Headaches and migraines don’t just cause discomfort—they can disrupt your focus, productivity, mood, and daily life. Whether it’s a dull tension headache building through the day or a sudden migraine that forces you to stop everything, these symptoms often have deeper physical causes.
At Perfect Motion Physiotherapy in Adelaide, we understand that many headaches originate not just in the head, but in the neck, shoulders, and spine. These are known as cervicogenic headaches, and physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to treat them naturally—without long-term reliance on medication.
Why Do Headaches Happen?
While many factors can trigger headaches—such as stress, screen time, fatigue, dehydration, or even diet—the root cause is often muscular tension, poor posture, or joint dysfunction in the neck and upper back. These postural and mechanical issues increase pressure on sensitive nerves, muscles, and blood vessels, which can contribute to recurring pain.
Headaches and migraines can also stem from restricted neck mobility, poor alignment, or muscle imbalance—especially in those who spend long hours at a desk, looking down at a device, or carrying tension through their shoulders and jaw.
Common Types and Causes of Headaches We Treat
At Perfect Motion Physiotherapy, we provide assessment and treatment for:
- Cervicogenic Headaches – Originating from the neck, often due to joint or muscle dysfunction
- Tension-Type Headaches – Caused by chronic muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders
- Postural Headaches – Resulting from long periods of sitting or poor workstation setup
- Jaw-Related (TMJ) Headaches – Tension and misalignment in the jaw affecting head and neck muscles
- Stress-Induced Headaches – Tied to physical and emotional tension
- Recurring Headaches After Injury – Often seen following whiplash or concussion
Signs and Symptoms to Look For
- Dull, throbbing, or sharp pain around the head or base of the skull
- Headaches that start in the neck and spread upward
- Pain behind the eyes, temples, or forehead
- Tightness in the neck, shoulders, or jaw
- Headaches triggered by prolonged sitting, screen use, or stress
- Sensitivity to light or sound (with certain types)
- Difficulty concentrating or relaxing
- Relief from headaches after movement or manual pressure to the neck
Understanding Your Condition
Headaches can be influenced by mechanical, muscular, and postural factors, and are often classified into categories such as:
- Acute: Short-term headaches due to recent tension, strain, or misalignment
- Chronic: Recurring headaches lasting longer than three months
- Postural/Occupational: Related to repetitive positioning or work-related stress
- Jaw or TMJ-Related: Triggered by jaw clenching or alignment issues
- Post-Traumatic: Following neck injury, whiplash, or concussion
Physiotherapists can determine whether your headache has a musculoskeletal origin, and tailor a treatment plan accordingly.
How Perfect Motion Physiotherapy Can Help
Our skilled physiotherapists take a comprehensive and holistic approach to headache relief. We focus on identifying the underlying physical drivers of your headaches—particularly those related to your neck, posture, and movement patterns.
Your personalised treatment may include:
- Thorough neck, shoulder, jaw, and postural assessment.
- Watson approach of assessment and treatment.
- Manual therapy to release muscular tension and restore joint movement
- Electro Physical agents to reduce pain and improve blood flow.
- Postural correction techniques for sitting, standing, and sleeping positions
- Jaw and TMJ treatment if required
- Strengthening exercises for deep neck stabilisers and upper back support
- Stretching and mobility work to reduce tension and restore motion
- Workstation setup and ergonomic advice
- Breathing techniques and stress-reducing strategies
- Education on trigger management and long-term prevention
Our goal is to not only reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches but also to give you the tools to manage and prevent them moving forward.
We also collaborate with your GP or other health professionals if your condition is complex or involves neurological symptoms.
Start Living Headache-Free
If headaches are holding you back from feeling your best, it’s time to seek a solution that addresses the root cause. At Perfect Motion Physiotherapy in Adelaide, we’re here to help you feel clearer, stronger, and more in control of your health.
Book your consultation today and take the first step toward long-lasting relief from headaches and tension.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Results from physiotherapy treatments may vary based on individual conditions and responses to care.
