Physical Therapies

Bracing yourself for the next headache attack can result in tight, tense muscles. Your health care provider may suggest physical therapy (PT) if you have problems with muscle tension. A therapist may use techniques to relax your muscles and increase normal movement. These include:

• Electrotherapy such as TENS

• Heat and cold treatments

• Manual (“hands on”) therapy such as head and neck massage

• Stretching exercises

Exercising at home or at the local gym can also be an important part of your headache treatment program. Exercise can include aerobic reconditioning and stretching exercises. Regular aerobic exercise may help decrease how severe and how often people get headaches such as migraine. Muscle tightness and tenderness that bothers many people with chronic headache can be decreased with stretching exercises. Read some helpful tips on exercise and headaches.

The Feldenkrais Method

The Feldenkrais method is a type of bodywork that uses gentle movements to promote personal awareness of the body, increase flexibility and improve coordination. One of the key philosophies of the Feldenkrais method is that there is no separation between the mind and body and that, as the body strengthens and gains new forms of movement, the mind will also strengthen and improve.

Unlike manipulative physical therapies such as massage or Rolfing, Feldenkrais practitioners generally view the work as a way to expand one’s knowledge of self and promote the connection between the mind and the body. Classes – called “Awareness through Movement” – focus on teaching small, precise movements that can be beneficial to people of all fitness levels and abilities. One-on-one Feldenkrais is called “Functional Integration.” Many people find the experience relaxing and helpful.

For more information, please see our full article on the Feldenkrais Method or visit www.feldenkrais.com.