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How Massage Can Relieve Headaches & Migraines

| Luis Echeverry |
Massage therapy tampa

Headaches and migraines are a serious burden that can have an impact on everyday life. Not only can the pain from a headache last for a few hours (even days!), other symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light can result. The good news? Massage is an effective and natural form of healing that can help relieve the symptoms of headaches and migraines. Here’s how!

 

How Massage Therapy Relieves Headaches

Migraine pain can be debilitating. Massage therapy treats the pain and symptoms associated with headaches and migraines. You’ll find that therapeutic massage can help by: 

  • Relaxes tense muscles of the head, shoulders, and neck so there is less pressure on the nerves and blood vessels. 
  • Relieves muscle spasms.
  • Releases shortened muscles.
  • Improves blood flow.
  • Aids in relaxation.

 

Not only does regular massage therapy treat pain caused by headaches, but massage also prevents headaches and migraines by reducing overall stress and muscle tension! 

Nobody has time to deal with headaches. Ease the pain and burden of chronic headaches and migraines. Call/text Driven Fit + SWS at (813) 440-3016 to schedule an appointment!

 

Massage for Headaches 

 

Muscle Tension 

One of the most common types of headaches is a muscle tension headache, AKA muscle contraction headaches. This type of headache occurs from the tightening of the muscles of the head, face, and neck. Many tension headache sufferers describe their pain as a “vice-like” grip at their temples or as tightening bands around the forehead or along the base of the skull. 

Symptoms include a dull, constant pain on both sides of the head, aches in the neck, and a sensitive scalp. Muscle tension headaches usually start slowly and can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.

Massage therapy at Driven Fit + SWS can help relieve the pain and symptoms caused by muscle tension headaches!   

 

Vascular Headaches

Vascular headaches, which include migraines, cluster headaches, and headaches that occur as a result of high blood pressure, are another common type of headache. With pain commonly described as “pounding” or “throbbing,” vascular headaches occur when the blood vessels that supply the brain and head muscles swell and contract. 

Pain associated with vascular headaches is known to intensify with physical activity and typically lasts anywhere from four hours to several days. Other symptoms may occur, such as issues with vision, extreme sensitivity to light, and nausea.

Do you suffer from chronic vascular headaches? Driven Fit + SWS can help with therapeutic massage therapy! 

 

How We Treat Headaches with Massage Therapy

Common massage therapies to help with treating migraine and headache pain are: 

Deep Tissue – Since headaches often result from problems associated with the bones and muscles in the neck, shoulder, and back, deep tissue massage that focuses on the cervical spine can help relieve pain. 

Trigger Point Therapy – Application of pressure to specific points, most commonly along the trapezius muscles. The pressure prevents nerve signals from causing headache pain and re-educates the muscles to assume healthy positions. 

Shiatsu Massage – This form of massage is a Japanese technique in which pressure is applied using the fingers, thumbs, and palm to acupuncture points.

Trager Approach – Involves the use of massage to stretch the muscles and joints to promote relaxation.

 

Heal with Massage Therapy

At our South Tampa studio, it’s more than just fitness. We offer a total body solution. Recovery and maintenance are a big part of the wellness program at Driven Fit + SWS! Our massage therapists can relieve the pain caused by headaches and migraines.

Start your path to living pain-free; learn more about our massage therapy services and, call or text our wellness center at (813) 440-3016. 

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