Headache Physiotherapy in Geelong
Updated: Nov 2
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, yet they're often misunderstood. Different types of headache have different triggers, and getting the type right is key to the right treatment. Whether your headaches are tension-related, hormonal, migraine or neck-related, physiotherapy can be part of an effective, long-term plan.
At MOVE Sports Physiotherapy Geelong, we focus on identifying what's driving your headaches and using evidence-based strategies to reduce their frequency and intensity. Let's explore the different types of headache, their contributing factors and how physiotherapy can help.
The Different Types of Headaches
Headaches are broadly classified (using the International Classification of Headache Disorders, ICHD-3) into primary headaches, which occur on their own, and secondary headaches, which are a symptom of another condition.
1. Tension-type headache
Description: The most common type, often a dull ache or pressure around the forehead, temples or back of the head.
Contributors: Stress, poor sleep, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, and sustained postures.
Symptoms: Mild to moderate pain on both sides of the head, not worsened by routine physical activity.
2. Migraine
Description: A neurological condition causing moderate to severe, often throbbing pain, frequently on one side of the head.
Triggers: Hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, skipped meals, alcohol and sensory overload.
Symptoms: Throbbing pain, sensitivity to light, sound or smells, nausea, and sometimes aura (visual disturbances).
3. Cervicogenic headache
Description: Headache referred from structures in the neck (cervical spine).
Contributors: Upper neck joint stiffness, reduced neck muscle endurance and sustained postures.
Symptoms: Usually one-sided pain starting at the base of the skull, often aggravated by neck movements or positions, with reduced neck range of motion.
4. Cluster headache
Description: A rare and extremely painful headache that occurs in cyclical bouts or 'clusters'.
Causes: Linked to the hypothalamus, though the exact cause is unclear.
Symptoms: Intense pain around one eye, with redness, tearing or nasal congestion on that side. These need medical management.
5. Hormonal headache
Description: Headaches linked to hormonal changes, such as around menstruation, ovulation, pregnancy or perimenopause.
Causes: Fluctuations in oestrogen levels.
Symptoms: Often migraine-like and closely linked to your cycle.
6. Secondary headache
Description: Headaches caused by an underlying issue, such as medication overuse, infection, injury or other medical conditions.
Symptoms: Vary with the cause and can mimic primary headaches.
⚠️ When to seek urgent medical care
A sudden, severe 'thunderclap' headache.
Headache with fever, a stiff neck, confusion, weakness, numbness, vision changes or difficulty speaking.
A new or changing headache pattern after age 50.
Headache after a head injury.
Headache that is progressively worsening.
What's Behind Your Headache?
Mechanical factors: Neck joint stiffness, reduced muscle endurance and sustained postures can contribute to tension-type and cervicogenic headaches.
Lifestyle factors: Poor sleep, stress, dehydration, skipped meals, alcohol and caffeine changes.
Hormonal factors: Fluctuating oestrogen during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause or with some contraceptives.
Medication overuse: Taking pain relief on many days each month can itself cause headaches.
How Physiotherapy Can Help with Headaches
We combine hands-on care, exercise and education to help you manage headaches effectively. Research supports physiotherapy most strongly for cervicogenic and tension-type headaches, and regular exercise, particularly strength training and aerobic exercise, has also been shown to reduce migraine frequency.
1. Identifying triggers
We work with you to find patterns, habits and contributors, whether mechanical, lifestyle or hormonal, and create a tailored plan.
2. Hands-on treatment
Soft tissue release: Eases muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back.
Joint mobilisation: Improves movement in the upper neck, which is particularly helpful for cervicogenic headache.
3. Exercise and strengthening
Deep neck flexor and upper back strengthening: Combined with manual therapy, this has strong evidence for reducing cervicogenic headache.
Movement variability: Exercises in different directions to reduce mechanical strain.
General exercise: Regular strength and aerobic training can reduce headache frequency, including for migraine.
4. Stress and sleep strategies
Stress and poor sleep are common triggers. We include relaxation, breathing and pacing strategies to help calm your nervous system.
5. Collaborative care
Some headaches need input from other health professionals. We work with your GP or neurologist on options such as medication, hormonal management or further investigations if needed.
💡 Self-Management Tips
Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly through the day.
Move regularly: Take regular movement breaks from sitting.
Track your triggers: Keep a headache diary to spot patterns with sleep, food, stress or your cycle.
Keep a regular routine: Consistent sleep and meal times help, especially for migraine.
Watch pain relief use: Frequent use can lead to medication-overuse headache.
Get curious: Can you change your headache when you notice early symptoms?
Want to Learn More?
Don't Let Headaches Control Your Life
Headaches have many causes, and the right assessment is the first step to the right treatment.
Our physios take a whole-person approach to help you reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches.
👉 Book your headache assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists today.
