Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are experienced by up to 90% of adult Americans sometime in their lives. Muscle contraction headaches are a type of tension headache. They can last for days or weeks. Advanced physical therapy techniques and patient training can greatly reduce the incidence of muscle tension headache and give the patient far greater control of their physical well-being.

Factors which need to be addressed in the treatment of muscle tension headaches include posture, ergonomics, habitual muscle posturing or guarding, clenching, adaptive shortening of muscles and the presence of myofascial trigger points. Physical therapists specially trained in the treatment of muscle contraction headaches can evaluate these factors and provide the treatment and education necessary to eliminate and/or control them. Working with the patient’s physician to identify the many influencing factors is an important role of the physical therapist.