Natural Therapy for Tension Headaches and Migraines
Natural Relief Through Massage Therapy
At Massage Therapy Group, we offer effective therapy for tension headaches and massage for migraines in our relaxed, friendly environment. Our massage therapists are trained in advanced techniques and use personalized approaches to address the root causes of tension headaches, helping clients achieve lasting relief.
Why Choose Massage for Headaches?
Clinical massage is a proven, non-invasive therapy for tension headaches by addressing muscle tension, poor circulation and stress. Our treatments provide relief without medication.
- Massage for Tension Headaches: Provides relief by reducing muscle tightness and referred pain from trigger points in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
- Migraine Massage: Advanced massage techniques applied to the neck and upper body, reduce stress, decrease migraine frequency and intensity. Holistic treatment for Migraines and Cluster Headache Therapy
- TMJ Disorder (Jaw Tension): Reducing tightness in the jaw, neck and face. Helping to correct imbalances and referred head and face pain.
- Upper Cross Syndrome (Postural Headache): Poor posture leads to tension headaches, which we address through postural correction techniques. See also: What is Upper Cross Syndrome.
Techniques We Use
- Deep Tissue Massage: Releases chronic muscle tension contributing to headaches.
- Trigger Point Therapy / Neuromuscular Therapy: Targets areas causing referred pain and nerve pain to the face and head from the neck and upper back muscles.
- Myofascial Release: Improves mobility and reduces muscular restrictions.
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Helps reduce inflammation, swelling and promotes healing.
Benefits of Our Holistic Approach
- Non-invasive, natural therapy for headaches.
- Eases muscle tightness and tension.
- Improves blood circulation for pain relief and relaxation.
- Helps correct postural imbalances.
- Reduces stress, a common headache trigger.
Holistic Treatment for Migraines and Cluster Headache Therapy
What to Know About Massage Therapy for Migraines and Cluster Headaches
- Massage for migraines and cluster headaches should be postponed until the worst of the pain crisis has subsided.
- Cluster headaches are rare, sudden-onset headaches that occur in cycles lasting 2 weeks to 3 months. They cause severe, burning, or stabbing pain, which can be throbbing or constant. The pain is unilateral, typically concentrated behind or around one eye.
- There are specific Trigger Point and Neuromuscular Therapy massage techniques for the neck and upper back to address unilateral pain around the eye.
- Targeted massage therapy treatments are effective evidence based treatment for migraines and headaches. Trained massage therapists addressing specific muscles and applying moderate to deep pressure based on the client’s tolerance have helped migraine sufferers.
- Headaches and migraines are widespread, but simple lifestyle changes can help manage or prevent them. The following are evidence-based strategies for reducing headache frequency and severity:
- Staying hydrated.
- Caffeine can have opposing effects for easing pain and frequency of migraines. For many people moderation is beneficial.
- Eating regularly. A night time snack proved helpful for 40% new-onset migraine suffers in one study
- Limiting alcohol.
- Eating folate-rich foods like leafy greens, legumes, seeds, chicken, eggs, and citrus fruits
Summary of Massage Therapy Studies for Migraine Relief
Hernandez-Reif et al. (1998)
- Two 30-minute massages, twice weekly for 5 weeks.
- Specific soft tissue treatments on focused areas.
- Results:
- Fewer distress symptoms.
- Less pain.
- More migraine-free days.
- Fewer sleep disturbances.
- Increased serotonin levels.
Lawler & Cameron (2006)
- Weekly 45-minute massages for 5 weeks.
- Results:
- Decreased headache frequency.
- Improved sleep quality.
- Reduced perceived stress.
- Increased ability to cope with migraines.
- During massage sessions:
- Lower anxiety levels
- Decreased heart rate.
- Reduced cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
Vahtrik et al. (2018)
- 55-minute massage once a week for 5 weeks.
- Postural correction counseling (3 minutes) included to improve body alignment
- Focused on specific areas with strong pressure based on patient tolerance.
- Results:
- Reduced headache frequency in migraine patients.
Rezaeian et al. (2019)
- Six massage sessions over 2 weeks targeting trigger points and incorporating stretching.
