We have covered the benefits of physiotherapy for headaches in the past, which you can read about here. Today’s feature, however, takes a look at migraines. How is the latter different from the former? Migraines are a more complex neurological disorder that causes intense, throbbing pain, typically affecting one side of the head around the temple, forehead, or behind the eye. In some cases, migraines can also spread to other areas of the head, neck, or even the body. Other symptoms may accompany an episode, including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. In some cases it may be preceded by what is referred to as an “aura” A migraine aura aura is a temporary neurological disturbance that precedes or accompanies a migraine and usually involves visual, sensory, or motor symptoms that gradually develop over several minutes and last for up to an hour. The thing that stands out the most, for most, is the absolutely debilitating nature of a migraine. An individual can generally go about their day with a headache, managing work and home-life responsibilities, and even partake in recreational activities, but with a migraine it feels pretty much impossible. Further, a migraine can last for days. To meet the criteria for a chronic migraine, it must be present for at least 15 days per month for more than three months.
Yep, they suck.
Whether you land in the category of a chronic migraine sufferer or you experience them so often that your productivity and quality of life are compromised, you are ready to explore options for treatment. As with most sufferers in the Burnaby, Vancouver area, you have likely tried a variety of medications for chronic migraines. There are preventive medications, which include calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) targeting monoclonal antibodies such as Aimovig, Ajovy, and Emgality. There are also oral medications such as certain antiseizure drugs (topiramate, valproate), antidepressants (amitriptyline, venlafaxine), and blood pressure medications (beta-blockers like propranolol) that physicians recommend. Meanwhile, acute treatments include triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan) and CGRP antagonists (ubrogepant, rimegepant). And you have also heard about botox injections. These can certainly be effective, but again, you’re ready to explore other options. Whether averse to putting substances in your body or you want to supplement a medicative program, you are curious about physiotherapy for migraines.
While the powers-that-be in the medical profession require that physiotherapists not make direct claims about treatment for the neurological disorder, the demand for physiotherapy for migraine sufferers has grown exponentially over the last decade. This is due to the positive feedback received by satisfied clients who have reported dramatic improvements regarding symptoms of, and things that are known to aggravate migraines. Below is a brief summary of what you need to know.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Manage the Symptoms and Aggravators of Migraines
Physiotherapy Techniques Used to Help Manage Migraines
Migraine Canada references studies suggesting that physiotherapy can be as effective as preventive medications in managing migraine. A physiotherapy program for migraine sufferers employs techniques that are known to reduce muscle tension, improve mobility, correct posture alignment, and manage triggers of migraines. These techniques include the following (click each to learn more):
- Manual Therapy
- Posture Correction
- Exercise Therapy
- Vestibular Therapy
- Electrical Stimulation
- Acupuncture
- Stress Management
You have nothing to lose, yet everything to gain by at least trying out one physiotherapy session for chronic migraines. Email, call, or click here to make an appointment at our Burnaby BC clinic.
Migraine Management Through Physiotherapy
(Burnaby and Vancouver residents)