Headaches and Migraines

Osteopaths use manual therapies with soft tissue techniques, joint mobilisation and massage to help reduce migraine-related pain and restore balance in the body.

How Osteo helps headaches

Migraines and headaches can be incredibly debilitating, leaving people feeling completely drained and unable to go about their daily lives. Osteopathy is a very gentle form of treatment that uses manual techniques like massage, stretching, and joint articulation, to treat physical discomfort.

It helps to relieve tension in the muscles, improve circulation, and reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines.

This form of treatment is designed to treat the body as a whole, rather than just the symptoms of the problem.

When a patient visits an osteopath, they'll begin with a full consultation and physical examination to determine the underlying cause of their headache or migraine. The osteopath will also assess the posture, range of motion and any other relevant issues.

Osteopathy may involve gentle manipulation of the spine, neck, and head, while massaging and stretching the muscles. This is done to release tension, restore balance, and improve the body's ability to fight pain naturally.

At a broader level, osteopathic treatments may also encourage the patient to take a more active role in their own health care. Through patient education, the osteopath is able to encourage the patient to practice self-care, and to empower them to take an active role in their own well-being and health.

  • If you experience frequent headaches or migraines, you’re not alone. As many as one in four New Zealanders suffer from a headache disorder. While painkillers changes can help, sometimes more is needed. That’s when osteopathy might be a good option.

Dr Caley treating headache in infant

Headaches and Children

Studies have shown that osteopathic treatments can be particularly beneficial for children and babies with headaches or migraines, providing relief, reducing the severity and frequency of episodes.

For babies and children, osteopathic treatments involve gentle massage and cranial manipulations. This helps to relax the body and mind, relieving muscle tension and easing stress levels.

The aim of the treatments is to restore the body’s natural state and balance, and to help improve the overall functioning of the body.

In babies and children, the primary causes of headaches and migraines will be different to those in adults. Commonly, these issues can be related to tension in the muscles of the head, neck and back, as well as problems with release of fluids like cerebrospinal fluid, lymph and the blood. Osteopathy can help to identify and resolve these issues.

For many children and babies, Osteopathy can provide fast and effective relief from headaches or migraines. Osteopathic treatments involve gentle manipulation and massage, and are suitable for all ages. They are safe, painless and relatively comfortable, providing a more natural and holistic approach to care rather than using drugs.

  • "...the aim is to not only reduce the severity and frequency of the headaches and migraines, but to also prevent them from returning by looking at the underlying cause of the problem."

Benefits of Osteo for Headaches and Migraines

  • Osteopathy helps to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines. It works by realigning the spine and bones to improve the flow of nerve impulses, helping to decrease the rate of headaches and migraines.

  • Osteopathy can help loosen tight muscles that can lead to pain and pressure, which can reduce the intensity of both headaches and migraines.

  • Osteopaths use massage and manipulation techniques to strengthen the spine and improve its flexibility, which can help reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches and migraines.

  • Osteopathy uses natural treatments such as massage and manual manipulation of the bones and tissue to relieve discomfort and pressure associated with headaches and migraines. This method of care does not involve medication, so you can feel safe in knowing your child is receiving natural relief.

  • Osteopathy also helps to improve general wellbeing, as well as other symptoms associated with headaches and migraines such as fatigue and dizziness

  • Osteopathy has been shown to have some positive effects on overall health and wellbeing, including reduced stress, improved immune function and reducing tension in the neck and shoulders

  • Osteopathy is a safe and non-invasive form of treatment which uses gentle manual techniques to alleviate pain and discomfort without side effects.

    It is also suitable for children and teenagers, so it can make a great treatment for young Kiwi families.

  • Osteopaths look at the body as a whole and focus on how each part affects the other, so they can identify the underlying cause of the headaches and migraines and then tailor a treatment plan that fits each individual’s needs.

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