What should I expect in my first appointment?

Your first visit will be 55 minutes and includes a comprehensive assessment of your condition, medical history, and movement patterns. Your physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals.

Do you accept extended health insurance?

Yes! We offer direct billing for 25+ insurance providers including Pacific Blue Cross, Manulife, Sunlife, and more. Check our full list or contact us at info@ateasephysio.ca.

How do I book an appointment?

Book online through our Jane App booking system, call us at 604-923-8323, or visit us in person at Morgan Crossing.

Headaches & Migraines Treatment

Physiotherapy treatment for chronic headaches and migraines in South Surrey. Relief from tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and migraine symptoms.

Book Appointment Call (604) 923-8323

Prevalence

47% of adults have headaches annually

Common Age

Most common ages 25-55

Recovery Time

4-8 weeks for significant improvement

Coverage

Covered by extended health

Symptoms & Causes

Common Symptoms

Dull, aching head pain
Pressure or tightness around forehead or sides
Pain originating from neck or base of skull
Sensitivity to light or sound
Nausea with severe headaches
Pain that worsens with neck movement
Tender scalp or neck muscles
Headaches triggered by stress or posture

Common Causes

Neck joint dysfunction (cervicogenic headaches)
Muscle tension in neck and shoulders
Poor posture, especially forward head position
Stress and anxiety
Eye strain from screens
TMJ dysfunction
Dehydration and poor sleep
Hormonal changes

How We Treat Headaches & Migraines

At At Ease Physio in South Surrey, we specialize in treating headaches that originate from the neck and musculoskeletal system. Many chronic headaches are cervicogenic - caused by dysfunction in the upper neck joints. Our physiotherapists use manual therapy to restore normal joint mobility, release muscle tension, and address postural factors that contribute to headache frequency and intensity.

What to Expect

Your assessment includes a detailed examination of your neck, posture, and headache patterns to determine the type and source of your headaches. Treatment typically involves manual therapy to the upper cervical spine, soft tissue release for tense muscles, dry needling for trigger points, craniosacral therapy techniques, and postural correction exercises. Many patients notice reduced headache frequency within the first few sessions.

Learn more: Our blog explores how the dural layers affect headaches, polyvagal theory and nervous system regulation, and concussion recovery misconceptions.

Our Treatment Services

Manual Therapy

Skilled hands-on techniques to restore mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing

Learn More

Dry Needling

Targeted trigger point therapy to release muscle tension and reduce pain

Learn More

Craniosacral Therapy

Gentle therapy targeting the skull, spine, and sacrum for headaches and chronic pain

Learn More

Prevention & Self-Care

Prevention Tips

Maintain good posture at your desk
Take regular breaks from screens (every 30 minutes)
Stay well hydrated throughout the day
Manage stress through relaxation techniques
Exercise regularly to reduce tension
Ensure adequate quality sleep
Set up an ergonomic workstation
Stretch neck and shoulders regularly

When to See a Physiotherapist

Headaches occurring more than twice per week
Headaches not responding to over-the-counter medication
Neck pain accompanying headaches
Headache pattern has changed recently
Headaches affecting work or daily activities
Headaches triggered by neck movement
New severe headache (seek immediate medical care)
Headache with fever, stiff neck, or confusion (emergency)

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, physiotherapy can significantly help many migraine sufferers. While migraines have multiple causes, neck dysfunction and muscle tension are common triggers. By addressing cervical spine problems and reducing muscle tension, we can reduce migraine frequency and intensity. Many patients experience fewer and less severe migraines with regular physiotherapy treatment.

Cervicogenic headaches originate from problems in the upper neck (cervical spine). They typically start at the base of the skull and radiate to the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes. They're often one-sided and worsen with neck movement or sustained postures. Physiotherapy is highly effective for cervicogenic headaches because we directly treat the source.

Many patients notice reduced headache intensity within the first 2-3 sessions. Significant reduction in headache frequency typically occurs within 4-6 weeks of consistent treatment. Chronic headache sufferers may take 8-12 weeks to see full benefits. The key is addressing the underlying cause, not just treating symptoms.

Absolutely. Forward head posture places significant strain on the neck muscles and joints, which can trigger tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches. For every inch your head sits forward, the effective weight on your neck increases by 10 pounds. Correcting posture is often a crucial part of long-term headache management.

Don't stop prescribed medications without consulting your doctor. However, as physiotherapy reduces your headache frequency and intensity, many patients naturally need less medication. Overuse of pain medications can actually cause 'rebound headaches,' so reducing reliance on medication through physiotherapy often improves overall headache patterns.