Consider a Career with Bethesda! From part-time positions to sign-on bonuses, we could be exactly what you’re looking for!

Available Positions

Physical Therapy for Headaches & Migraines

Headaches may be the result of a neck or jaw problem, poor posture, fatigue, or stress. Physical therapy can help manage and alleviate the pain associated with headaches and migraines.

Request Appointment

Learn more about Headaches & Migraines

Headaches are one of the most common types of pain and can be debilitating.  The proper treatment depends on several factors including the type and frequency of the headache and its cause. Most causes of headaches are benign and can be managed with conservative treatment. The most common causes of headaches can be related to vascular problems, sinus issues, migraine disorders and tumors. Some headaches are caused by muscle and joint problems of the neck or jaw (TMJ). These can arise after a motor vehicle accident, fall, concussion, surgery, or without obvious cause.

 

Causes of Headaches & Migraines

  • Muscle tension and tightness
  • Decreased neck range of motion
  • Tightness between the shoulder blades
  • Episodes of dizziness or vertigo
  • Teeth grinding or bruxing

The two most common types of headaches seen in physical therapy are cervicogenic headaches and tension type headaches:

Cervicogenic headaches are caused by a neck problem and the pain is referred into the head. Typical symptoms include pain on one side of the head and is typically felt at the base of the skull, behind the eye, or radiating in a line between the two.

Tension type headaches are typically related to stress and described as a dull, aching pain that is felt along the forehead and can radiate to the sides and back of the head. In addition, soreness in the neck and shoulder muscles may also be felt.

How We Treat Headaches & Migraines

A physical therapist will complete a comprehensive evaluation aimed at determining the musculoskeletal causes of your headaches and will create a customized program to address your needs. Treatment may include:

 

 

*Services are not available at all locations. Call or click the location page near you for that center’s services.

Concussion Management

Learn More

Dry Needling

Learn More

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Learn More

Manual Therapy

Learn More

McKenzie Method

Learn More

Physical Therapy

Learn More

What to Expect

Every patient has a unique health history, diagnosis and personal goals.  When you come for your first appointment, we will create a personalized treatment plan for you.

We work with most major insurance providers and do our best to help keep the paperwork pain-free.  If you’d like to confirm your insurance coverage, please let us know and we can verify when you schedule.  If your insurance provider requires a co-pay, we will ask for this payment at each visit.  We accept payments by cash, check or credit card.

When to arrive for physical therapy

When to Arrive

On average, a patient’s first visit lasts about an hour. We typically ask patients to arrive 15 minutes early to sign-in, complete paperwork and/or change clothes.

What to Bring for Physical Therapy

What to Bring

On your first visit, you’ll need to bring your physician referral or prescription (if needed), your insurance card, your primary registration forms, your ID or driver’s license and your co-payment (as applicable). If desired, you may bring a change of clothing.

How Physical Therapy Works

How it Works

During your first visit, your physical therapist will do an initial evaluation and discuss your plan of care.  The therapist uses this information to set goals for your continued treatment.  Physical therapy goals may include improved movement, strength, endurance and flexibility, as well as decreased pain.  Your subsequent visits will focus on treatment that is based on your diagnosis and individualized goals.

Autumn's Story

A graduation walk to remember.

Wearing high heels at Owasso High School’s May 22 graduation, Autumn Rosenthal climbed stairs and crossed the stage to receive her diploma. It appeared to be an unexceptional act, but not to someone familiar with her remarkable story. It’s a story that for Madison Nightengale, PT at Summit Owasso, began on Dec. 13 when Autumn […]

Read More

Josh's Story

From major shoulder surgery to American Ninja Warrior in less than 1 year.

As a successful obstacle course racer, including an appearance on the TV series “American Ninja Warrior,” Josh March is a pretty tough guy despite his modest stature. All that climbing, grabbing, swinging – sometimes competing for hours on end – requires strength of body and mind. He also has spent more than a decade in […]

Read More

Tim's Story

Paralyzed Tim Alexander presents UAB game ball.

Under just about any other circumstances, the night of Sept. 2, 2017, would have found Natalie Shannon in Atlanta for a neutral-site college football game between her beloved Alabama Crimson Tide and Florida State. But Natalie, Drayer center manager in Trussville, Ala., had an even more important football game to attend that night in her […]

Read More