​Expert Treatment for Headaches With SMARTPHYSIO
Headaches are among the most common health complaints worldwide. For some of us, they are an occasional inconvenience, for others, they can be persistent, disruptive and significantly affect quality of life. While there are many possible causes of headaches, research shows that musculoskeletal factors, such as posture, deep neck muscle control, or joint dysfunction, can play an important role in both the development and maintenance of certain headache types.
Book Your London Headache Management Appointment
At SMARTPHYSIO, our specialist physiotherapists offer tailored assessment and treatment programmes aimed at helping patients better understand and manage headaches where musculoskeletal issues may be contributing. To find out how we can help you, simply contact the clinic now, or easily book your first appointment online.
Understanding Headaches
Headaches are not a single condition, but rather a wide range of presentations with different underlying mechanisms. Some of the common categories include:
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Tension-type headaches - often linked to stress, posture or muscle tension.
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Cervicogenic headaches - where pain is referred from the neck into the head, usually associated with stiffness or muscle dysfunction.
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Migraine - a complex neurological condition that may sometimes overlap with musculoskeletal triggers.
It’s important to note that headaches can also arise from non-musculoskeletal causes, which is why thorough medical assessment is always essential. Physiotherapy may be beneficial where musculoskeletal factors play a role.
Why Choose SMARTPHYSIO?
Expert Care
Our highly qualified and experienced physiotherapists are carefully selected for both their professional and personal skills
Trusted
We have many 5-star reviews and are registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and the Health Care Professions Council
Here to Help
Whenever you need us, our expert staff are here to listen to you and ensure you get the perfect physiotherapy care.
How Physiotherapy Can Help with Headache Management
Physiotherapy does not offer a “cure” for headaches. However, evidence suggests that when headaches are influenced by posture, muscle coordination or cervical joint dysfunction, physiotherapy may help reduce their frequency, intensity, or duration.
Our team focuses on:
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Posture and ergonomics, addressing the way you sit, stand, or work, which may contribute to neck and shoulder strain.
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Deep neck flexor training, improving the stability and endurance of the deep cervical muscles, which are often weak in those with chronic headaches.
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Manual therapy techniques, gentle joint mobilisations and soft tissue techniques aimed at reducing stiffness and muscle tension.
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Movement and exercise strategies and personalised programmes to improve flexibility, strength, and resilience of the neck and upper back.
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Education and self-management to help you understand headache triggers and how to manage them more effectively in everyday life.
Book Your London Headache Management Appointment
At SMARTPHYSIO, our specialist physiotherapists offer tailored assessment and treatment programmes aimed at helping patients better understand and manage headaches where musculoskeletal issues may be contributing. To find out how we can help you, simply contact the clinic now, or easily book your first appointment online.
The SMARTPHYSIO Approach
Our process is centred around comprehensive assessment. A typical first appointment process is outlined below.
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We take a detailed history of your headaches, including patterns, triggers, and any medical input you’ve received.
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We assess posture, muscle control, and cervical spine movement.
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We will identify potential musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to your headaches.
From this, we create a tailored management plan designed around your goals. This may involve hands-on physiotherapy, exercise rehabilitation, ergonomic advice, and strategies to support long-term self-management.
We also work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, including GPs, neurologists, and pain specialists, when multidisciplinary care is needed.
Why Choose SMARTPHYSIO for Headache Physiotherapy?
Specialist expertise - Our team are experienced physiotherapists with training in musculoskeletal and neurological rehabilitation.
Personalised care - No two headaches are alike. We design programmes specific to your needs.
Convenient options - Choose between home visits across London or treatment in our clinics.
Established reputation - With over 35 years of practice, SMARTPHYSIO is trusted for evidence-based, patient-centred care.
No referral needed - You can book directly with us, though we are happy to liaise with your GP or specialist if required.
Book Your London Headache Management Appointment
At SMARTPHYSIO, our specialist physiotherapists offer tailored assessment and treatment programmes aimed at helping patients better understand and manage headaches where musculoskeletal issues may be contributing. To find out how we can help you, simply contact the clinic now, or easily book your first appointment online.
What You Can Expect
Patients often report improvements when they visit us for headache treatment, including:
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Reduced muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
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Better posture and movement awareness
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Greater confidence in managing triggers
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A decrease in headache frequency or severity
While results vary and no guarantee can be made, physiotherapy can play a valuable role in helping some people live more comfortably with headaches.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
While physiotherapy may help with many musculoskeletal headache presentations, it is essential to recognise red flags. You should seek immediate medical help if you experience the following symptoms.
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A sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache
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Headaches with fever, nausea, or neurological changes (e.g., vision loss, weakness, confusion)
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New headaches after injury or trauma
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Headaches that are progressively worsening or unresponsive to medication
Our physiotherapists are trained to screen for such signs and will refer you promptly if further medical input is required.
Our London Headache Physio Clinics
We also provide visiting physiotherapy to your home, care home or office
Frequently Asked Questions
Can physiotherapy cure headaches?
No. Physiotherapy does not cure headaches, but it may help manage musculoskeletal factors that contribute to them.
Will I need to see my GP first?
Not necessarily. You can book directly with SMARTPHYSIO, though we often work alongside your GP or specialist.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies. Some patients notice benefits within a few sessions, while others require longer-term management strategies.
Do you offer ergonomic advice for work-related headaches?
Yes. We assess your desk, seating, and posture, and provide practical recommendations.
Take the Next Step With SMARTPHYSIO
If headaches are affecting your daily life, physiotherapy may be able to help you manage the musculoskeletal factors involved. At SMARTPHYSIO, our experienced team provide careful assessment, personalised treatment, and ongoing support, at home or in clinic.
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Contact the clinic now, or book an initial consultation using the easy online booking system, and take the first step toward better headache management.