If you live with migraines, you know how quickly they can interfere with your day. Throbbing pain, sensitivity to light, nausea, and the need to retreat to a quiet, dark room can make even simple activities feel overwhelming.
Migraines can have many different triggers, and muscle tension isn’t the root cause of every migraine. However, tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can sometimes contribute to headache symptoms or make them feel worse. Long hours at a desk, poor posture, jaw clenching, and ongoing stress can all lead to muscle tension that builds over time.
Massage therapy may be one way to help manage this tension. At Pre-Kinetic Wellness Centre, our registered massage therapists work with patients in Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge to address areas of tightness, encourage relaxation, and support overall comfort.
Understanding the Link Between Muscle Tension and Migraines
Migraines are a neurological condition, so massage therapy cannot treat the underlying neurological causes of migraine. However, the muscles around your head, neck, and shoulders can still play a role in how you feel.
For example, tension in the neck and shoulders can contribute to headaches, while prolonged sitting or poor posture may cause muscles to become tight and uncomfortable. Stress can also cause us to unconsciously tense our shoulders, neck, or jaw, adding to that feeling of tightness.
For some people, addressing this muscle tension may help make headache symptoms more manageable. Massage therapy can be used as part of a broader approach to migraine management, alongside any medical care or recommendations from your healthcare provider.
How Massage Therapy May Help With Migraines
Your registered massage therapist may use different techniques depending on where you carry tension and what you are experiencing.
Treatment may include work focused on:
- The neck and base of the skull
- Shoulders and upper back
- Jaw and surrounding muscles
- Scalp and temples
- Areas of muscle tension that may be contributing to discomfort
Some techniques, such as trigger point therapy, can target particularly tight areas, while gentler massage may help promote relaxation and reduce the feeling of tension throughout the neck and shoulders.
Because everyone’s migraine experience is different, your therapist will take the time to understand your symptoms, areas of tension, and comfort level before deciding how to approach your treatment.
Visit our massage therapy page to learn more about our services, or explore our conditions we treat page to see how we can support headaches and migraines.
What to Expect From a Massage Therapy Session
Your appointment will typically begin with a conversation about what you’ve been experiencing. Your therapist may ask about your headaches or migraines, where you tend to feel tension, how often your symptoms occur, and whether certain activities or positions seem to make things worse.
From there, your therapist can develop an approach based on your needs. Treatment may focus on the neck, shoulders, upper back, jaw, or scalp, with pressure adjusted to your comfort level.
Some people may notice they feel more relaxed or less tense after a single appointment, while others find that regular massage therapy is more helpful for managing ongoing muscle tension. Your therapist can work with you to determine what frequency makes sense for your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massage Therapy and Migraines
Can massage therapy help with migraines?
Massage therapy may help some people manage muscle tension associated with headaches and migraines, particularly when tightness in the neck, shoulders, or upper back is part of their symptoms. Massage isn’t a cure for migraines, but it can be one part of a broader approach to managing them.
What type of massage is best for headaches?
There isn’t one massage technique that works for everyone. Depending on your symptoms, your registered massage therapist may use techniques such as trigger point work, therapeutic massage, or gentler work around the neck, shoulders, and scalp.
Your therapist will choose an approach based on your symptoms, areas of tension, and comfort level.
How often should I get a massage for migraine relief?
There’s no set schedule that works for everyone. The frequency of your appointments may depend on how often you experience migraines, how much muscle tension you have, and how your body responds to treatment.
Your registered massage therapist can help you determine a schedule that fits your needs and goals.
Can massage therapy trigger a migraine?
Some people may be sensitive to pressure or certain areas during a migraine episode. Deep or aggressive treatment may not be appropriate when you’re experiencing significant sensitivity or discomfort.
Be sure to let your therapist know about your migraine history, current symptoms, and any areas that feel particularly sensitive. They can adjust the treatment and pressure accordingly.
Do you offer direct billing for massage therapy?
Yes. Pre-Kinetic Wellness Centre offers direct billing to most major insurance providers for massage therapy. Our team can help you confirm your coverage before your appointment so you know what to expect.
A More Comfortable Approach to Migraine Management
You don’t have to simply push through ongoing neck and shoulder tension. Book your appointment today to help you feel more comfortable, relaxed, and supported as part of your approach to managing headaches and migraines.