for a craniosacral treatment. Being such a gentle treatment, I do utilize craniosacral techniques in all my headache treatments. Craniosacral involves static holds using less than 5 grams of pressure, and gentle rocking movements to target the bones of the skull. These techniques identify and correct restrictions in the fascia, membranes surrounding the cerebrospinal fluid and the craniosacral rhythm. It is also a soothing treatment with many of my clients leaving relaxed and saying they get their best sleep after a craniosacral treatment.
Regular massage and/or craniosacral therapy are gentle but powerful treatments that not only alleviate tension and discomfort but also promote relaxation and overall well-being. Don’t let headaches control your life—consider making these therapies a regular part of your self-care regimen.
Comments