No one enjoys a headache. Whether yours result from shifts in the weather, the result of stress, or you experience them on a regular basis with no clear reason, headaches can be very disruptive. For some, headaches happen only in extreme circumstances of high stress, sleep deprivation, or the result of drinking too much red wine or caffeine. For other individuals, headaches or migraines are a chronic disease that disrupts their daily activities due to their severity. While headache pain can vary from person to person, there are different strategies to provide headache and migraine relief. From at-home techniques to massage therapy, you can find effective ways to alleviate your discomfort due to headaches.
What Is the Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine?
What Is a Headache?
A headache is a broad term that covers pain in any region of your head. There are different types of pain that characterize a headache. It might occur on one or both sides, or it might focus in one spot, or it can radiate across your skull. Your head might also feel like it is being squeezed in a vice grip. Whichever type of headache you experience, the pain can vary from annoying to unbearable. The way the discomfort arrives can range from a sharp pain to a throbbing sensation or a dull, constant ache. The pain can develop gradually or arrive suddenly, lasting anywhere from under an hour to several days.
What Is a Migraine?
A migraine is much more powerful than a headache. There are many misconceptions about them. A migraine is not a pain you can simply shake off and it often will not respond to over-the-counter medication; it is a real, severe pain that can affect your hearing, sight, and awareness. Migraines are also considered a genetic neurologic disease, which means if your parents had them, you have a chance of getting them too, and so will your children.
Symptoms of a Migraine
Migraines affect people differently, ranging from infrequent attacks to frequent ones. The commonality is that the pain is often debilitating. Symptoms can include:
- Intense throbbing head pain
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Inability to focus
- Feeling confused
- Exhaustion
Triggers of a Migraine
Similar to the symptoms, triggers can vary. Not everyone has a specific trigger, and even if you do, it does not mean your migraine is your fault. Many people have migraines without warning signs. Examples of reported prodrome signs include:
- Sudden food changes
- Certain food cravings
- Neck stiffness
- Increased urination
- Frequent yawning
- Constipation
Treating a Migraine
Anyone who suffers from frequent, severe migraines should talk to their family physician about the best options for their situation. Lifestyle changes and self-care treatments, such as massage therapy and red light therapy, are excellent strategies to alleviate migraine symptoms and support healthy habits.
Best Types of Massage for Migraines & Headaches
Massage therapy can help with various health conditions while relaxing your body and mind. Each type of therapy has its own benefits. The techniques below often help alleviate headache and migraine symptoms.
Hot and Cold Stone Massage
If you are looking for a deeply relaxing treatment, hot and cold stone massage provides a rejuvenating experience while relaxing tense muscles. Reducing stress, relaxing the body, and calming the mind are all strategies that can ease headache pain and discomfort.
TMJ Massage
Those who clench or grind their teeth at night or experience temporomandibular disorder (TMJ) often find relief with a TMJ massage. This technique focuses on the muscles of the face, jaw, neck, collarbone, and shoulders. Many people with TMJ disorder also experience headaches and benefit from TMJ massage therapy.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy helps alleviate acute and chronic pain in the body, a frequent contributor to headaches. During a session, your RMT will work on tender points in your muscles to help relieve pain that refers elsewhere. Tense muscles are often the result of stress and a sedentary lifestyle; combining trigger point therapy with routine changes can help reduce headaches.
Pregnancy Massage
Migraines are more prevalent in women due to hormone fluctuations. During pregnancy, headaches may become more frequent. Hormonal shifts and physical changes can create tension in new areas. Pregnancy massage is tailored to your growing body with additional supports and pillows to ensure comfort throughout treatment. Our Registered Massage Therapists are trained in prenatal massage so you can fully relax.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy offers another option for headaches and migraines. It gives your cells a boost that supports healing and overall function. Some studies suggest regular sessions can help people with migraines and headaches that have various triggers. Many Urban Massage & Wellness clients have experienced benefits from in-clinic red light therapy, which can be added to a massage or booked on its own.
Other Ways to Treat Your Migraine or Headache
Alongside massage, additional strategies may help. You can apply gentle pressure to your temples and forehead for a brief self-massage. Stretching stiff muscles can reduce tension that contributes to headaches. If you are seeing a physiotherapist, they may recommend specific stretches and movements.
People with chronic headaches or migraines often find the SEEDS approach helpful:
- Sleep: improve your sleep patterns
- Exercise: start small and increase frequency gradually
- Eat: choose healthy, well-balanced meals
- Diary: track symptoms, severity, and duration
- Stress management: reduce stress with mindfulness, massage, or therapy
Headache Massage Treatment in St. Albert
Do you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines? Call our St. Albert massage clinic for recommendations on the right techniques for your needs, or book your preferred treatment directly on our booking page. At Urban Massage & Wellness, we are here to support your path to better health and well-being.
