Physiotherapy for headaches and migraines
Headaches that start in the neck respond well to physiotherapy, and even migraine patterns can improve with the right treatment alongside medical care.
- Initial assessment £85
- Hampstead & Highgate
- No GP referral needed
- Appointments in 24 to 48 hours
Medically reviewed by the SMARTPHYSIO clinical team · August 2026
Understanding headaches
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull and spread forwards
- Head pain that comes with neck stiffness
- Headaches after long days at a desk
- A pattern of tension building through the day
- Migraines with sensitivity to light or sound
- Aching around the temples and behind the eyes
- Joints and muscles of the upper neck referring pain to the head
- Long hours of screen work, posture and stress
- Jaw tension and teeth clenching
- Migraine has its own mechanisms, but neck treatment can reduce the burden for many people
- If headaches are frequent enough to affect work or sleep
- If headaches come with neck pain or stiffness
- If you are relying on painkillers most weeks
- Seek urgent medical help for a sudden, severe headache unlike any before, or a headache with weakness, confusion or visual loss
Our approach to headaches
Find the neck contribution, treat it, and reduce the load that keeps rebuilding the tension.
Your assessment works out how much of your headache pattern is coming from the neck, using recognised tests of the upper cervical joints and muscles. Where the neck reproduces your headache, treatment has a clear target.
Treatment combines specific manual therapy for the upper neck, strengthening for the deep neck muscles, and practical changes to desk time and stress load. For migraine, we work alongside your GP: physiotherapy does not replace medical management, but it can reduce the neck triggers that feed the pattern.
What your programme can include
Where to find us in London
Two clinics in north London, and home-visit teams working from Kensington and Chelsea. Can’t come to us? We come to you.
ClinicHampstead
444 Finchley RoadLondon NW2 2HY★ 4.8 · 140 reviewsView clinic →
ClinicHighgate
244 Archway RoadLondon N6 5AX★ 5.0 · 14 reviewsView clinic →Home-visit base
Kensington
2 Kensington SquareLondon W8 5EPHome visits across the areaHome visits from here →Home-visit base
Chelsea
48-56 Ebury Bridge RoadLondon SW1W 8QFHome visits across the areaHome visits from here →
What our patients say
“Shokola was great with my 12 year old daughter. She got straight to the issue and made good and practical suggestions for treatment.”
Google review →“Harsha has been kind, attentive and has helped me hugely with my hip and Achilles injuries. She’s a brilliant and very knowledgeable physiotherapist and I recommend her highly.”
Google review →“I have seen several different therapists at Sammy Margo’s over many years. Every one has been excellent. When I was recovering from a hip replacement the physio I received helped me recover really quickly. Highly recommended.”
Google review →“I had a full hip replacement following a cycle accident, and have daily physio visits on weekdays for three weeks. I am already able to walk short distances without a stick or crutch, and this is entirely due to the work they have done with me.”
Google review →“Thanks to Olga I have made great strides in my recovery from the after-effects of sepsis. My strength, balance and mobility have improved enormously under her excellent physiotherapy. I would recommend her wholeheartedly.”
Google review →Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my headaches come from my neck?
Can physiotherapy help migraines?
When is a headache an emergency?
How many sessions do headache patients need?
Will you work with my GP?
Let's get you moving again
Tell us about a home visit and we will call you back the same working day, or book a clinic appointment online.
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