Headache Physiotherapy
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints and one of the most frequently mismanaged. Many people cycle through pain relief medication without addressing what is actually causing their headaches. For a significant proportion of people, headaches are driven or contributed to by the neck, the jaw, or the muscles of the upper back and shoulders. These are the types of headaches that physiotherapy is well placed to assess and treat.
At Onward Physiotherapy in Lidcombe, headaches are assessed thoroughly. Our physiotherapists look at the neck, jaw, and upper back together to identify which structures are contributing to your symptoms. When the source of the headache is musculoskeletal, physiotherapy can reduce the frequency and severity of episodes and address the underlying drivers rather than managing symptoms alone.
Types of Headaches We Treat
Cervicogenic headache
A headache that originates from the neck. Pain typically starts at the base of the skull and radiates into the back of the head, temple, or behind the eye. Often felt on one side. Cervicogenic headaches are caused by dysfunction in the upper cervical joints and the muscles that attach to the base of the skull. They are frequently mistaken for migraines or tension headaches and do not respond well to medication alone.
Tension-type headache
A diffuse, pressure-like headache often described as a band around the head. Commonly associated with muscle tightness in the neck, upper back, and shoulders. Contributing factors include stress, prolonged postures, and reduced movement tthrough the cervical spine.
TMJ-related headache
Headaches driven by jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or dysfunction in the temporomandibular joint. Pain is often felt in the temples, behind the eyes, or at the sides of the head. Frequently worse in the morning following night-time grinding or clenching. At Onward Physiotherapy, the jaw and neck are assessed together as both commonly contribute to this type of headache.
Occipital headache
Pain at the back of the head and upper neck, often from tightness and dysfunction in the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull. Common in people who sit for long periods and those with forward head posture.
Headaches related to screen use and desk work
Headaches that develop during or after prolonged computer use, driving, or sustained postures. Driven by muscle tension, reduced movement through the neck, and the cumulative load of daily posture habits.
Post-concussion headaches
Headaches that persist following a head injury or concussion. The cervical spine and surrounding musculature are frequently involved in post-concussion presentations and are assessed as part of a broader concussion management approach.
Headaches following whiplash
Cervicogenic headaches are a common symptom following whiplash injury. Early physiotherapy management of the neck can reduce the development of persistent post-whiplash headaches.
Common Symptoms Associated With Musculoskeletal Headaches
Headaches with a musculoskeletal component often share certain features. Common presentations include:
– Headache that starts at the base of the skull or back of the neck
– Pain that radiates into the temple, forehead, or behind the eye
– Headache that is worse on one side
– Stiffness or restricted movement in the neck alongside headache
– Headache that worsens with sustained postures or prolonged sitting
– Tenderness in the neck, upper back, or jaw muscles
– Headache that builds through the day with activity or screen use
– Morning headaches associated with jaw clenching or teeth grinding
– Reduced headache frequency after neck or jaw movement
How Physiotherapy Can Help Headaches
Physiotherapy for headaches aims to identify the musculoskeletal structures contributing to symptoms and address them directly. This means treating the source of the headache rather than the headache symptom alone.
At Onward Physiotherapy, the neck and jaw are assessed together at the initial appointment. This is important because the two areas share neurological pathways and dysfunction in either can drive or maintain headache patterns.
Depending on your assessment findings, treatment may include:
– Manual therapy targeting the upper cervical joints to reduce joint stiffness and referred head pain
– Soft tissue work for suboccipital, neck, and upper back muscle tension
– TMJ assessment and treatment where jaw clenching or grinding is contributing to headaches
– Targeted strengthening exercises for the deep neck flexors and postural muscles
– Postural correction and advice on workstation setup, sleeping position, and screen habits
– Dry needling for muscle tension in the neck, jaw, and upper back where clinically appropriate
– Education on headache triggers and contributing lifestyle factors
– Load management and activity guidance for those with post-concussion or post-whiplash headaches
Sessions run for 40 to 45 minutes, giving our physiotherapists enough time to both treat and progress your rehabilitation within each appointment.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your first appointment is 45 minutes. Our physiotherapists will ask about your headache history, including how often they occur, where the pain is located, what triggers them, and what makes them better or worse. Any associated neck pain, jaw symptoms, or recent injuries will also be discussed.
A physical assessment of the neck and jaw follows. This looks at cervical joint movement, upper neck stiffness, muscle tenderness, jaw mechanics, and posture. From there, a treatment plan is discussed with you, including a realistic timeframe and guidance on what you can do between sessions to reduce headache frequency.
You do not need a referral to book.
Pricing
– Initial consultation: $130 for 45 minutes
– Follow up: $120 for 40 minutes
– Extended consultation: $200 for 90 minutes (for complex presentations)
– Medicare: $61.80 rebate processed on the spot with a Chronic Condition Management Plan from your GP
– WorkCover and CTP: billed direct to your insurer with no out-of-pocket cost
FAQ — Headache Physiotherapy
How do I know if my headaches are coming from my neck?
Headaches that start at the base of the skull, are worse on one side, come with neck stiffness, worsen with sustained postures, or do not respond well to medication are often cervicogenic in origin. A physiotherapy assessment can identify whether the neck or jaw is contributing to your headaches.
Can physiotherapy help with tension headaches?
Yes. Tension-type headaches with a musculoskeletal component respond well to physiotherapy. Treatment addresses neck joint stiffness, upper back and shoulder muscle tension, and posture as contributing factors.
Can physiotherapy help with headaches from jaw clenching or grinding?
Yes. Headaches driven by jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and TMJ dysfunction are assessed and treated at the clinic. The jaw and neck are assessed together as both areas commonly contribute to this type of headache.
Is physiotherapy suitable for migraines?
Some migraines have a cervicogenic or musculoskeletal component that physiotherapy can address. Our physiotherapists will assess whether the neck and jaw are contributing to your migraine pattern. Physiotherapy does not replace medical management for migraines but may reduce the frequency of episodes where musculoskeletal factors are involved.
Do I need to see a doctor before seeing a physiotherapist for headaches?
No. You can book directly without a GP referral. However, if your headaches are sudden in onset, unusually severe, associated with neurological symptoms such as vision changes or speech difficulties, or following a head injury, you should seek medical assessment first.
Can physiotherapy help with headaches from desk work and screen use?
Yes. Headaches that develop during or after prolonged computer use are a common presentation at the clinic. Treatment includes hands-on work alongside practical advice on workstation setup, posture, movement habits, and screen breaks.
Can physiotherapy help with post-concussion headaches?
Yes. The cervical spine is frequently involved in post-concussion headache presentations. Physiotherapy assessment and treatment of the neck can form part of a broader concussion management approach. Our physiotherapists will work within current concussion management guidelines.
How many sessions will I need for headaches?
This depends on how long you have been experiencing headaches and what is driving them. Some people notice a reduction in frequency within the first few sessions. More persistent patterns typically require a structured program over several weeks. Our physiotherapists will give you a realistic estimate at your first appointment.
Where is the clinic located?
Onward Physiotherapy is at 9 East Street, Lidcombe NSW 2141, inside Studio D at IMI Entertainment. The clinic is close to Lidcombe Station on the T1 and T2 lines and serves patients from across Western and Inner West Sydney including Strathfield, Auburn, Burwood, Parramatta, Rhodes, Homebush, and Sydney Olympic Park.