Soft tissue treatment may provide relief from some of the muscular tension, discomfort and stress that can accompany tension headaches and migraines. By working on areas such as the neck, shoulders, upper back and jaw, treatment can help reduce muscular tension, improve comfortable movement and leave some people feeling more relaxed and comfortable.
For people who experience migraines, managing muscle tension around the neck, shoulders and jaw may be one part of a broader approach to managing their symptoms. Migraines are a neurological condition with a range of potential triggers and symptoms, so understanding your individual pattern and working alongside your GP or other healthcare professional can be an important part of managing them.
Tension headaches vs migraines
Tension-type headaches are often described as a dull, pressing or tightening sensation around the head. They can occur alongside tension or discomfort through the neck, shoulders, upper back or jaw.
Migraines are different and can involve moderate to severe head pain, often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people also experience an aura, which can include visual or sensory changes.
Understanding the type of headache you’re experiencing is important when considering treatment.
How can soft tissue treatment help?
Reducing neck and shoulder tension
The muscles around the neck, shoulders and upper back work continuously to support the head and upper body. Prolonged computer work, driving, training, stress or sustained postures can contribute to muscular tension.
Soft tissue treatment may help reduce this tension and improve comfortable movement.
Addressing jaw tension
Jaw clenching and teeth grinding can contribute to tension around the jaw, temples, neck and shoulders.
Where appropriate, treatment can address the muscles around the jaw and associated areas. Persistent jaw symptoms may also benefit from assessment by a dentist or physiotherapist.
Improving movement
Restricted movement through the neck or upper back can sometimes increase the workload placed on surrounding muscles.
A remedial treatment can assess how these areas are moving together and address muscular restrictions that may be contributing to discomfort.
Managing physical stress
Stress can influence how we hold our bodies. Some people respond by tightening their jaw, raising their shoulders or holding tension through their neck.
Soft tissue treatment may help reduce some of this accumulated tension while encouraging greater awareness of these patterns.
Does deeper pressure mean a better treatment?
Not necessarily.
When treating headache-related tension, particularly around the neck and head, more pressure isn’t always better. Treatment should be based on the individual’s symptoms, assessment and response.
A remedial treatment may use a combination of massage, myofascial release and targeted soft tissue techniques rather than relying solely on deep pressure.
The goal is to improve function and reduce unnecessary tension — not simply to make the treatment feel intense.
Can massage help with migraines?
Managing muscular tension may be useful for some people who experience migraines, particularly when they also experience neck, shoulder or jaw tension.
However, everyone’s migraine experience is different. Identifying individual triggers and working with your GP or healthcare professional to develop an appropriate management strategy is important.
Soft tissue treatment can complement this broader approach by addressing physical tension and helping you move and feel more comfortably.
When should you seek medical advice?
Most headaches are not serious, but some require medical assessment.
Seek urgent medical attention for a sudden, severe headache unlike your usual headaches, particularly if it reaches maximum intensity very quickly.
You should also seek medical advice if headaches are becoming more frequent, changing significantly, or are accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, significant vision changes, fever or a recent head injury.
A whole-body approach to headache management
Headaches don’t always originate from the area where you feel the pain.
For example, someone experiencing pain around their temples may also have significant tension through their jaw, neck and shoulders. Looking at these areas together can provide a more complete picture of the physical factors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
At Muscle Medicine, our therapists assess the broader area rather than simply treating where you feel discomfort. Treatment is tailored to your presentation and may include techniques such as remedial massage, myofascial release and targeted soft tissue work.
For some people, this can be a valuable part of managing muscular tension associated with headaches and migraines.
If you’re experiencing recurring headaches or migraines and notice associated tension through your neck, shoulders or jaw, a soft tissue assessment may be worth considering
Ready to book?
For further information or to discuss any additional questions, please contact Muscle Medicine today or arrange a consultation with one of our experienced therapists. Muscle Medicine is located in beautiful Double Bay, Sydney. Feel free to contact us on 02 9252 9140 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can massage help with tension headaches?
Some people find massage for the neck, shoulders and jaw helps reduce muscle tension that can go along with tension-type headaches. Responses vary from person to person.
Is massage okay if I get migraines?
Many people with migraines have regular massage, but migraines are a neurological condition and are best managed with your GP. Tell your therapist about your migraines, and skip a session if touch, light or sound bother you during an attack.
How do I know if my jaw is involved?
Clenching, teeth grinding or a sore jaw on waking can go along with tension around the temples, neck and shoulders. Your therapist can assess the jaw and nearby muscles, and a dentist or physiotherapist can assess persistent jaw symptoms.
Does deeper pressure work better for headaches?
Not necessarily. Pressure around the neck and head should suit your symptoms and how you respond, so your therapist adjusts it to you.
When should I see a GP instead?
See your GP first for a sudden, severe or unusual headache, headaches that are becoming more frequent or changing, or headaches with weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, vision changes, fever or a recent head injury. See the “When should you seek medical advice?” section above.
What happens at a first appointment at Muscle Medicine?
You’ll have a short assessment, then massage tailored to what the assessment shows, then a recommendation for follow-up. You can choose your therapist.