Headache Treatment
Are you tired of relying on painkillers to get through your day? If you're experiencing frequent tension headaches that start at the base of your skull, radiate up over your head, or seem connected to neck and shoulder tension, remedial massage therapy could provide the lasting relief you've been searching for. As a Wembley-based remedial massage therapist with 18 years of experience specializing in headache treatment, I help Perth locals find relief from chronic head pain without medication.
Types of Headaches I Treat
Not all headaches are the same, and understanding the type you're experiencing is the first step toward effective treatment.
Tension Headaches
The most common type of headache, often described as a tight band around the head or pressure at the temples. These headaches are directly related to muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Headaches that originate from problems in the neck. The pain typically starts at the base of the skull and radiates forward. These respond particularly well to remedial massage treatment.
Migraine-Associated Muscle Tension
While I cannot cure migraines, many migraine sufferers also experience significant muscle tension that can trigger or worsen their migraines. Addressing this tension can reduce frequency and severity.
Stress-Related Headaches
When stress causes you to tense your shoulders, clench your jaw, or hold tension in your neck, headaches often follow. Regular massage therapy helps break this cycle.
How Do You Know if Massage Can Help Your Headaches?
Your headaches might respond well to remedial massage if:
They start at the base of your skull or back of your head
You feel tension in your neck and shoulders before or during the headache
The pain radiates from your neck up over your head
You notice your headaches worsen with stress or poor posture
Painkillers only provide temporary relief
Your headaches are worse after long periods at the computer
You wake up with headaches or they develop throughout the day
Pressing on certain spots in your neck or shoulders reproduces the head pain
If several of these sound familiar, the muscle tension in your neck and shoulders is likely contributing significantly to your headaches.
What Causes Tension Headaches?
Understanding the cause helps us treat the problem effectively rather than just masking symptoms.
Forward Head Posture
When your head sits forward from its natural position (common with computer work and phone use), the muscles at the base of your skull must work constantly to hold your head up. This creates trigger points that refer pain into your head.
Upper Trapezius Tension
The trapezius muscles that run from your neck to your shoulders become overworked from stress, poor posture, and repetitive activities. This tension can radiate up into your head.
Jaw Clenching and TMJ Issues
Stress often manifests as jaw clenching, especially during sleep. The jaw muscles connect to muscles in your temples and head, creating tension headaches.
Suboccipital Muscle Tightness
Small but powerful muscles at the base of your skull can develop trigger points that cause intense head pain, often mistaken for migraines.
My Approach to Headache Treatment
After 18 years of treating headaches, in my Wembley clinic, I've developed a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes.
Assessment
I take time to understand your headache patterns - when they occur, where the pain is located, what makes them better or worse, and what your daily activities look like. This helps identify the specific muscle groups contributing to your pain.
Targeted Massage Techniques
Suboccipital Release
Gentle but effective work on the small muscles at the base of your skull that are often the primary source of tension headaches.
Upper Trapezius and Levator Scapulae Treatment
Deep tissue work to release the chronically tight shoulder and neck muscles that contribute to head pain.
Trigger Point Therapy
Identifying and releasing specific trigger points in your neck, shoulders, and jaw that refer pain into your head.
Jaw and Temporal Muscle Work
For headaches related to jaw clenching or TMJ issues, massage of the jaw muscles can provide significant relief.
Scalp Massage
Releasing tension in the scalp muscles themselves, which can become tight and contribute to headache pain.
Postural Correction Guidance
Teaching you exercises and postural awareness to address the underlying causes of your tension headaches.
What to Expect from Treatment
Your First Appointment
During your initial visit to my Wembley clinic, we'll discuss your headache history. I'll identify the muscle groups most likely contributing to your headaches and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Many clients notice some relief even after the first session.
Treatment Frequency
For chronic tension headaches, I typically recommend:
Weeks 1-3
Weekly treatments to break the pain cycle
Weeks 4-6
Fortnightly treatments as symptoms improve
Ongoing Maintenance
Monthly treatments to prevent recurrence. Every person is different, and I'll adjust this timeline based on your response to treatment.
What Relief Looks Like
Most clients with tension headaches experience:
Reduced headache frequency within 2-3 weeks
Less severe headaches when they do occur
Longer periods between headaches
Decreased reliance on pain medication
Improved neck mobility and reduced shoulder tension
Self-Care Strategies for Headache Prevention
Between treatments, these strategies can help reduce headache frequency:
Posture Awareness
Set hourly reminders to check your posture, especially if you work at a computer. Keep your screen at eye level and your shoulders relaxed.
