Stress-induced headaches are the third most common type of pain people experience. These headaches are very common and can drastically reduce a person's wellbeing, making them feel constantly tired and worn out due to frequent pain.

Types of Headaches

Headaches often become more common as we get older. Most of the time, they go away on their own and don't need a doctor's care. But if you have severe headaches that keep coming back and affect your daily life, you should get medical help. Physical therapists can identify different types of headaches and create treatments that relieve headaches caused by stress.

Common Types of Headaches

According to Healthline, the most common types of headaches include:

1. Migraine or sinus

2. Stress (tension)

3. Post-traumatic

4. Exertion

5. Rebound

6. Cluster

7. Hormone

8. Caffeine

9. Hypertension

If you’re unsure what kind of headache you’re experiencing, no problem! Your physical therapist will diagnose and treat it accordingly.

What is a Stress or Tension Headache?

Tension headaches often stem from high stress, bad posture, neck or jaw issues, tiredness, or arthritis. Anxiety and depression can trigger them too. These headaches typically start at the back of the head, then spread to the top and eyes. Your face, jaw, and cheekbones might ache too. People say it feels like a tight hat, a ponytail pulled back too hard, or a head squeeze. They happen when neck and scalp muscles tense up and are most frequent in adults and older teens.

How Stride Physical Therapy Can Help with Headache Pain

A qualified physical therapist will thoroughly examine your body and health background, pinpointing the kind of headache you have. They'll then identify the optimal strategy to alleviate your pain.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

• Questions about the types of pain symptoms experienced

• Measurements regarding the range of motion of your shoulders, neck, and other relevant parts of the body

• Tests of your muscle strength

• Questions regarding previous injuries to your back, jaw, and head areas

• Manual therapy to ascertain the mobility of joints and muscles in your neck

• Examination of your posture while engaged in different activities

If your physical therapist determines that you’re dealing with stress-related headaches, you will work together to create a care plan that meets your physical health goals. If a different type of headache is diagnosed, your physical therapist will refer you to the appropriate healthcare professional for treatment.

Reducing Headache Pain with Therapeutic Techniques

While the end goal of physical therapy is pain relief, several critical steps along the way help decrease pain.

Techniques Used in Physical Therapy

• Adjusting Neck Movement: Your physical therapist can use manual therapy to stretch muscles in your neck, relieve pain, and increase the range of motion.

• Improving Strength and Muscle Ability: You’ll learn exercises to help strengthen the muscles that control your upper back and neck, improving your posture and allowing you to sit or stand for long periods without discomfort.

• Enhancing Posture: Proper posture significantly impacts your pain levels and the likelihood of experiencing stress-related headaches. Your physical therapist will teach you how to improve your posture for a greater quality of life.

Treatment Plans at Stride Physical Therapy

Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, but many physical therapists use similar methods. Some examples include:

• Soft tissue mobilization

• Heat or ice compressions

• Muscular releases

• Cervical traction

• Body mobilization

• Stretching and strengthening

• Muscle energy techniques

• McKenzie-based diagnosis and therapy of the spine

Alongside in-office treatments, you’ll receive information to supplement your therapy at home, helping you continue to strengthen your muscles and speed up recovery.

Call Stride Physical Therapy Today

An experienced physical therapist will analyze your body and past health to pinpoint your specific headache type. They'll create an effective plan to alleviate your pain.

Learn more : https://strideptllc.com/headaches