If you suffer from headaches, you are not alone. Approximately 80-90% of people across the U.S. endure occasional or frequent tension headaches. They are also the third most commonly reported source of pain across the world! Whether they are acute and temporary or constant and chronic (such as migraines), headache relief is possible by physical therapy.
Physical therapy isn’t normally someone’s first thought when they have a headache – most of the time, the common reaction is to take some form of pain-relieving medication. This may help to relieve pain in the short term, but if you are constantly suffering from headaches or migraines, pain relief drugs will not provide you with the same long-term effects that physical therapy will. If you’ve been dealing with pain caused by headaches, contact Marketplace Physical Therapy & Wellness Center today. We will help you figure out what is causing your headaches and provide an effective, safe, and natural treatment plan for eliminating them!
What are the different types of headaches?
Many people may not know this, but there are actually different types of headaches that all develop from different causes. The three main types of headaches include:
Tension headaches
The most common form of headaches are known as tension headaches. These can occur due to repetitive motions or poor posture in the neck/head. Tension headaches are caused by a strain on the “dura mater,” which is a sensitive membrane that envelops the brain. The dura mater lies in close proximity to small muscles at the base of the skull that go into spasm when the dura mater becomes strained, thus sending pain signals to the brain and causing your headache.
Musculoskeletal headaches
Musculoskeletal headaches occur when there are significant amounts of tension in the neck. This is typically a result of physical imbalances, weaknesses, or damage, although emotional tension (such as stress) can also be a contributing factor. A traumatic injury to the neck, such as whiplash, is a common cause of musculoskeletal headaches. With common neck injuries such as whiplash, the muscles and connective tissues in the neck can become torn or strained. This can lead to agonizing pain felt in the head, as well as in the face, shoulders, or neck.
Cervicogenic headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are also related to neck pain, involving the top three vertebrae of the neck. These headaches can develop as a result of certain conditions, such as a concussion or arthritis, but work-related strain can also trigger a cervicogenic headache. Professions that require a down-turned motion of the head or neck are the most prone for developing cervicogenic headaches. This may include hairdressers, long-haul drivers, chefs, nail artists, jewelers, etc.
Find headache relief through physical therapy:
If you are suffering from headaches, contact our Riverside, Riverside/Corona, Chino, Redlands or Beaumont, CA physical therapy office today. At Marketplace Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, we are dedicated to providing you with the best treatments for your headaches. At your initial appointment, one of our highly trained physical therapists will conduct a physical evaluation and ask you questions about your health history and symptoms, in order to determine what type of headache you are experiencing and where the pain is stemming from. A treatment plan will then be designed specifically for you and your recovery.
At Marketplace Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, our treatments for headaches focus on relieving pain, improving posture and strengthening muscles in the neck and upper back. These will all help in making your daily life much more comfortable and bearable – without the pain of headaches! To schedule your appointment, contact Marketplace Physical Therapy & Wellness Center today to speak to one of our physical therapists.
FAQ’s
What types of headaches can physical therapy help with at Marketplace Physical Therapy?
Marketplace Physical Therapy can help with tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches (neck‑related pain), postural headaches, and muscle‑tension headaches. Our headache physical therapy programs at Riverside, Redlands, Corona, Beaumont, and Chino focus on relieving muscle tension and improving posture to reduce headache frequency.
How can physical therapy relieve headache pain?
Physical therapy treats the musculoskeletal factors that contribute to headaches. Our clinicians address neck and shoulder mobility, posture, muscle imbalances, and movement patterns at our Riverside, Redlands, Corona, Beaumont, and Chino locations to calm triggers and ease pain.
What should I expect during my first headache physical therapy appointment?
At your first visit at any of our clinic locations — Riverside, Redlands, Corona, Beaumont, or Chino — a therapist will assess your posture, movement, trigger points, and headache history. Then we’ll build a personalized plan that targets your specific headache type and lifestyle.
Can physical therapy help with migraines?
Yes! While migraines have many triggers, physical therapy can help reduce musculoskeletal contributors like neck stiffness and postural strain. Our headache specialists in Riverside, Redlands, Corona, Beaumont, and Chino teach techniques to reduce muscle tension and decrease migraine frequency.
Are headaches from poor posture something physical therapy can fix?
Absolutely. Posture‑related headaches are common — especially for people who work at desks or spend long hours on devices. At Riverside, Redlands, Corona, Beaumont, and Chino, our therapists help retrain posture and strengthen supporting muscles to reduce headache triggers.
Will my headache rehab plan be personalized?
Yes! Each headache physical therapy program at Marketplace Physical Therapy is tailored to your symptoms, job activities, posture, and movement patterns — whether you’re seen in Riverside, Redlands, Corona, Beaumont, or Chino.
How long does it take to see improvement in headache symptoms with physical therapy?
Many patients begin noticing improvements in just a few sessions, but every case is unique. Our therapists in Riverside, Redlands, Corona, Beaumont, and Chino work with you to track progress, adapt your plan, and help you find sustained relief.
Do you offer home exercises for headache relief?
Yes! We provide customized home exercise programs that complement your in‑clinic treatment. These include stretches, posture cues, and mobility drills designed to help reduce headache pain between sessions at Riverside, Redlands, Corona, Beaumont, and Chino.
Can physical therapy help with headaches caused by neck tension or injury?
Yes — especially if neck stiffness or past neck injury contributes to your headaches. Our clinicians evaluate neck mobility and muscle balance at our Riverside, Redlands, Corona, Beaumont, and Chino clinics and use manual therapy and movement retraining to reduce irritation and pain.
Can physical therapy prevent recurring headaches?
Yes! Our headache prevention strategies include posture training, ergonomic advice, strengthening exercises, and movement corrections — all aimed at reducing future headaches. These personalized programs are offered at our Riverside, Redlands, Corona, Beaumont, and Chino locations.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!