Headaches and Physiotherapy: What You Need to Know
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints worldwide. While some are mild and short-lived, others can become persistent and impact daily life. The International Headache Society recognises more than 100 subtypes of headaches across 14 categories, which shows just how varied the causes can be.
Physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat several headache types, particularly those that arise from the neck and surrounding muscles. These include cervicogenic headaches, tension-type headaches, and whiplash-associated headaches.
While not all headaches are musculoskeletal in origin, physiotherapy can play an important role in identifying and managing the ones that are.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are caused by pain or dysfunction in the neck. They often:
Worsen with neck movements and reduce mobility
Cause pain at the base of the skull, sometimes radiating behind the ear or eye (in a “ram’s horn” pattern)
Present on one side of the head
Develop gradually and may be accompanied by dizziness
Short-term manual therapy can help ease symptoms, but long-term management usually requires neck and upper back strengthening exercises.
Tension-Type Headaches
Tension-type headaches are the most common form of headache. They often:
Feel like a dull, pressing, band-like tightness around the head or forehead
Are linked with muscle tension in the scalp, neck, and shoulders
Are triggered by stress (though causes can be complex)
Last from 30 minutes to several days, and sometimes become chronic
Unlike migraines, tension-type headaches don’t usually involve nausea, light sensitivity, or vision changes.
Treatment may include biofeedback, stress management techniques (like CBT), medications prescribed by your GP, or complementary therapies such as massage, dry needling, or breathing exercises. Physiotherapists can help by addressing muscle tension and teaching strategies for long-term relief.
Whiplash-Associated Headaches
Whiplash injuries — often from car accidents or falls — can lead to headaches within a week of injury. These headaches typically:
Are felt at the base of the skull or back of the head
Are non-pulsating, intermittent, and usually mild to moderate
Can occur with neck pain, stiffness, and dizziness
Affect one or both sides of the head
Management follows the same principles as whiplash recovery: gentle movement, isometric strengthening, posture re-education, and manual therapy.
Why See a Physiotherapist for Headaches?
Because headaches can have many causes, it’s important to get a clear diagnosis. If your headaches are recurring, persistent, or changing in nature, start by consulting a medical professional.
Physiotherapists can play a valuable role in:
Assessing whether your headaches are musculoskeletal in origin
Providing hands-on treatment to reduce pain
Prescribing exercises to strengthen and prevent recurrence
Offering lifestyle strategies to support recovery
Take the Next Step
If you’re struggling with headaches and suspect your neck may be contributing, book an assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists. Together, we’ll identify the underlying cause and guide you toward effective, long-term relief.