Headache & Migraine Physiotherapy Edmonton

When headaches start in the neck, the jaw or after a concussion, treating the source may help reduce how often and how hard they hit.

Book An Appointment

Let’s Take the Next Step Together

Headache and Migraine Physiotherapy in Edmonton

Headache physiotherapy assesses and treats the neck, jaw and posture-related factors that trigger or worsen headaches. At Next Step Physio & Neurorehab Clinic in Edmonton, physiotherapists use manual therapy, exercise and education for cervicogenic headache, tension-type headache, post-concussion headache and the neck component of migraine. It is commonly used alongside medical care rather than instead of it.

Not every headache comes from the neck, so your first visit includes a careful screen. If your pattern suggests something that needs a physician’s input, we will say so. If the neck, jaw or a past head injury is contributing, we have a clear plan for that.

(587) 855-4559

Which headaches can physiotherapy help with?

Headaches are grouped by cause, and the cause shapes the treatment. Physiotherapy is most relevant for:

Cervicogenic headache: pain that starts in the upper neck and refers to the back of the head, temple or behind the eye, usually on one side, and worsens with neck movement or sustained postures.
Tension-type headache: a band-like pressure around the head, often linked to muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and jaw.
Migraine with a neck component: many people with migraine also have neck stiffness that acts as a trigger; physiotherapy may help reduce that trigger, while medical management of the migraine itself continues.
Post-concussion headache: persistent headache after a head injury, often mixed with neck strain, visual and vestibular symptoms.
Jaw-related headache: temple and facial pain driven by clenching or TMJ dysfunction.

Many people have more than one type, and sorting them out is a big part of the first appointment.

How physiotherapy treats headache

Treatment focuses on what your assessment finds, and typically combines several approaches:

Manual therapy to the upper cervical joints, which are closely linked to headache referral
Soft tissue release and dry needling or IMS for tight suboccipital, upper trapezius and jaw muscles
Deep neck flexor and scapular strengthening to reduce strain on the upper neck
Posture and workstation advice, especially for desk, phone and driving positions
Vestibular and visual retraining when a concussion is part of the picture
Sleep, hydration and activity pacing strategies that many people find reduce headache frequency

We also help you keep a simple headache diary so you can see what is working.

Book An Appointment

What to expect at your headache assessment

With headache, the right treatment depends on finding the right source.

Headache history:

Location, pattern, triggers, medication use and any aura or visual symptoms.

Red-flag screen:

We check for signs that need medical assessment before physiotherapy proceeds.

Neck examination:

Upper cervical joint movement, muscle tenderness and whether pressing on the neck reproduces your headache.

Posture and movement:

Head position, shoulder mechanics and how you hold sustained positions.

Jaw and vestibular screen:

Where relevant, we check the jaw and the balance and visual systems.

First treatment and plan:

Hands-on treatment often begins the same day, with a short home program and a follow-up schedule.

We may coordinate with your family physician so medical and physiotherapy care work together.

Who may benefit from headache physiotherapy?

Headache physiotherapy is commonly used for:

Headaches that start in the neck:

One-sided pain from the base of the skull to the eye or temple.

Tension headaches from desk work:

Pressure across the forehead or temples after long hours at a screen.

Migraine with neck stiffness:

Reducing neck-related triggers alongside medical migraine care.

Post-concussion headache:

Ongoing headache after a sports, fall or motor vehicle head injury.

Whiplash-related headache:

Headache that began after a rear-end collision or similar injury.

Jaw-clenching headaches:

Temple and facial pain linked to TMJ dysfunction or bruxism.

Headaches with dizziness:

When headache and imbalance appear together.

Reducing reliance on pain medication:

Many people want another option when frequent painkillers are not the answer.

If your headaches do not fit these patterns, we will tell you.

Book An Appointment

Headache red flags: when to see a doctor first

Most headaches are not dangerous, but some need urgent medical attention. Go to emergency or call 911 for a sudden, severe headache that peaks within seconds or minutes, a headache with fever and stiff neck, headache after a significant head injury with confusion, vomiting or drowsiness, or headache with weakness, numbness, slurred speech, vision loss or a seizure.

See your physician before booking if you are over 50 with a new headache pattern, have a headache that is steadily worsening over weeks, headaches that wake you from sleep, or a history of cancer or a weakened immune system. Your physiotherapist screens for these at your first visit.

Book headache physiotherapy in Edmonton

Physiotherapy for headache and migraine is available at Next Step Physio & Neurorehab Clinic in Millwoods (Suite 106A, 7319-29 Avenue NW). No referral is needed. Book online, call the clinic, or ask reception if you already have a treatment plan with us. Bring your extended health details so we can direct-bill many major insurers, and let us know if your visit relates to a motor vehicle accident or WCB claim.

Book An Appointment

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

About headache physiotherapy

Can physiotherapy help migraines?

Physiotherapy does not treat the migraine process itself, but many people with migraine have neck stiffness and muscle tension that act as triggers. Addressing those may reduce how often attacks occur. Medical management continues alongside.

How do I know if my headache comes from my neck?

Common clues are one-sided pain starting at the base of the skull, headache brought on by neck movement or posture, and pain reproduced when the upper neck is pressed.

Is dry needling used for headaches?

It may be, where tight neck, shoulder or jaw muscles are contributing. It is always optional and discussed with you first.

How soon might I notice a change?

Some people notice a change within a few sessions; long-standing or post-concussion headache often needs more time.

Do I need imaging before physiotherapy?

Usually not. Your physiotherapist screens for signs that would need imaging and refers you to your physician if so.

Managing headaches day to day

What should I track in a headache diary?

Date, time, intensity, location, what you were doing before it started, sleep, hydration, caffeine and any medication. Patterns often become clear within a few weeks.

Can my workstation cause headaches?

Yes. Screen height, chair support and long periods without a break commonly contribute. We suggest practical adjustments.

Does neck strengthening help?

For neck-related and tension-type headache, strengthening the deep neck and shoulder blade muscles is commonly used to reduce strain on the upper neck.

Is it safe to exercise with headaches?

Regular moderate exercise is generally encouraged. We help you find the right level, particularly after concussion.

Are headaches after a car accident covered?

Physiotherapy after a motor vehicle accident in Alberta is often covered through your auto insurer. Let us know at booking and we can help with the paperwork.

Related services at Next Step:

Available at our Millwoods clinic in Edmonton. Book an appointment.