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Migraine Relief Through Physical Therapy in Philadelphia

  • Writer: Sam Kelokates
    Sam Kelokates
  • 7 days ago
  • 6 min read

Migraine is a debilitating neurological condition that affects millions individuals in the US, causing significant disruption to daily life. Missed time at work, skipped social time with friends, and weekends spent in bed instead of with your family.


For those in Philadelphia seeking non-pharmacological solutions, physical therapy offers a promising path to recovery. This article explores the benefits of using physical therapy as a migraine treatment, providing insights into procedures, exercises, and expected results.

A physical therapist evaluates a patient's neck mobility, ensuring optimal care and treatment.
A physical therapist evaluates a patient's neck mobility, ensuring optimal care and treatment.

If migraine attacks keep disrupting your work, family time, or social life, now is the time to take action.


Our proven, hands-on approach helps reduce attack frequency, relieve neck pain, and improve daily function—without relying solely on medication. Click here to book your free consult and start your plan today.




Understanding Migraine and Its Impact


What is Migraine?


Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by intense headaches characterized by severe throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.


They can last for hours or even days, severely impacting the quality of life.


While the exact cause of migraine remains unclear, they are believed to result from abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signals, chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain.


Factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and physical activity can trigger migraine. Read more about migraine HERE!


The Role of Physical Therapy in Migraine Management

How Physical Therapy Helps


Physical therapy offers personalized care that targets the root causes of migraines, including neck pain and muscle tension.


By incorporating specific exercises and manual techniques, physical therapists aim to alleviate symptoms and prevent future episodes.



Benefits of Physical Therapy for Migraine Management


The primary benefits include improved postural control, reduced muscle tension, and improved neck mobility. By addressing impairments of the head, neck, and facial muscles we can help to decrease migraine attack frequency!


Additionally, physical therapy provides both short-term & long-term solutions without the side effects associated with medication-based treatments.


You'll learn about how your migraine affects your body and what you can do to help decrease migraine attacks naturally.


Core Physical Therapy Techniques for Migraine Relief


Manual Therapy Techniques for Headaches


Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to manipulate muscles and joints, promoting healing and reducing pain.


These techniques aim to improve circulation and decrease muscle tension, thereby addressing one of the common migraine triggers.


Research shows that when manual therapy techniques are applied correctly and on a consistent basis, they can help reduce pain and disability, improve neck mobility, and lessen both the severity and duration of migraine attacks.


In addition, manual therapy may enhance overall well-being by lowering stress levels and improving physical function.


One of the main benefits of manual therapy as a treatment for migraine is that it is non-invasive.


Unlike medications, which can carry the risk of side effects, manual therapy generally poses minimal risk, has few side effects, and offers a safe, natural option—either as a standalone treatment or alongside other approaches—for those seeking migraine relief.


Exercise Programs


Customized exercise programs are designed to strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles, enhancing overall posture and reducing stress on the neck.


Exercises may include stretching, strengthening, and relaxation techniques tailored to the patient's needs.


After a comprehensive evaluation, we can better tailor exercises to your unique migraine condition in order benefits of exercise without triggering more attacks!

Video discussion between Physical Therapist and Neurologist about the benefits of exercise for migraine

Neuromuscular Re-education for Migraine


This involves retraining the body to improve posture and movement patterns, reducing strain on the neck and head.


Through guided exercises, patients learn to engage the correct muscles, promoting long-term migraine prevention.


If you’re tired of migraine attacks limiting your life, you don’t have to face them alone.


Our specialized manual therapy and customized exercise programs are designed to address the root causes of your pain, improve mobility, and help you enjoy more headache-free days.


Schedule your free consultation today and start building your plan for relief.



Expected Outcomes and Recovery Process


Patient Experience and Results


Our patients report significant improvement in migraine frequency and intensity after consistent physical therapy sessions.


The recovery process involves gradual improvement, with most patients noticing benefits within a few weeks.


However, be aware that occasionally it is normal for a headache to occur after some sessions. But it should not be happen after most sessions. Read more about why attacks can occur during physical therapy treatments: Why Do I Get a Headache After Physical Therapy?


Safety and Quality of Care


At Kelos Physical Therapy in Philadelphia, we ensure the highest standards of safety and quality in our treatments.


Our specialists are trained to provide professional care, ensuring each patient's unique needs are addressed. We also work closely with other members of your healthcare team (neurologist, primary care) to coordinate and optimize treatments.


Costs and Consultation Process


Understanding the Costs


While the cost of physical therapy can vary, investing in a treatment plan offers long-term savings compared to ongoing medication expenses.


Our clinic provides transparent pricing and discusses all financial aspects during the initial consultation call.


Scheduling a Consultation


A comprehensive consultation is the first step to understanding your specific needs and developing a tailored treatment plan.


During the consultation, our specialists will evaluate your condition and discuss the most effective options for you. You can read more about our process here: What is Headache Physical Therapy?


Embracing a Holistic Approach to Migraine Relief


Integrating Lifestyle Changes


In addition to physical therapy, incorporating lifestyle changes such as stress management and dietary adjustments can enhance the effectiveness of treatment.


Our team provides guidance on holistic approaches to complement physical therapy.


Embracing Technology for Better Outcomes


Our clinic offers tech-driven solutions, including mobile and virtual therapy programs, to ensure convenience and accessibility for all patients.


These options allow you to engage in therapy from the comfort of your home.


Frequently Asked Questions


How long does it take to see results from physical therapy for migraines?


Most patients begin to notice improvements within a few weeks, though the timeline can vary based on individual conditions and adherence to the therapy program.


Typical patients require 6-10 visits sessions (average is 8 visits), with several follow up calls (no additional cost) to assess progress with your home program.


Can physical therapy completely cure migraine?


No. Physical therapy can not cure migraine. As we stated before, migraine is a neurological disorder with genetic components.


While physical therapy may not cure migraine, it significantly reduces their frequency and severity, offering sustainable long-term relief. This can greatly improve your quality life as migraine attacks are no longer causing you to miss out on event due to pain.


Is physical therapy safe for all migraine sufferers?


Physical therapy is generally safe for most individuals. However, a thorough evaluation by a specialist is essential to tailor the treatment to your specific needs.


There are times when it is not appropriate and medical care is needed before physical therapy treatment plans are initiated. This is why planning with your medical team can greatly improve care and outcomes.


What should I expect during my first physical therapy session?


During your first session, the therapist will conduct a detailed assessment of your condition and discuss your medical history to develop a personalized treatment plan.


Are virtual therapy sessions as effective as in-person visits?


Virtual therapy sessions can be effective, especially when guided by experienced professionals. They offer flexibility and convenience, making it easier to incorporate therapy into your schedule.


What lifestyle changes can support my physical therapy regimen?


Incorporating stress management techniques, maintaining a healthy diet, and ensuring adequate hydration can complement physical therapy and enhance overall results.


Explore our treatment options to learn more about how physical therapy can help manage migraines effectively.


You deserve more than temporary fixes—you deserve a lasting plan for migraine relief that works with your lifestyle.


At Kelos Physical Therapy, we combine hands-on care with targeted exercise and education to help you regain control over your health.


Book your no-cost consultation now and take the first step toward fewer migraine days and better quality of life.


 
 
 

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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

All information on this website is intended for instruction and informational purposes only. The authors are not responsible for any harm or injury that may result. Significant injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek suitable professional advice about your injury. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied on this website.

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