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Headaches

Do You Need Relief From Headaches?

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints — but they are not all the same. Whether caused by stress, poor posture, muscle tension, concussion, or neurological issues, headaches can interfere with work, sleep, and daily activities.

At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, our physiotherapists specialize in identifying the root cause of your headache and developing a personalized treatment plan for lasting relief.

Common Causes of Headaches

Headaches can arise from multiple sources, often overlapping. Some common types include:

  • Tension-Type Headaches: Often related to stress, poor posture, or tight neck and shoulder muscles.

  • Cervicogenic Headaches: Originating from dysfunction in the neck or cervical spine.

  • Migraine-Associated Headaches: Severe, recurring headaches often with light/sound sensitivity or nausea.

  • Post-Concussion Headaches: Common after mild traumatic brain injury.

  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction: Jaw-related headaches caused by grinding, clenching, or jaw misalignment.

Symptoms of Headaches

  • Dull, aching pressure or tightness around the head or temples

  • Pain radiating from the neck or shoulders

  • Sensitivity to light, noise, or strong smells

  • Nausea or dizziness

  • Difficulty concentrating or sleeping

  • Headache worsens with stress, poor posture, or screen time

When To Seek Help

You should seek physiotherapy if:

  • Headaches are frequent or persistent and interfere with daily life.

  • Pain is associated with neck stiffness, poor posture, or stress.

  • You have headaches after a concussion or head injury.

  • Over-the-counter medication no longer provides relief.

 

Seek urgent medical attention if headaches are accompanied by:

  • Sudden severe onset (“thunderclap headache”)

  • Vision or speech changes

  • Weakness, numbness, or loss of balance

  • Fever, nausea/vomiting, or neurological symptoms

Why Choose Cogent Rehab Burlington?

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​✅ Manual therapy to relieve tension in the neck, jaw, and upper back

✅ Exercise therapy to improve posture and reduce muscular strain

✅ Myofascial release for tight muscles contributing to pain

✅ Vestibular rehabilitation for post-concussion or dizziness-related headaches

✅ Biofeedback and relaxation techniques to manage stress-related headaches

✅ Education on ergonomics and lifestyle modifications to reduce triggers

Treatment Options for Headaches

At Cogent Rehab Burlington, we use a combination of evidence-based physiotherapy techniques to reduce headache frequency and severity while addressing the root cause. Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, treatment may include:

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  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to restore neck and upper back mobility, reduce stiffness, and relieve muscle tension that contributes to headaches.

  • Myofascial Release: Targeted soft tissue treatment to release tight muscles and fascia in the head, neck, and jaw.

  • Exercise Therapy: Corrective exercises to improve posture, strengthen stabilizing muscles, and prevent recurring tension headaches.

  • Biofeedback Training: A powerful method for managing stress-related headaches by teaching relaxation and body awareness strategies.

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation: Particularly effective for post-concussion headaches and dizziness-related symptoms.

  • Acupuncture: Treatment for tension-type headaches, migraines, and jaw-pain related headaches.

 

Our approach is always personalized, ensuring your treatment plan targets the unique factors contributing to your headaches.

Schedule An Appointment
Today

Don’t let headaches control your life.

Book your Headache Physiotherapy Assessment at Cogent Rehab Burlington today.

FAQs About Headaches Physiotherapy

Q1. Can physiotherapy really help headaches?
Yes. Physiotherapy addresses the musculoskeletal, postural, and neurological factors that contribute to headaches, often reducing frequency and severity.

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Q2. How is physiotherapy different from medication for headaches?
Physiotherapy addresses the root causes — muscle tension, posture, jaw dysfunction, or vestibular issues — rather than only masking pain.

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Q3. Can acupuncture really help with headaches?
Yes. Acupuncture is supported by research for reducing frequency and intensity of migraines and tension-type headaches.

 

Q4. How is a cervicogenic headache different from a migraine?
Cervicogenic headaches start in the neck and radiate to the head, while migraines typically cause throbbing pain with sensitivity to light/sound and nausea.

 

Q5. Do I need imaging for my headaches?
Most headaches do not require imaging. A physiotherapist can determine if conservative treatment is appropriate or if referral is needed.

 

Q6. Can stress cause headaches?
Yes. Stress often leads to muscle tension and poor posture, which are major contributors to tension headaches.

 

Q7. How soon can I expect results?
Many patients report relief within a few sessions, though chronic headaches may require several weeks of consistent therapy.

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Q8. Will my headaches go away completely?
Many patients experience significant reduction in symptoms and frequency with physiotherapy. Results vary depending on the cause and lifestyle factors.

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