How Massage Reduces Migraines And Headaches

Headaches and migraines can be really debilitating. Some of our clients at Ripple massage will spend the day in bed, be unable to work or tolerate sunlight because they can be so bad. There are many options for treating migraines and headaches, and we always recommend the first option is to see your GP and specialist. However massage can help relieve the symptoms of headaches and can help reduce or remove the frequency of migraines. There have been a number of university studies that have evidence based research on how and why massage can help.

Massage can help with a range of types of headaches and also migraines

Types Of Headaches

There are six different types of headaches, and massage can affect each type in a different way.

1. Tension type headaches, sometimes referred to as TTH.

   This is the most common type of head ache we see at Ripple. It generally feels like tightness around the head, a dull pain across the front of skull, usually affects both sides of the head and can be a one off or chronic. A big cause of this type of headache is stress, tension or bad posture (more on how massage can help your posture here). These cause the muscles of the neck, shoulders and back to tighten. When we massage, the most common area we get asked to work on is the back neck and shoulders, particularly the trapezius, rhomboids and the scalene and clavical muscles in the neck.

   
   

   Massage can really help this type of headache. By releasing the muscles in the neck and shoulders particularly, a massage therapist can help reduce the TTH. This is backed up by studies by the University of Michigan The techniques when treating this type of headache with massage are different to migraines, so its important to use a remedial massage therapist that is qualified in treatment of headaches.

   
   

   Massage techniques for TTH

   There are a number of massage techniques used to relieve TTH. These include

   • Stripping - the therapists applies oil or lotion to their hands, and firmly moves their thumb and fingers along the direction of the muscle. These are often done along the scalene muscles when the client is lying supine.

   • Friction - done with rubbing along pressure points and muscle attachments to create heat and release fibre or fascia. This is particularly done along the occipital bone for headaches, but can also be gently done on the temporal areas as well.

   • Kneading - one of the most common massage techniques, the therapist will manipulate soft tissues, particularly along the trapezius, along the neck, and under the scapula for the rhomboid muscles

   • Stretching - A good stretch of the neck muscles involves turning the head sideways, and gently stretching out from the head to the shoulder, providing release of the neck muscles. A gentle stretch of the scapula can also help release tension in the rhomboid muscles that attach along the spine.

   • Trigger point hold - this is firm pressing in on trigger points to help relieve the referred pain. For headaches these are located in the neck, head and shoulders. (see diagram)

   • Pincer grip - as the name suggests, this is pinching with the whole hand or several fingers an area of muscle, like the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck and can also be used in the upper and middle trapezius muscle.

     

     Massage Headache Trigger Points, Muscle Groups and Reffered Pain Regions For Massage Therapists

   
   

2. Migraines

   These can be more intense and more debilitating. They are characterised by severe throbbing pain, often on one side ot the head, feeling sick and vomiting, sensitivity to light (migraine sufferers will spend time in bed with the curtains closed) and also sound, and may see aura or have other visual affects. They can generally be classified as with or without aura, and are more frequent and chronic. Triggers for migraines can include certain foods, hormonal changes, stress, weather changes and tension.

   
   

   Before treating for migraines with massage it is best to get clearance from a GP or specialist. Massage is contraindicated during intense episodes or light sensitivity, if its connected to a neurological condition, or if the client has fever, infection or high blood pressure.

   
   

   Massage Techniques For Migraines

   Massage has been shown to help migraines in a number of university studies, including this one from The University Of Central Florida

   
   

   Another study here also found that participants that were taught to self massage the tendons at the base of their neck reported a reduction in their headaches by 58%.

   
   

   There are a number of techniques that may help.

   • Trigger point therapy for the subocciptals, trapezius, temporalis, SCM and masseter (jaw) muscles. This can release muscle knots (myofascial trigger points) that can cause tension migraines. This has been shown to be effective by this study

   • Myofascial release - stretching along the neck, upper back and shoulders and scalp, that helps with migraines that orginate from tension in the fascia. More info here

   • Cranisacral Therapy (performed by qualified CST therapist). - Good for migraines neurological origins and light or sound sensitivity. Is done with light pressure to the base of the skull, sacrum and cranial bones.

   • Sinus Drainage Massage - If the sinuses are blocked, this can help relieve pressure behind the eyes and head. Its done with long strokes along the sinuse passages from the sides of the top of the nose to just under the cheek bones. Also along the eyebrows.

   • Deep Tissue Massage - best done between migraine episodes, not during. Can release migraines caused by muscle tension.

   • Acupressure - good for hormonal migraines. Done with pressure on hugyu (between the thumb and forefinger), feng chi (at the base of the skull) and yintang (third eye, between the eyebrows).

   • Aromatherapy - Aromatherapy massage can help with migraines associated with anxiety, nausea and insomnia. At Ripple we often used lavender essential oils for calming, peppermint and eucalyptus.

   • Lymphatic drainage massage - good to help remove toxins from the body, and migraines associated with immune system and fluid retention. Very soft style of massage working on the lymphatic system in neck, under arms, clavicals and behind ears.

   • Thai Massage - a study at the Khon Kaen University in Thailand found that traditional Thai massage could help reduce the intensity of pain from head aches, and might be a good non pharmacological treatment for headaches.

     
     
   
   

3. Cluster Headaches

   These headaches are characterised by pain on one side of the head, last for up to 30 minutes, and often happen daily at around the same time. They can be seasonal. There is not much known as to what causes cluster headaches, but there is some research to suggest they maybe linked to a dysfunction in the hypothalamus, might have a genetic factor, and maybe linked to the trigamenial nerve.

   
   

   They can often be triggered by alcohol, bright lights or noise, the season and weather, medication, nitrates and a variety of other factors.

   
   

   There is limited research on how massage can help these type of headaches, but relaxation massage and releasing the tension in shoulders, neck and head may help indirectly reduce stress and the headache onset.

   
   

4. Cervicogenic Headaches

   These head aches start in the neck, and the referred pain then travels to the head causing the head to ache. This is often around the eyes, the front of the head and sinuses, and these sometimes are confused with migraines

   
   

   Massage can help with these by relieving the tension and tightness in the neck with trigger point therapy, kneading and myofascial release, and by stretching out the neck and rhomboids.

   
   

5. Sinus Headaches

   Whilst this is not a primary hadache type, your head can ache if your sinuses are blocked, especially with a cold or flu. Massage that drains the sinuses can help relieve the pressure of this type of head cold.

   
   

   If you experience headaches or migraines, please contact your GP as the first point of seeking healthcare. However complementary treatments such as massage can be highly effective for some clients for reducing the severity and frequency of these. At Ripple, all of our therapists are qualified to Remedial Massage diploma levels and have experience in massage techniques that may help with your migraines and headaches. If you would like more information or would like to book in, please contact us. We would be happy to help.