May Newsletter

Treating Headaches with Physiotherapy by Emma Barnes and Brendan Wilson

Headaches are common, and some are caused by structures in your musculoskeletal system. This includes structures such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones and cartilage.1 A cervicogenic headache is a headache caused by musculoskeletal structures. It typically comes from structures in the upper cervical spine.1, 2, 3 The upper cervical spine is made up of the vertebrae at the top of your neck, beneath the base of the skull.

Cervicogenic headaches commonly present with the following signs and symptoms1, 2, 3:

• Reduced neck movement
• Worsening headache with neck movement or pressure
• A one-sided headache that doesn’t change sides
• Vague pain that may refer into the neck, shoulder, forehead or behind the eye
• Pain starting after sustained or awkward positioning
• Pain starting after neck trauma
• Pain that is felt first in the neck, before moving into the head

To diagnose a cervicogenic headache a Physiotherapist will perform a thorough examination. They may refer you to your Doctor exclude other causes of headache.

As Physiotherapists treat the musculoskeletal system, they can help treat cervicogenic headache. The assessment findings will help to shape what treatment approaches will be used. For example, someone with poor neck movement will likely be given exercises to improve neck range of motion. There are a range of techniques that can be used to treat cervicogenic headaches. Manual therapy, exercise and education are common strategies that are used. Research has shown that using a combination of these approaches is most effective. Read more.. 

New Opening Hours

From 3rd June 2019 the clinic will be open from 7 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday. We have increased our hours to make appointments easier to get to if you have busy work schedules or after work activities. It will also allow access to our gym earlier for those who would prefer to do their rehabilitation earlier. Reception will also be open from 7 am. 

Independent use of the Alter G

The AlterG is the NASA inspired antigravity treadmill. It is possibly the most innovative rehabilitation tool to come out in the last decade. It works via using a pressure system to reduce your body weight while you run or walk on a treadmill. This allows the benefits of walking and running without the impact and is fantastic for both rehabilitation and fitness. The AlterG can be hired for $20 per 25 minutes. You will need a physio to set you up initially and provided you are safe will be able to use this independently. 

GYM

Have you finished your rehabilitation and want to stay? You can now buy a gym membership. See reception if you want to do this. You will need a program from your Physio when you start.

12 month $499

6 month $279

3 month $149