Physical Therapy for Migraine Relief in St. Louis. Physical therapy addresses the underlying physical causes of migraines—like neck tension, posture issues, and balance dysfunction—to reduce symptoms naturally and prevent future episodes.

If migraines are keeping you from living life on your terms, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to just “deal with it.” Whether they come on suddenly or linger for days, migraines can disrupt your work, your sleep, and your ability to enjoy the things you love.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we help people throughout the Greater St. Louis area find relief from migraine symptoms by addressing underlying physical triggers like neck tension, jaw dysfunction, and balance system issues. Our licensed St. Louis physical therapists offer a hands-on, personalized approach to help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.

If you’re ready to stop letting migraines control your life, we’re here to help. With multiple convenient locations across the St. Louis Metro Area, expert care is always within reach.

Article Summary: Physical Therapy Migraine Relief in St. Louis

• Physical therapy can help reduce migraine frequency and intensity by targeting neck tension, poor posture, and vestibular dysfunction.
• Common techniques include manual therapy, dry needling, vestibular rehab, postural correction, and stretching.
• Physical therapy is especially effective for cervicogenic and vestibular migraines.
• PT is not a cure, but it supports long-term migraine management and complements medical care.
• Learn the difference between migraine types and how your symptoms may respond to physical therapy.
• Start your recovery today by scheduling an appointment at your nearest Axes location.

Different Types of Migraines

Not all migraines are the same—and understanding which type you’re experiencing can help guide your treatment options.

While migraines are commonly associated with throbbing head pain, they can present in a variety of ways depending on the person and the trigger.

Here are some of the most common types:

• Migraine with Aura

  Involves sensory disturbances—such as flashing lights, visual zigzags, or tingling sensations—before the headache begins. Auras typically last 20–60 minutes.

• Migraine without Aura

  The most common form of migraine. These episodes don’t include sensory warning signs and usually involve moderate to severe pain, often on one side of the head.

• Vestibular Migraine

  Characterized by dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues, with or without head pain. This type often overlaps with inner ear dysfunction and responds well to vestibular physical therapy.

• Cervicogenic Headache (Migraine-Like)

  Caused by neck or upper spine dysfunction, cervicogenic headaches can mimic migraines and are often treated successfully with physical therapy.

• Chronic Migraine

  Defined as experiencing migraine symptoms on 15 or more days per month for at least three months. These may require a multidisciplinary approach that includes medication, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy.

Understanding the type of migraine you’re dealing with can help your healthcare team—including your St. Louis physical therapist—develop a more effective plan of care.

At Axes, our St. Louis therapists are trained to recognize the signs of different migraine types and collaborate with your physician to make sure you’re getting the right support.

How Does St. Louis Physical Therapy Help with Migraine Relief?

Physical therapy addresses the underlying physical causes of migraines—like neck tension, posture issues, and balance dysfunction—to reduce symptoms naturally and prevent future episodes.

Migraines are often tied to more than just neurological factors. Muscle tension, poor alignment, and vestibular (inner ear and balance) problems can all contribute to the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. Physical therapy offers a hands-on, drug-free way to reduce those triggers and support long-term relief.

Here’s how physical therapy helps relieve migraines:

• Releases neck and shoulder tension that contributes to head pain
• Corrects posture and muscle imbalances that increase strain on the spine
• Treats cervicogenic headaches, which originate in the neck
• Improves vestibular function for those with dizziness or vertigo
• Teaches long-term prevention techniques through education and movement

Our Migraine Treatment Techniques in St. Louis

At Axes, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all plans. Your care will be tailored to your specific symptoms, triggers, and goals.

Depending on your evaluation and diagnosis, your St. Louis physical therapist may use a combination of the following techniques:

• Manual Therapy – Hands-on techniques like massage, joint mobilization, and cervical traction to reduce stiffness and tension in the neck and shoulders.
• Dry Needling – A targeted technique using thin needles to release tight muscles that may be contributing to migraine pain.
• Vestibular Therapy – Exercises to retrain your balance system and reduce symptoms of dizziness, especially for vestibular migraines.
• Postural Training – Strategies and exercises to improve spinal alignment and reduce muscle strain during daily activities.
• Targeted Strengthening – Exercises to build resilience in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
• Stretching & Mobility Work – Movements designed to improve range of motion and relieve pressure in tension-prone areas.
• TENS or Heat/Cold Therapy – Pain-relieving modalities that calm irritated nerves and ease muscle tightness.
• Home Exercise Program – A take-home plan to reinforce your progress and help you stay in control of your symptoms.

Physical therapy works best when it’s consistent and customized. That’s what you get at Axes.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first physical therapy visit for migraine relief includes a full-body evaluation to identify the root causes of your symptoms.

We take the time to listen to your experience and tailor your treatment plan to your body, lifestyle, and goals.

During your initial appointment, you can expect:

• Postural and neck mobility assessment
• Balance and vestibular system screening
• Education on lifestyle triggers and prevention strategies
• Collaborative care planning with your St. Louis physician (if needed)

This is the first step toward long-term relief—and it starts with understanding how your body moves and responds to stress.

Is Physical Therapy a Cure for Migraines?

No—physical therapy isn’t a cure, but it can significantly reduce migraine frequency, intensity, and physical triggers.

We focus on treating the root causes of musculoskeletal or vestibular-related migraines to help you feel better and avoid future episodes.

Axes Physical Therapy supports a multidisciplinary approach, meaning we work closely with your primary care provider or neurologist in St. Louis to complement your current treatment plan safely and effectively.

Why Choose Axes for Migraine Relief in St. Louis?

We help people across the Greater St. Louis area take control of their migraines through expert, one-on-one care.

From your first visit to your final session, we focus on what matters most—your relief and recovery.

Here’s what sets Axes apart:

• Personalized, hands-on care with licensed physical therapists
• Multiple locations throughout the St. Louis metro
• No referral needed (Direct Access PT)
• Friendly, supportive team who listens and empowers
• Expertise in treating vestibular, postural, and cervicogenic migraine symptoms

You’re not just another patient here. You’re our priority.

Get Migraine Relief in St. Louis Today

Don’t let migraines dictate your days—get back to doing what you love with Axes Physical Therapy.

Call the clinic nearest you or schedule an appointment online today. We’ll help you move better, feel better, and find real, lasting relief from migraines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Migraine Relief and Physical Therapy

Can physical therapy really help with migraines?

Yes. Physical therapy can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines by targeting physical contributors like neck tension, poor posture, and vestibular issues. It’s especially helpful for people with cervicogenic or vestibular migraines.

What kind of physical therapy is best for migraines?

Vestibular therapy, manual therapy, postural training, and dry needling are all commonly used to treat migraine symptoms. Your treatment plan will depend on your specific symptoms, triggers, and health history.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to start physical therapy for migraines?

No. Thanks to Direct Access laws, in both Missouri and Illinois you can start physical therapy at Axes without a referral. We’ll coordinate with your doctor if additional care is needed.

How long does it take to see results from migraine physical therapy?

Many people notice improvements within a few weeks, especially when migraines are triggered by posture, tension, or balance issues. Long-term success depends on consistency and following your home program.

What’s the difference between cervicogenic headaches and migraines?

Cervicogenic headaches start in the neck or spine and can mimic migraines. Physical therapy is often the first line of treatment for cervicogenic headaches and can also benefit people who experience both types.