Headaches
Relief for tension-type and cervicogenic headaches that arise from the joints, muscles and nerves of the neck.
Not all headaches are the same, and a significant proportion — particularly tension-type and cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches — originate from the joints, muscles and nerves of the neck and upper back. These headache types respond very well to physiotherapy when the neck is the underlying driver.
The upper neck shares nerve connections with the head, so stiffness, muscle tension and irritation there can refer pain into the skull, behind the eyes or across the forehead. Long hours at screens, stress, poor sleep and clenching all feed into this pattern.
We assess your neck, posture and contributing factors to confirm the source, then use manual therapy and specific exercises to reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches — and we'll always flag any features that point to a different cause needing medical review.
Common causes
- Stiff or irritated upper-neck joints (cervicogenic)
- Sustained postures and 'tech neck'
- Muscle tension linked to stress and poor sleep
- Jaw clenching and grinding
- Weak deep neck and postural muscles
Signs & symptoms
- Headache spreading from the base of the skull
- Tightness across the neck and shoulders
- Pain often on one side, linked to neck position
- Headaches triggered by posture, screens or stress
- Reduced, stiff neck movement
How we treat headaches
A clear, step-by-step path from settling your symptoms to lasting recovery — tailored to you at every stage.
Identify the headache type
We assess your neck, posture and history to determine whether your headaches are neck-driven and treatable with physiotherapy, and screen for other causes.
Hands-on relief
Manual therapy to the upper neck eases the joint stiffness and muscle tension that refer pain into the head.
Strengthen & retrain posture
Deep-neck strengthening and postural retraining reduce the sustained load that drives recurring headaches.
Identify & manage triggers
We help you recognise and address your specific triggers — screens, stress, sleep, clenching — to cut headache frequency.
What to expect
Cervicogenic and tension-type headaches often respond noticeably within the first few sessions, with reductions in both frequency and intensity. Lasting results come from combining hands-on treatment with the postural and lifestyle changes that remove the underlying load.
We'll track your headache pattern together so you can see the progress and understand what keeps them at bay.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about headaches and how we treat it.
Can physio really help headaches?
Yes — for neck-related (cervicogenic) and tension-type headaches, physiotherapy is an effective, well-evidenced treatment. We first confirm your headaches fit this pattern.
How do I know my headache comes from my neck?
Clues include pain starting at the base of the skull, links to neck posture or movement, and neck stiffness. Our assessment confirms it.
When should a headache be checked by a doctor?
Sudden severe headaches, those with neurological symptoms, or a new pattern in later life should be medically assessed. We'll always refer on if we spot such features.
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Your recovery starts with one appointment
Book online in under two minutes, or call us and we'll find a time that works. Most extended health plans accepted with direct billing.