Headaches/Migraines in La Crosse
Find Relief from Headaches & Migraines in La Crosse
If you suffer from frequent tension headaches, migraines, or cervicogenic headaches, you know how debilitating the pain and symptoms can be. Popping pills might provide temporary relief, but medication often fails to address the root causes of recurrent headaches.
At O’Brien Physical Therapy and Wellness in La Crosse, WI, our specialized physical therapists offer drug-free headache treatment tailored to your unique needs. Through targeted manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, postural training, and patient education, we aim to pinpoint and resolve the underlying factors driving your headaches so you can reduce symptoms and start living pain-free.
Is Physical Therapy Right for Your Headaches?
Physical therapy provides a holistic approach to treating headaches and their causes, not just the symptoms. We focus on identifying factors that trigger or exacerbate headaches, such as:
- Muscle tension and spasms, especially in the neck and shoulders
- Poor posture and ergonomics that strain the neck
- Joint dysfunction or decreased mobility in the cervical spine
- Imbalances that disrupt optimal neck and shoulder function
Physical Therapy Can Benefit Individuals With:
- Tension headaches
- Migraines
- Cervicogenic headaches
- Headaches with neck pain or stiffness
- Chronic headache issues unresolved with medication
The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Headache Treatment
Physical therapy offers a drug-free, non-invasive solution for gaining control over recurrent headaches. Benefits include:
- Targeted Treatment of Root Causes
- Improved Neck Mobility and Function
- Customized Treatment Plans
- Empowerment Through Education
What to Expect During Your First Physical Therapy Visit
Your first appointment focuses on thoroughly evaluating your condition to pinpoint the factors driving your headaches. We then design a data-driven treatment plan targeted to your needs.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Our physical therapists perform a series of assessment tests evaluating:
- Joint dysfunction and muscle tightness
- Posture and neck alignment
- Cervical spine mobility and strength
- Ergonomics and lifestyle factors
Customized Treatment Plan
Using evaluation findings, we design an integrated treatment plan including:
- Manual therapy to improve joint mobility and muscle function
Targeted exercises to build strength, flexibility, and endurance
Postural correction and re-training
Patient education for self-management and prevention - We establish treatment schedules based on severity and access to care. Acute issues may require 2-3 visits per week while chronic headaches may need 1-2 sessions weekly. Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes.
Manual Therapy for Tension Relief
Manual techniques applied by our skilled therapists help relax muscle tension, restore proper motion to the cervical spine, and decrease headache pain originating from the neck. We commonly utilize:
- Joint Mobilization
- Myofascial Release
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Cervical Traction
Therapeutic Exercises for Headache Prevention
We prescribe targeted exercise regimens to address specific limitations, weaknesses, and postural habits related to your headaches.
Therapeutic exercises:
- Enhance muscle strength to better support the neck and shoulders
- Improve cervical mobility and flexibility
- Promote optimal neck and shoulder biomechanics and function
- Correct postural issues causing increased headache frequency
Beth Kirchner
“Life changing! I have never worked with a team so willing to listen and help me reach my goals, cheering me on the entire way. OBT is a game changer!! Absolutely the best! Small changes = big impacts!! I cannot thank them enough for giving me the tools I needed to improve my physical AND mental well being.”
Polly Berendes
“The team at O’Brien Physical Therapy is knowledgeable, empathetic, and go above and beyond to ensure they are providing exceptional care. I am an active woman in my 40’s – I run about 30 miles a week, bike, and lift weight. I have seen Chelsea and Jill for a variety of things including pelvic health, physical therapy for aches and pains related to running, shoulder and back pain, and runner’s boot camp. Each one goes the extra mile to ensure they understand what my needs are and help me achieve my health goals. I feel so comfortable with anyone at OPT, knowing I will be cared for and able to still do the things I love and remain healthy.”