Headaches are common to many individuals. They are complex and are caused by a variety of factors. Pain medication and relaxation are common treatments performed for headaches, but have you ever thought of going to physical therapy? A physical therapist can assess several things to determine if and how physical therapy can help. Here are a few assessments a physical therapist can perform for your headache:
Posture assessment
It is easy for us to get stuck in our natural posture without noticing that something is off. One small change in our posture can cause other parts of the body to compensate to allow the head to remain in an upright position. This can lead to neck pain, headaches and many other conditions. For this reason, it is important to have a trained professional observe posture while standing, sitting and in other positions that are most common for the individual.
Ergonomics
Headaches commonly occur with activities in which we are stationary for long periods of time such as computer work or reading. Simple things such as seating position, computer screen height and keyboard placement can affect your posture and possibly lead to headaches or other pain. Having an ergonomic assessment can help reduce the cause of headaches.
Movement
Abnormal postures and abnormal movements can affect the way we move, specifically at the neck and upper back. These areas can often become tight and further promote improper movements. A movement assessment will determine if you are moving properly in your everyday activities. The assessment will also look for stiffness in any of the joints or muscles that may contribute to headaches.
In conclusion, headaches can be affected by many things. A physical therapist can help determine the cause of your symptoms and how physical therapy can help. If you are experiencing headaches, give the clinic a call for an assessment