Types of Treatment
Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common reasons that people see their primary care physician and they account for 20% of outpatient visits to neurologists.
People with chronic (or persistent) headaches report disabling symptoms that interfere with daily activities. Many seek numerous different treatment approaches, only to accept these headaches as a fact of life, and have become dependent on medications to relieve their symptoms.
The International Headache Society has classified hundreds of different types of headaches into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Primary headaches include migraine, tension-type and cluster headaches. They are the most common type of headache and stem from a single cause. Secondary headaches are classified according to their causes, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and cervicogenic headaches, which are attributed to mechanical disorders of the neck. Both types of headaches are treated by various clinicians including osteopaths, dentists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and physical therapists.
Sources of headaches are often a combination of factors, including musculoskeletal, psychological, neurovascular, nutritional, and chemical imbalances in the brain. Some headaches relate to or are indicative of a disease process; some are life-threatening and others benign. Thus, a thorough medical evaluation is necessary with any onset of a new or ongoing headache.
A thorough physical therapy examination attempts to determine the type of headache and to define the neuromusculoskeletal factors contributing to it. Muscle tension, joint dysfunction of the neck and jaw, poor posture and stress are factors that can be addressed and treated by a skilled physical therapist trained in manual therapy.
Ready to reclaim your life? ProActive is here to help.
Here’s what some of our patients had to say
Thank you so much! I love you guys and the care I received!
Zoe
ProActive PTS Patient
I recently had knee replacement surgery. I decided to do my physical therapy at ProActive PTS in Verona because it would be convenient. I am so glad I made that decision. Nash made me feel comfortable right away. He is very knowledgeable and has a calm, encouraging manner. I was thrilled with the success with…
Mary M.
ProActive PTS Patient
Julie and Jessica were invaluable in my breast cancer recovery. After a long recovery from a mastectomy, chemo, radiation, and reconstructive surgery with implants, I still suffered from pain in my ribs below my breast and pain in my breast area from radiation. The Breast Center at UW Hospital was incredible during the implant surgery…
Jill L.
ProActive PTS Patient
From the first time I met Julie and Jessica, it was clear that concern for my total care was their priority. This included both the physical and mental challenges of breast cancer recovery. Upon learning of their focus on all aspects of this targeted program, I knew I was in the right place and on…
Beth S.
ProActive PTS Patient
After a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction which required muscle to be removed from my back and brought to my chest, I didn’t want anyone touching me. My chest felt weird, I was in a lot of pain, and I was tired of doctor appointments. But I also felt very weak and knew I needed…
Becky G.
ProActive PTS Patient
We rate Proactive PTS a 10; we are extremely happy! After having received excellent PT in the past, we had no doubt this was the only place we would trust with our son’s recovery. The warm, welcoming environment makes it a comfortable place to receive therapy. This puts him at ease allowing for the most…
Mary Y.
ProActive PTS Patient
After just 4 visits…I feel like a brand new person. Before, I could barely walk for 15 minutes without my back screaming in pain. Now I’m zooming through therapy and going on walks at home.
Christy F.
ProActive PTS Patient
Wonderful staff, very helpful, competent and professional. They listen to what I say and are working with me to meet my goal.
Barbara E.
ProActive PTS Patient
Amazing service. They have gone out of their way to call and follow up with me while doing my at-home exercises. Highly recommend.
Josh F.
ProActive PTS Patient
My husband was skeptical of my choice to use physical therapy to treat my back pain instead of medications. After seeing my results from working with the ProActive PTS team, my husband is a believer now too.
Tiffany B.
ProActive PTS Patient
Looking for a ways to manage headaches beyond medication?
Schedule an appointment or call us at (866) 922-1175.
