Every month up to 14% of the world’s adult population suffers from migraines. Headache disorders are a global concern that affects people of all ages, races, financial backgrounds, and geographical locations.

Are you among this population? What have been the treatment options you’ve found effective?

Over-the-counter medicines are the most popular treatment option for chronic headaches. If you suffer from headaches often, you may be seeking alternative options.

You’ll be happy to learn that alternative treatments such as deep tissue massage are becoming increasingly popular among those seeking headache relief. Keep reading to learn why you should get a massage for headaches as part of your chronic headache treatment.

What Is a Deep-Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage therapy is a type of massage that uses firm pressure and slow strokes to reach deeper muscle and fascia layers. It is used to treat several different conditions, including the following:

Musculoskeletal pain
Chronic tension headaches
Upper back and neck pain
Whiplash
Sciatica
TMJ disorders

One study published in the National Library of Medicine entitled, “Massage Therapy and Frequency of Chronic Tension Headaches,” found that deep tissue massage was very effective in reducing headaches and migraines. The study participants who received deep tissue massages experienced significantly fewer headaches than those who did not. In addition, the participants who received deep tissue massage also had less need for medication.

What Causes Headaches?

There are many different types of headaches, and each has its own set of causes. Tension headaches, for example, are often caused by stress, anxiety, or muscle tension.

Cluster headaches are another type of headache that can be extremely painful. These are usually caused by inflammation in the head and neck area.

Migraines are a type of headache that is often caused by changes in the weather, bright lights, loud noises, certain smells, or certain foods. Some migraines are also caused by hormonal changes in the body.

Migraine headaches can be excruciating. The pain is usually severe and accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. If you have migraines, you understand how difficult they can be to manage.

They begin as a dull aching and grow into throbbing torment. Physical activity exacerbates the pain, which may travel from one side of your head to the other, front or back of your head, or be felt throughout your entire head.

Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage Therapy for Headaches

Massage can help to release the muscle tension that can contribute to headaches. They also increase blood flow to the head and neck, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain.

Massages can help to reduce stress, which is a common trigger for headaches. They promote relaxation, further reducing stress and tension.

If you suffer from headaches, deep tissue massage therapy is worth exploring. Talk to your doctor or a qualified massage therapist to see if this treatment option is right for you.

Ask them what type of massage therapy you should pursue to gain the most benefits. Some common types of deep tissue massage therapy include trigger point massage, neuromuscular massage, sports therapy, craniosacral therapy, and reflexology.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a form of soft-tissue bodywork that works the bones of the skull and spine. This therapy is based on the belief that the bones of the skull and spine are connected to the nervous system, and that by manipulating these bones, it is possible to provide chronic headache relief and treat other conditions.

Reflexology

Reflexology uses pressure on the hands, feet, and ears. It is based on the belief that these areas are connected to the organs and systems of the body, and that by manipulating these areas, it is possible to provide headache relief and treat other conditions.

Adding Aromatherapy to Your Treatment

While massage therapy alone is a great way to relax and release the tension causing your headaches, adding aromatherapy, in which the therapist uses aromatic oils, might make you feel even better.

Lavender essential oil has been proven to help reduce tension and promote good sleep. Lavender aromatherapy has been shown to aid with migraine discomfort, as noted in “Best Essential Oils and Scents to Ease Headache and Migraine Pain,” published in Everyday Health.

Be careful to research the oils you use in your aromatherapy treatments. Some essential oils derived from plants, which appear natural and safe, can also result in negative consequences. Some of them may induce headaches or other symptoms in those who are sensitive to odors.

Other Ways to Relieve Headaches

If you want to explore other ways to relieve headaches, there are many options available to you.

You can try over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. If these don’t work, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications.

Acupuncture is another option that has been shown to be effective in relieving headaches. The American Migraine Foundation’s article entitled, “Acupuncture and Migraine: Finding a Combination That Sticks” gives in-depth details as to why acupuncture might be a good option. This ancient Chinese practice involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. It is believed that this can help to release the tension causing your headaches.

Biofeedback is a type of therapy that uses devices to help you control your body’s response to stress. This can help you learn to relax and reduce the muscle tension that can lead to headaches.

Yoga and meditation are two more relaxation techniques that can help to relieve stress and tension, and, in turn, reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.

Book Deep Tissue Massage Therapy Sessions in Texas

If you suffer from headaches, you’ve seen that there are many treatment options available to you. Massage therapy is a great way to relax and release the tension that can contribute to headaches. If you’d like to experiment with deep tissue massage therapy, book a session at Oak Haven Massage Therapy.

We offer deep tissue massages that can help to relieve stress, tension headaches, and migraines. Our licensed and certified massage therapists will tailor your treatment to your specific needs.

We have locations in San Antonio, Texas, and Austin, Texas, so finding an Oak Haven Massage therapy location near you is easy. Book a session today and join over 13,000 satisfied clients who love the relief and relaxation we provide.