Regular Breaks
Every 30-60 minutes, stand up, move around, and do gentle neck stretches.
Stress Management
Since stress is a major contributor to tension headaches, finding healthy ways to manage stress - whether through exercise, meditation, or regular massage - is essential.
Hydration
Dehydration can trigger headaches. Aim for 2 litres of water daily.
Sleep Position
Avoid sleeping on your stomach, which strains your neck. Use a supportive pillow that keeps your neck aligned.
Heat Therapy
A heat pack on your neck and shoulders for 15-20 minutes can help relax tense muscles and prevent headaches from developing.
Simple Exercises to Reduce Headache Tension
Chin Tucks
Sitting tall, gently draw your chin straight back (not down). Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times. This strengthens the deep neck muscles and improves posture.
Shoulder Rolls
Roll your shoulders backward in slow, controlled circles. Do 10 rolls, 3 times daily. This helps release upper trapezius tension.
Neck Stretches
Gently tilt your head toward one shoulder, using your hand for a light assist. Hold 30 seconds each side. Never force or bounce.
Suboccipital Release (Self-Massage)
Lie on your back with a tennis ball or massage ball under the base of your skull (not on the spine itself). Gently turn your head side to side, allowing the ball to release tension.
Why Choose Tracey Cross for Headache Treatment in Wembley?
Specialised Headache Expertise
Headaches, along with neck and shoulder pain, are my primary areas of specialisation. I understand the complex muscle patterns that contribute to head pain and know how to treat them effectively.
18 Years of Experience
Nearly two decades of helping Wembley and Perth residents find relief from chronic headaches means I've seen and successfully treated a wide variety of headache patterns.
Comprehensive Approach
I don't just treat symptoms - I help you understand why your headaches are occurring and give you tools to prevent them from returning.
Personalised Treatment Plans
No two people experience headaches the same way. Your treatment is tailored to your specific pain patterns, triggers, and lifestyle factors.
Calm, Professional Environment
My Wembley clinic provides a relaxing space where you can truly unwind and allow your body to release tension.
Real Results from Wembley Clients
Many of my clients come to me after years of managing headaches with medication, often feeling frustrated that nothing provides lasting relief.
Here's what makes remedial massage different:
Rather than just masking the pain, we address the muscular causes of your headaches. This means that over time, you experience fewer headaches, not just less severe ones, while medicated.
Clients often tell me they've reduced or eliminated their reliance on pain medication, experience better sleep, have more energy throughout the day, and feel more present in their work and family life without constant head pain.
Book Your Headache Treatment in Wembley
If you're ready to find lasting relief from tension headaches, I'm here to help.
With nearly two decades of experience treating headaches in my Wembley clinic, I understand how debilitating chronic head pain can be - and I know how to help you find relief.
Take the first step toward headache-free days.
Clinic Location: 26 Salvado Road, Wembley, WA, 6014. Opposite the Subiaco Home Base.
Serving: Wembley, West Leederville, Subiaco, Jolimont, Floreat, City Beach, Mount Hawthorn, and surrounding Perth suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Headache Treatment
How many treatments will I need?
Most clients with chronic tension headaches notice improvement within 2-3 sessions, with significant relief after 4-6 weekly treatments. The exact number depends on how long you've been experiencing headaches and the underlying causes.
Will massage cure my migraines?
While massage cannot cure migraines, many migraine sufferers find that addressing muscle tension reduces their migraine frequency and severity. If muscle tension is one of your migraine triggers, treatment can be very beneficial.
Is the treatment painful?
Some techniques involve pressure that may be temporarily uncomfortable, especially when releasing trigger points. However, I always work within your comfort level and adjust pressure as needed. Most clients find the treatment deeply relieving.
How long do the results last?
Initially, relief may last a few days to a week. As we address the underlying muscle imbalances and you implement the self-care strategies, the periods between headaches typically lengthen significantly. Many clients move to monthly maintenance treatments to prevent recurrence.
Can you treat headaches if I'm currently having one?
Yes! While it's ideal to have treatment between headaches to address underlying tension, I can often provide relief even during an active headache, especially if it's tension-related.