Your headache free journey starts here.

At PHYSIO23, our expert physios treat headaches and migraine’s by utilising tested techniques that are non-manipulative and medication/radiation free.

We Know How Difficult Living with headaches & migraine can be

At Physio23 we specialise in treating headaches and migraines. Physio23 presents a unique and critical place in the modern management of Headache and Migraine. We aspire to evidence based and holistic therapy based on a pragmatic and stepwise clinical reasoning model to treating headaches. A strong base of our clinical reasoning stems from the good work of Dean Watson. We are training in the techniques of the Watson Headache (C) Approach. For more information on our process read below.

Our Process

Assessment

During an initial headache and migraine assessment you can expect we will listen to your concerns you have about your condition. By the end of a first treatment session you should have an accurate diagnosis of your headache or migraine condition, an appropriate recommended treatment plan and some strategies to help relieve your headaches at home.

We start with a comprehensive interview followed by a thorough assessment of your upper cervical spine based on the latest research conducted by Dean Watson of the Watson Headache © Institute. Dean Watson’s research has confirmed that the upper cervical spine is a primary contribution factor in all primary headache and migraine types. Our physio Nathan, has undertaken extra training at the Watson Headache © institute and thus can perform this assessment.

Part of this assessment includes small sustained mobilisation techniques (no cracking or bouncing on your joints is involved) to find painful and/or stiff joints of your upper neck. This assessment involves reproduction of your headache temporarily with this sustained pressure. Sounds scary right? However, this significant finding helps provide us with an accurate diagnosis of your neck involvement in your headache and migraine. It is not imperative we reproduce your headache on day 1 but it is helpful. This will be determined on the day depending on what your current condition is. During the assessment we will also determine ligament stability and exclusion of any sinister reasons of your headache.

Treatment

Headache and migraine treatment are an extension of your assessment. We aim to target local muscle guarding, joint stiffness and pain, releasing nerve pressure and irritation, and subsequent “wind-up” of your brainstem.

During treatment we aim to reproduce your head pain which may sound scary but we can stop at any moment. For example, if your normal headache pain occurs in your tempol’s then we aim to reproduce that exact pain with sustained pressure on your upper neck joints. This process is repeated multiple times within a session until full resolution occurs. Your pain eases throughout the repeated sets and subsequently fewer and less severe headaches. And hopefully no headaches!

If full resolution is not achieved it may mean that there might be multiple segments involved which will also be treated.

Other treatment techniques they may be used if deemed appropriate include soft tissue massage, dry needling, neural mobilisation, re-training and strengthening.

The optimal initial treatment plan would be 4-5 sessions over 2-3 weeks depending on current symptoms and chronicity. If this recommended frequency of treatments isn’t possible due to work commitments or if life gets in the way then that is ok, we should still achieve some gains in your symptoms but it may be slower.

Is Posture Important?

Posture can be a key factor! An important component of treatment will be a postural analysis and postural re-training. A couple of exercises aimed at re-training the key postural muscles will aid in reducing your symptoms. One of the keys principles we believe in at Physio23 is teaching people strategies and techniques that you can use to self-treat. Therefore, if you can commit to a few re-training exercises a day you will achieve a better outcomes.

Meet Lachie - Principal Physiotherapist

PHYSIO23 is a values based, patient-centred clinic. We are delighted to partner with each patient on their unique journey to reaching their health, recovery and mobility goals. Our physiotherapists are committed to maximising their clinical expertise through evidence-based practice to ensure every patient receives the quality care they deserve.

Would you like to book an appointment at physio23?

Why choose us

Patient Focussed

A physio that will spend the time to get to know you and find out about your current concerns and relevant past injuries

Results Based

You will receive a thorough assessment, an accurate diagnosis and a clear plan moving forward

Quality Care

Evidence-based, up-to-date treatment modalities to help you navigate your injury effectively.

We Can Help You Become Headache Free

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