- Focused on specific relevant muscles
- Placebo group received superficial massage only.
- Results:
- Reduced migraine frequency, intensity, and duration.
- Decreased medication use*.
- Increased functional ability and pain pressure threshold.
Study Conclusions
- Massage therapy has been shown to reduce migraine frequency, pain intensity, and stress while improving sleep quality and serotonin levels.
- Additional techniques, such as postural correction and trigger point therapy, may further enhance the benefits of massage for migraine sufferers.
*Please consult your doctor before changing medications.
Book Your Session Today
Find relief from tension headaches, migraines, and stress-related discomfort at Massage Therapy Group.
FAQs
What causes headaches?
Muscle tension, poor posture, stress, dehydration, dietary considerations and underlying medical conditions.
How does massage help with headaches?
Massage Therapy works in several ways to ease headaches. It promotes better blood flow, releases tight muscles, and reduces stress—all common contributors to headache pain. Our skilled therapists are also trained to locate and release trigger points that can cause referred pain to the head and face, helping you feel better naturally.
Is massage therapy effective for migraines?
Yes, studies have shown it can help decrease the frequency, intensity and duration of migraines. Therapeutic Massage helps reduce stress, tension, and physical triggers.
References
Hernandez-Reif, M., Dieter, J., Field, T. M., Swerdlow, B., Diego, M. A. (1998). Migraine headaches are reduced by massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 96(1-2), 1-11.
Lawler, S.P., Cameron, L.D. (2006). A randomized, controlled trial of massage therapy as a treatment for migraine. Ann Behav Med, 32(1), 50-59.
Vahtrik, D., Bergmann, M., Vanahunt, I., Braschinsky, M. (2018). Effect of postural correction and orthopedic massage therapy on the frequency of headaches and tenderness of muscles in migraine patients. J Musculoskelet Disord Treat, 4(2), 046.
Rezaeian, T., Mosallanezhad, Z., Nourbakhsh, M., Ahmadi, M., Rostami, M., Nourozi, M. (2019). The effect of selective neck muscle release techniques on clinical indicators of patients with migraine headache: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Rehabilitation, 20(4), 384-397.
This webpage includes excerpts from ‘Migraines and Massage’ by Dr. Susan Salvo originally published on, Massage Passport website (May 18, 2020, https://massagepassport.wordpress.com )
This webpage includes excerpts from ‘Headaches and Massage: Tension and Cluster Headaches’ by Dr. Susan Salvo originally published on, Massage Passport website (May 15, 2020, https://massagepassport.wordpress.com)
This webpage includes excerpts from ‘Get Headaches? Here are Five Things to Eat or Avoid ’ by Dr. Susan Salvo originally published on, (June 25, 2017, https://massagepassport.wordpress.com )
Lawler, S.P., Cameron, L.D. (2006). A randomized, controlled trial of massage therapy as a treatment for migraine. Ann Behav Med, 32(1), 50-59.
Vahtrik, D., Bergmann, M., Vanahunt, I., Braschinsky, M. (2018). Effect of postural correction and orthopedic massage therapy on the frequency of headaches and tenderness of muscles in migraine patients. J Musculoskelet Disord Treat, 4(2), 046.
Rezaeian, T., Mosallanezhad, Z., Nourbakhsh, M., Ahmadi, M., Rostami, M., Nourozi, M. (2019). The effect of selective neck muscle release techniques on clinical indicators of patients with migraine headache: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Rehabilitation, 20(4), 384-397.
This webpage includes excerpts from ‘Migraines and Massage’ by Dr. Susan Salvo originally published on, Massage Passport website (May 18, 2020, https://massagepassport.wordpress.com )
This webpage includes excerpts from ‘Headaches and Massage: Tension and Cluster Headaches’ by Dr. Susan Salvo originally published on, Massage Passport website (May 15, 2020, https://massagepassport.wordpress.com)
This webpage includes excerpts from ‘Get Headaches? Here are Five Things to Eat or Avoid ’ by Dr. Susan Salvo originally published on, (June 25, 2017, https://massagepassport.wordpress.com )
