Headaches are more than just an inconvenience—they can interfere with work, sleep, exercise, and overall quality of life. For many people, headaches become frequent, leaving them frustrated and reliant on short-term solutions.
Physical therapy for headaches is a safe, evidence-based, and drug-free approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the physical contributors to headache pain—rather than simply masking symptoms.
At OSI Physical Therapy, we provide individualized headache care across Minnesota and Wisconsin, helping patients regain control and confidence with movement and daily life.
Understanding Headaches and Why They Persist
Headaches can arise from a variety of factors, including muscle tension, joint stiffness, nerve sensitivity, posture, and prior injuries such as whiplash or concussion. While medication may provide temporary relief, it often does not address the underlying movement or musculoskeletal issues contributing to recurring symptoms.
Over time, unresolved dysfunction can lead to:
- Ongoing headache cycles
- Increased frequency or intensity
- Reduced tolerance to daily activities
Physical therapy focuses on identifying why headaches are occurring and addressing contributing factors to support long-term relief.
Physical Therapy for Headaches
At OSI Physical Therapy, headache treatment is guided by licensed physical therapists who understand anatomy, posture, movement patterns, and pain triggers. Your therapy plan is designed to work with your body—not against it—addressing the root causes of headaches rather than just the symptoms.
Forest Lake Clinic
146 N. Lake St., Suite 200 Forest Lake, MN
55025
West Saint Paul
433 East Mendota Road West Saint Paul, MN
55118
Hugo Clinic
14688 Everton Ave N, #101 Hugo, MN
55038
Maplewood Clinic
2515 White Bear Avenue Maplewood, MN
55109
Oakdale Clinic
7077 10th St. N. Oakdale, MN
55128
Shoreview Clinic
404 Highway 96 West Suite C Shoreview, MN
55126
Somerset Clinic
709 Rivard, Street Somerset, WI
54025
Stillwater Clinic
1700 Tower Drive West Stillwater, MN
55082
White Bear Lake Clinic
4463 White Bear Parkway #108 White Bear Lake,
MN 55110
Why Physical Therapy for Headaches Works
Physical therapy is especially effective for headaches that are influenced by the neck, upper back, posture, and movement patterns. Through comprehensive evaluation and targeted treatment, physical therapy can:
- Reduce muscle tension and joint irritation
- Improve neck and upper-back mobility
- Restore efficient posture and movement
- Decrease stress placed on sensitive structures
- Help reduce headache frequency and intensity
Research shows that manual therapy, posture correction, and targeted exercise can significantly reduce headache frequency and intensity (National Institutes of Health).
Types of Headaches Physical Therapy Can Help Address
Physical therapy may be appropriate for headaches that have a musculoskeletal component, including:
Tension-Type Headaches
Often associated with tight neck and shoulder muscles, stress, and prolonged postures.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Often associated with tight neck and shoulder muscles, stress, and prolonged postures.Headaches that originate from the joints, muscles, or nerves of the cervical spine (neck) and are often aggravated by movement or sustained positions.
Post-Concussion Headaches
Persistent headaches following a concussion or head/neck injury are often involve neck stiffness, movement sensitivity, or posture changes.
Migraine-Related Headaches (Supportive Care)
While migraines are neurological in nature, physical therapy may help reduce contributing factors such as neck stiffness, muscle tension, and movement sensitivity when used alongside medical care.
The Connection Between Neck Function and Headaches
Many headaches are influenced by dysfunction in the cervical spine and surrounding muscles. Prolonged sitting, screen time, repetitive movements, and prior injuries can overload the neck and upper back, triggering pain that refers to the head or face.
Physical therapy addresses these contributors by improving joint mobility, muscle balance, and movement efficiency.
How OSI Physical Therapy Evaluates Headaches
Your care begins with a thorough, individualized evaluation that may include:
- Postural assessment
- Cervical spine mobility testing
- Muscle strength and movement analysis
- Neurological screening (within PT scope)
- Review of work, activity, and daily habits
This allows your therapist to tailor care to your specific headache pattern rather than using a generic approach.
Manual Therapy Techniques for Headache Relief
Hands-on treatment may be used to reduce pain and improve mobility, including:
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Joint mobilization of the neck and upper back
- Myofascial release
- Trigger point therapy
These hands-on methods help reduce pain quickly and improve movement efficiency.
Posture Correction and Ergonomic Training
Poor posture is a major contributor to chronic headaches, especially for desk workers. Our therapists provide:
- Workstation setup recommendations
- Postural retraining exercises
- Education on proper sitting and standing mechanics
Identifying postural habits and movement patterns that may be contributing to headache symptoms can help reduce ongoing strain.
Guided Therapeutic Exercises
Exercise is used to support long-term improvement by improving the strength, endurance, and coordination of the neck, shoulders, and upper back. All exercises are individualized and progressed based on tolerance.
Headaches in Different Populations
Desk Workers
Prolonged sitting and screen use can contribute to posture-related headaches. Physical therapy addresses endurance, positioning, and movement strategies to reduce strain.
Athletes
Sports-related or post-impact headaches often involve neck mechanics and movement control. Therapy supports a safe return to activity.
Post-Concussion Patients
Care focuses on restoring neck mobility, movement tolerance, and functional recovery as part of a broader return-to-activity plan.
Why Choose OSI Physical Therapy for Headaches?
- Licensed, experienced physical therapists
- Evidence-based, individualized care
- One-on-one treatment sessions
- Multiple convenient locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin
- Focus on long-term improvement, not quick fixes
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Headaches Today
Physical therapy offers a supportive, evidence-based approach to reducing headache pain and restoring function. If you live in Minnesota or Wisconsin, OSI Physical Therapy is here to help you move forward with less pain and greater confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Don't let pain hold you back. Our physical therapy team is here to help you get back to the activities you love.