Physical Therapy For Tension Headaches

Summary 

Headaches affect millions of Americans—but not all headaches are created equal. This article from Orthopaedic Team Rehabilitation breaks down the four major classifications: tension, vascular (migraine), cluster, and traction/inflammatory headaches. With tension headaches being the most common and often responsive to physical therapy, the piece highlights how understanding your specific symptoms can lead to more accurate diagnoses and lasting relief.

Through clear examples and statistics, readers learn to distinguish between headache types and when professional care is recommended. The post also spotlights Orthopaedic Team Rehabilitation’s commitment to empowering patients through its Headache & Migraine Survival Guide.

Over 30 million Americans experience migraines, but many still misunderstand the types and causes of headaches. With tension headaches being the most common—and often treatable with physical therapy—Orthopaedic Team Rehabilitation offers the Headache & Migraine Survival Guide to clarify symptoms, debunk myths, and guide patients toward effective relief.

Before considering treatment options, it is important to think about the different kinds of headaches and their unique sets of symptoms. By using the symptom checklist below, you will have a better understanding of the potential possibilities for your diagnosis and treatment. In addition, you will be better prepared to be more fully engaged in the conversation with your doctor, physical therapist, and other wellness professionals.

• Typically cause mild to moderate pain, often described as a tight band around the head.
• According to the World Health Organization and the International Headache Society, up to 78% of all headaches are tension headaches.
• Around 60% of people with tension headaches experience social or work-related impairment.
• Frequent reliance on pain relievers may indicate the need for professionally guided treatment, including physical therapy for tension headaches.

• Usually involve moderate to severe pain, often throbbing and one-sided.
• Affect approximately 30 million Americans, 75% of whom are women.
• The American Medical Association notes that migraine causes remain uncertain, though a family history is common.
• Symptoms may include sensitivity to light, nausea, and visual disturbances.

• Known for intense, stabbing pain in one side of the head, occurring in cyclical patterns.
• Relatively rare, impacting around 1 million people, with 90% of sufferers being male.
• Episodes may occur daily for weeks, often at the same time of day.

• These may signal an underlying condition like sinus infections, meningitis, stroke, or even a brain tumor.
• Symptoms vary widely, making accurate diagnosis critical.
• Always follow your healthcare provider’s diagnostic process to rule out serious causes.

Headaches are more than just discomfort—they can interfere with work, sleep, relationships, and overall wellness. By understanding the four main types of headaches and their symptoms, you’re one step closer to identifying patterns and pursuing the right treatment. If you experience frequent tension headaches or rely on pain relief often, physical therapy may offer lasting relief by addressing muscular imbalances and stress triggers at the root.

At Orthopaedic Team Rehabilitation, we’re committed to helping patients decode their symptoms and reclaim their quality of life. Let our experienced therapists guide you toward long-term solutions that actually work. Schedule your Assessment today!