Headache & Migraine Treatment
Our clinicians are proud to offer expert evidence based treatment of headaches and migraines utilising the Watson Headache Approach that doesn’t involve cracking or manipulation and actually works.
The Watson Headache Approach
The innovative techniques of the Watson Headache Approach are supported by and coupled with an unprecedented clinical reasoning process born from Dean Watson's observation of a previously unrecognised clinical pattern. Essentially the approach is a method of examining the movements of, and treating, the top three spinal segments of the neck.
It comprises a series of techniques, which, when applied in a systematic way, accurately identifies the upper cervical spinal segments responsible for symptoms of headaches or migraines or other symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, idiopathic eye pain etc. There is evidence based research to support this.
We use the same assessment techniques within unparalleled clinical reasoning to treat and restore function to the involved segments and to resolve head pains.
If you are a migraine sufferer, book in with us now!
I’ve seen others for my headaches! What makes you guys different?
Our clinicians undertake significant post graduate training in headache and migraine assessment & management beyond only musculoskeletal knowledge to allow expert understanding of your headache/migraine type, causes, triggers, and most effective management options.
Head physiotherapist John Wilson is one of only 3 fully qualified Watson Headache Technique practitioners in Victoria.
Evidence behind the efficacy (why this works)
Often neck pain and headaches/migraines are related, with problems in the upper neck being detected by the sensitive brain stem inside the spinal column (the Trigeminal-Cervical Nucleus) resulting in reproduction of headache or migraine symptoms in the corresponding location. By reproduction and resolution of this pain through a sustained complex joint stretch, it can be determined that the neck structures are referring the pain to the head. In such cases, the Watson Headache Approach can help.
Applications of the Watson Headache Approach have been shown to immediately decrease pain, headache intensity, frequency, duration and associated sensory problems (such as aura, nausea, photophobia, etc) repeatedly in clinical trials.
There is no cracking and crunching or pushing hard in these treatments. We just reduce joint pain which in turn reduces irritation and referred pain.
In summary, stiff or poorly functioning neck joints cause headache referrals. These issues can be further irritated by postural muscular tension from other areas of the body. Headaches are often irritated by:
- hormones
- fatigue
- tension from stress
- emotional responses
Pain from the upper neck is referred into the head. This is more frequently a cause of headache pain than any other musculoskeletal conditions.
Who does it work for?
Most people! Even longstanding chronic headache sufferers, whiplash patients and menstrual migraine sufferers!
What should I know about my headaches before coming in?
Is there any history of neck trauma/whiplash?
A history of neck trauma or whiplash significantly increases the risk of having chronic tension headaches or migraines; as many headaches are cervicogenic (from the neck) in nature.Does your headache/migraine occur around your menstrual cycle i.e. 2 days prior or day 10?
Menstrual migraines are common and can also be helped through using this approach. Your therapist can also offer further strategies to help you manage these. Headaches occurring on certain days during your cycle can be linked to hormonal fluctuations.What area of the head does the pain occur in?
Knowing the areas of the head where your pain/aching occurs can tell us where you headaches may be referring from.Does your headache occur on one side of your head, both sides, or does it alternate sides?
One-sided headaches, bilateral headaches and headaches on alternating sides are due to different causes and this influences the kind of treatment that works best for you.What is the duration, intensity & frequency of my headaches?
Headache duration, frequency and intensity helps us monitor the effectiveness of your current management strategies.
Knowing this information at the start of your treatment helps us diagnose your issues and reassess your improvement quicker and more effectively. A headache diary may be beneficial to help you understand your triggers and empower you to take control of your headache issues.