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Leaders in Headache Relief – Our Physical Therapists Are Specialists in Headache Management and Treatment.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help with Headaches ?

Do you suffer from chronic, painful headaches? Most headaches will resolve on their own, but some are persistent and reduce your quality of life. Fortunately, relief is just around the corner with physical therapy.

With the appropriate treatment, a physical therapist can help decrease your headache signs and symptoms and improve your quality of life. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact Orthopedic Physical Therapy at 804-285-0148.

What to Expect

A physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation to include a musculoskeletal exam and patient history.
The exam will assess:

Range of motion of the neck, jaw and head
Joint mobility
Muscle tightness, myofascial restriction and trigger points throughout the body
Strength of the trunk and neck musculature
Posture
Appropriate tests and measures

After the evaluation, the physical therapist will create a personalized plan of care.

The plan of care may consist of:

Manual therapy techniques to increase neck motion and decrease muscle tightness
Exercises to increase strength throughout the neck, shoulder and trunk
Education on posture and body mechanics
Trigger point dry needling
Modification of daily irritants such as workstation or home office

Success Stories

Dr. Adler and her staff are amazing!!! I’d been coping with neck, shoulder, back, and leg pain stemming from a MVA, and was referred to Dr. Adler by my primary care doctor. After the first dry needling appointment, I experienced pain relief that I hadn’t felt in years. With each subsequent visit, my pain levels have decreased. Now after 5 visits, I feel like a different person. Dr. Adler is incredibly knowledgeable about the human body and so very personable. Like she really knows her stuff!!! I will never be able to thank her enough and am forever grateful to her. I strongly recommend her and her staff. Do yourself a favor and make an appointment. You will not regret it!

Dry Needling Patient

-Richmond, VA

"Tracey’s work needling my c-section scar has made an unbelievable difference in my postpartum recovery. Before we began I couldn’t comfortably join my son on the floor for tummy time and struggled with my tightness in my hips and lower back that severely impacted my range of motion. After each session the tenderness in my scar is relieved and I can feel the difference in how much less “stuck” it feels. Im more ready to tackle stability exercises and chase after my little one. Thank you!!"

Patient

-Richmond, VA

Headaches - Frequently Asked Questions

Can physical therapy help with my headaches?

Yes, physical therapy can be very effective for many types of headaches, especially those related to neck tension, poor posture, or musculoskeletal issues. Physical therapists are trained to evaluate the potential muscular, postural, and movement-related factors that may contribute to your headaches. Treatment approaches may include manual therapy, targeted exercises, posture correction, and lifestyle modifications to reduce headache frequency and intensity.

What types of headaches can benefit from physical therapy?

Physical therapy is particularly beneficial for:

Cervicogenic headaches (originating from neck issues)
Tension headaches
Post-traumatic headaches (following concussion or whiplash)
Headaches related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
Headaches associated with poor posture or desk work

While migraines can be more complex, physical therapy may help reduce their triggers and frequency for some patients. During your initial evaluation, your physical therapist will help determine if your headaches are likely to respond to physical therapy interventions.

Do I need a referral to start physical therapy for headaches?

In Virginia, you are able to see a physical therapist without a doctor’s referral, thanks to Direct Access laws.

Ready to Feel Better? Experience Counts

Don’t let pain hold you back. If you have questions or want to know what treatments are right for you, contact us today to schedule a consultation at our Richmond, VA office. Let’s get you moving again!