Can Osteopathy help you manage headache?
Headache series 1
Yes – Osteopathy can help you manage headache
According to the British Association for the Study of Headache (BASH) headache is a problem likely to affect an estimated 40% of the UK population at some point in their lives. It also represents the most frequent cause of consultation in both general practice and specialist clinics as well as complementary therapy clinics such as osteopathy clinics.
How does osteopathy work?
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that uses as a main tool the hands of the osteopath. Osteopaths are healthcare professionals who are medically trained to be able to differentiate different types of headache and rule out possible red flags (hidden conditions that require medical intervention) and treat you according to their diagnosis.
What is an osteopathic treatment for headache like?
Osteopathic treatment often includes the following techniques:
- spinal manipulation to relieve joints’ restriction of movement and relax the musculature around them
- soft tissue massage to gently restore the physiological muscle length of chronically tight muscles
- trigger points’ inhibition to alleviate the muscular tension collected over specific areas of muscles
- dry needling acupuncture to target deeper tissue layers and achieve an overall reduction of pain improving metabolism over the treated areas
- exercise prescription to improve your self management skills at home and give you tools to manage with possible relapses more independently
Who can benefit from an osteopathic treatment for headache?
Literally anybody who suffers from chronic headache and/or migraine can benefit from a visit to the osteopath. In fact, the majority of headaches are found to be caused by musculoskeletal tension and/or postural issues and can be successfully treated by an osteopath.
You may also like our post on treatments for headaches,or get in touch to book an appointment.
If you’re not sure whether we can help, please give us a call on 020 7735 6813 or email info@kenningtonosteopaths.co.uk