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Headaches and Migraines at Focus Osteopathy
Looking at the Root Cause of Your Headaches
Headaches can be easy to write off as something you just deal with, right up until they are affecting your work, your sleep and your weekends. Many people deal with headaches for years without ever having the underlying pattern looked at by a healthcare professional.
Some headaches are associated with tension and restricted movement through the neck and upper back, and that is the area our osteopaths at Focus Osteopathy Murrumbeena and Mount Waverley can assess. Not every headache has a musculoskeletal component, and part of the appointment is working out whether yours does.
Our trained osteopaths are skilled in headache and migraine assessment, and will work with you to find the root cause of your discomfort.
Are You Noticing Any of These Patterns?
Headaches vary a great deal, and what is worth investigating differs with them. These are the patterns we most often assess.
How Osteopathy Approaches Headaches
Your osteopath starts with your history: when the headaches occur, how long they last, what precedes them, what you have already tried, and what else is going on in your life at the time.
Assessment covers the neck, upper back, shoulders and jaw, looking at how those areas are moving and whether restriction or muscle tension in those regions may be contributing. Treatment uses soft tissue work, joint articulation and stretching, along with advice on your workstation, posture and exercises designed to strengthen weaker areas and reduce tension in others.
Osteopathic treatment may help with headaches associated with neck and upper back tension for some people, though responses vary and not all headaches have a musculoskeletal cause. Where your presentation suggests something outside our scope, we will refer you to a GP for further assistance.
Things Potentially Worth Trying Yourself
Whether you book an appointment with us here at Focus Osteopathy or not, these four steps are a reasonable starting point.
Keep a Simple Record
Note when headaches happen, how long they last and what preceded them. Patterns are much easier to spot on paper than from memory.
Look at Your Setup and Your Breaks
Screen height, chair position and how long you go without moving all affect neck and shoulder tension.
Check the Basics
Sleep, hydration and caffeine intake are unglamorous but they influence headache frequency for a lot of people.
Get It Assessed Rather Than Managed Indefinitely
Regular pain relief without ever looking at the cause is a common pattern and not a long term solution we recommend.
When to See Your GP
Some headaches need medical assessment rather than manual therapy. Speak to your doctor promptly if you experience a headache that comes on suddenly and severely, one that follows a head injury, or a headache accompanied by fever, neck stiffness, vision changes, weakness, numbness, confusion or difficulty speaking. The same applies if your usual pattern changes noticeably, or if headaches are worsening over time. This is not a complete list, and if you are unsure, ask your GP.
Why Choose an Osteopath for Headaches?
Here are some of the reasons people choose osteopathy for headaches and migraines.
The Neck and Upper Back Are Assessed Properly
Rather than treating the head, your osteopath examines the areas that may be contributing to it.
Your Pattern Is Taken Seriously
The appointment starts with a proper history, because when headaches happen can often be more informative than where the symptoms present.
A Natural Approach
Treatment uses hands-on techniques and exercise, which suits people who would rather not rely on regular pain relief.
University Trained and Nationally Registered
Osteopaths complete a five year university qualification and are registered with the Osteopathy Board of Australia through AHPRA.
Advice for in Between Appointments
Alongside treatment, you get practical suggestions on your setup, movement and exercises.
The Focus Osteo Process in Murrumbeena & Mt Waverley
what to expect in your first visit
There’s a reason our patients don’t keep coming back for the same problem. We don’t just chase symptoms, we find what’s causing your pain and address the root cause of your discomfort.
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We listen & assess
We hear your story and assess thoroughly to find the true cause of your pain, not just where it hurts.
We explain it clearly
No jargon. We show you what's happening and why, so you feel confident in the plan ahead.
We treat the cause
Hands on osteopathy tailored to you, targeting the source of your discomfort to live & feel better.
We keep you moving
A simple strength and mobility plan stops the problem returning, so you stay active for the long run.
We can help you decide
Find Out if Osteopathy Is Right for You
Choosing an osteopath is an important decision. That’s why we offer a free, no-obligation discovery session, giving you the opportunity to meet our team, discuss your concerns, and ask any questions before deciding if we’re the right fit for you.
* Note: there is no treatment given at one of our free discovery session. It’s for you to ask us more questions and for us to confirm whether or not we think we can help you. Refer to the ‘Terms and Conditions‘ page for more detail.
Ready to book your appointment?
Online bookings are available for your convenience. Please note – if you can’t find a suitable appointment time, please contact our clinic and our team will be happy to help arrange a time that works for you.
focus Osteopathy Services
Osteopathy could Help You
Osteopathy may be appropriate for a range of musculoskeletal concerns. Explore some of the common conditions our osteopaths assess and manage below.
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Download our free information guides
Practical information written by our osteopaths. Covering common musculoskeletal complaints and general self care advice. Choose the guide that suits you and download it for free.
