headaches | LiveWell Health

How Can Massage Help With Migraines?

Posted on January 10, 2026

How Massage Helps Migraines — Evidence-Based Guide & Treatment Protocol

This article builds on LiveWell Health’s wider migraine management guidance. Here, we focus specifically on how massage therapy may help reduce migraine pain, frequency, and associated symptoms as part of a structured care plan.

Why Massage Is Used in Migraine Care

Massage therapy is commonly used in migraine management due to its effects on muscle tension, nervous system regulation, and stress-related triggers. Research indicates that massage may reduce migraine frequency and intensity by influencing musculoskeletal tension and nervous system regulation, particularly when used alongside standard medical care.

How Massage May Help Migraines

Massage may support migraine management through several mechanisms:
• Reducing muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
• Improving local circulation
• Supporting relaxation of the nervous system
• Reducing stress and anxiety

Who Massage Therapy May Be Suitable For

Massage therapy may be appropriate when migraines are recurrent but stable, and when symptoms are influenced by muscle tension or stress. If you are unsure whether a massage is appropriate for your symptoms, please contact us.

Massage Techniques Commonly Used

Common techniques include neck and shoulder massage, upper back soft tissue release, scalp massage, and trigger point therapy.

How Often Should Massage Be Used?

Benefits are typically seen with regular sessions over several weeks. Massage is not intended to replace medical treatment for migraines but may form a useful supportive approach when combined with lifestyle management, exercise, and appropriate medical care.

Safety Considerations

Massage should be avoided if symptoms worsen or if neurological changes are present. Seek medical assessment if migraines are associated with sudden severe headaches, vision changes, or weaknesses.

Final Thought..

At Livewell Health, our expert team offers targeted recovery programs, sports therapy, acupuncture, and massage techniques to get you back on track. Book your consultation today, and start your recovery journey!

Tension Headaches

Posted on June 10, 2024

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are caused by muscle tension. Symptoms are often characterised as a dull ache or the feeling of pressure on both sides of the head and are sometimes associated with upper neck pain.

Anatomy

The suboccipital muscles, sternocleidomastoid muscles and trapezius muscles run from the base of the skull, the upper neck and the shoulders. When these muscles become tight and contracted, they may compress the nerves or blood vessels in the head and neck, increasing the pressure. This can result in a dull aching pain in the head and upper neck. This increased pressure may also cause referred pain in which there may be pain around the forehead, temples and eyes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Tension Headaches can in extreme cases be debilitating. Some of the symptoms can include:

Pain on both sides of the head
Dull aching head pain
Feeling of built up pressure in the head
Tightness across forehead
Neck ache/pain
Tenderness of the scalp, neck and shoulders

Causes

The specific causes of tension headaches are still unclear. Tension headaches are caused by tight, contracted neck muscles and are commonly linked to stress, poor posture, head injury and anxiety. Tension headaches are often linked to running in families and are more common in females.

Diagnosis

Tension headaches are diagnosed by reported symptoms. A full medical exam including other tests may be ran by the GP to rule out any other conditions. Tension headaches can be diagnosed by a discussion with a healthcare professional regarding experienced symptoms.

Treatment

Over the counter painkillers may help relieve pain caused by a tension headache. Heatpacks and gentle stretching may also help relieve symptoms. In some cases stronger medication may be prescribed by the GP for chronic tension headaches.

Sports therapy, physiotherapy and massages can be an excellent treatment for tension headaches. The treatment of the underlying muscle tightness can relieve pressure and consequently reduce symptoms. Treatment sessions may include massage, stretching and mobilisation as well as postural strengthening and advice and education to help reduce symptoms and pain experienced.

Exercises

1. Chin Tucks

Purpose: Strengthen the deep neck flexor muscles and improve posture, which can relieve tension in the neck and reduce headache symptoms.
How to Perform:
- Sit or stand with your back straight.
- Gently tuck your chin toward your chest, as if making a double chin, while keeping your eyes forward.
- Hold the position for 3-5 seconds, then relax.
- Repeat for 20-30 repetitions.

2. Cervical Rotation Stretch

Purpose: Increase flexibility and reduce muscle tension in the neck, which can help alleviate tension headaches.
How to Perform:
- Sit or stand with your back straight.
- Slowly turn your head to one side as far as comfortable, keeping your chin level.
- Hold the stretch for 20 seconds, then return to the centre.
- Repeat on the other side, performing 3 stretches per side.

3. Upper Trapezius Stretch

Purpose: Stretch and relax the upper trapezius muscles, which often become tight and contribute to tension headaches.
How to Perform:
- Sit or stand with your back straight.
- Gently tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear toward your shoulder, while keeping your shoulders relaxed.
- Use your hand to gently increase the stretch by pulling your head closer to your shoulder.
- Hold for 20 seconds, then switch sides. Perform 3 stretches per side.

4. Scapula Pinches

Purpose: Strengthen the muscles between the shoulder blades, improving posture and reducing tension in the upper back and neck.
How to Perform:
- Sit or stand with your arms at your sides.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together as if trying to pinch something between them.
- Hold the squeeze for a moment, then relax.
- Perform 3 sets of 10-20 repetitions.

Prevention

Due to the nature of our lives and the fact tension headaches can come on through a variety of issues. Some of which are part of our day to day life, such as looking down to your phone, working at a computer/desk, performing certain exercises at gym or just generally feeling stressed from work/life etc.

The good news is with the stretches above, if done regularly, it can prevent the onset of tension headaches. Regular deep tissue massages can also help and trying to take time to de-stress and in some cases meditation/yoga type exercises will also help.

It is important, to slow down and take time for yourself.

If you feel like you are struggling with tension headaches and would like some more advice then please contact us directly, alternatively if you feel a professional massage will help then please make a booking today.

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