Myotherapy conditions

Headaches & Migraines

Most tension headaches and many migraines have a muscular trigger. Myotherapy — particularly dry needling — is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of recurring headaches driven by muscle tension.

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Understanding Headaches & Migraines

Tension-type headaches and cervicogenic headaches are among the most common presentations in myotherapy practice. Active trigger points in the suboccipital muscles, upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and temporalis refer pain in patterns that produce the characteristic pressure, tightening, and throbbing of tension headaches. Myotherapy at Sera Spine & Rehab uses dry needling, trigger point therapy, and deep tissue massage to deactivate these trigger points, release the muscular tension driving your headaches, and reduce both frequency and severity over time.

Root causes

What causes headaches & migraines?

Suboccipital Trigger Points

The four suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull are the most common muscular source of headaches. Trigger points here refer pain over the head in a pattern that closely mimics tension headache and migraine.

Upper Trapezius Tension

The upper trapezius is one of the most trigger-point-prone muscles in the body. Active trigger points refer pain up the side of the neck and into the temple — a classic tension headache pattern.

Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) Trigger Points

Trigger points in the SCM refer pain to the forehead, eye, and ear, and are a frequently missed contributor to frontal headaches and migraines. Dry needling is highly effective for SCM trigger points.

Temporalis Muscle Tension

The temporalis muscle covers the side of the skull and is a primary driver of temporal headaches. Tension here is often related to jaw clenching, bruxism, and stress.

Cervical Joint Dysfunction

Stiffness in the upper cervical joints irritates the trigeminal nerve and produces headaches. Myotherapy addresses the muscular component while chiropractic or physiotherapy treats the joint restriction.

Stress & Nervous System Activation

Chronic stress elevates muscle tone throughout the neck and shoulders, creating the sustained tension that drives recurrent headaches. Myotherapy reduces this tension and activates the parasympathetic nervous system.

Signs & symptoms

How does it present?

Recurrent headaches occurring more than twice per week
A band-like pressure or tightening sensation around the head
Pain that starts at the base of the skull and spreads forward
Tenderness to touch at the base of the skull, temples, or upper shoulders
Headaches that worsen with stress, screen use, or sustained neck postures
Associated neck stiffness or restricted movement
Sensitivity to light or sound during severe episodes
Headaches that respond poorly to pain medication alone

Our approach

How Sera Spine & Rehab treats headaches & migraines

Myotherapy

Dry needling and trigger point therapy targeting the suboccipitals, upper trapezius, SCM, and temporalis deactivate the muscular triggers driving your headaches. Many patients see a significant reduction in frequency within 3–5 sessions.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy addresses the cervical joint dysfunction and deep neck flexor weakness that contribute to cervicogenic headaches, complementing the muscular work of myotherapy for comprehensive relief.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic adjustments restore upper cervical joint mobility and reduce the nerve irritation that drives cervicogenic headaches, working alongside myotherapy for faster and more lasting results.

Exercise Rehabilitation

Strengthening the deep neck flexors and improving thoracic mobility reduces the structural load that perpetuates the muscle tension driving headaches long-term.

Your first visit

What to expect at your appointment

1
A detailed headache history: frequency, duration, location, triggers, associated symptoms, and current medication use.
2
A postural assessment and palpation of the key muscles known to drive headaches — suboccipitals, upper traps, SCM, and temporalis.
3
An explanation of the specific muscular triggers identified and how they are contributing to your headaches.
4
Hands-on treatment in your first appointment — dry needling, trigger point therapy, and deep tissue massage targeting the identified muscles.
5
A management plan including treatment frequency, home stretches, and practical advice on triggers, ergonomics, and stress management.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Can myotherapy really reduce headache frequency?

Yes — for tension-type and cervicogenic headaches, deactivating the muscular trigger points driving them consistently reduces both frequency and severity. The evidence for dry needling in particular is strong. We will give you an honest assessment of what to expect for your specific headache type.

Does dry needling help with migraines?

Dry needling can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines for many people — particularly when muscular trigger points are a contributing factor. It is not a cure for migraine, but it is often a valuable part of a comprehensive management approach.

How is myotherapy different from physiotherapy for headaches?

Myotherapy focuses specifically on the soft tissue component — releasing the trigger points and muscular tension driving your headaches. Physiotherapy addresses the joint and movement components. For most people with recurrent headaches, a combination of both produces the best results, and our team coordinates care accordingly.