Physical Therapy for Headaches
in Arlington, VA
If you’re dealing with frequent headaches—especially those linked to neck tension — physical therapy can help. Two common types of headache that PT can aid with are tension-type headaches (TTH) and cervicogenic headaches (CGH).
Tension-Type Headaches
These feel like a dull, tight pressure around your head and are often brought on by stress, sedentary habits, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
Hands-on care combined with targeted exercises can significantly reduce both pain and headache frequency. A 2022 review by Guzman-Pavon et al. found that soft tissue therapy, neck mobilizations, and relaxation techniques were especially effective when paired with exercise.
Cervicogenic Headaches
These headaches originate in the neck but are felt in the head—often on one side. They’re commonly associated with joint stiffness, muscle imbalance, or time spent in prolonged sitting.
Manual therapy techniques, like spinal mobilization and manipulation, along with specific neck-strengthening exercises, have been shown to reduce headache episodes and pain. A 2023 meta-analysis by Al-Khazali et al. supports this approach as a safe, effective treatment.
In addition to hands-on care, your physical therapist may recommend increasing general physical activity, including aerobic and resistance exercise. Regular movement plays a key role in reducing headache frequency and improving overall well-being—especially if you spend a lot of time sitting during the day.
Wellness matters -regular movement plays a key role in reducing headache frequency and improving overall well-being.
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