Physical Therapy for Migraine Relief in Berkeley, MO. Physical therapy focuses on treating the physical roots of migraines—such as muscular tension, poor posture, and balance problems—to reduce pain and prevent future attacks.

Living with migraines isn’t something you just have to accept—you deserve relief. 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 in Berkeley, MO area reduce migraine severity and frequency by identifying and treating physical triggers like cervical tension and balance issues. Our licensed St. Louis physical therapists develop individualized treatment plans that target your specific symptoms and help restore your comfort and quality of life.

When you’re ready to take back control from migraines, we’re here for you. With multiple convenient locations across the St. Louis Metro Area, getting help is simple and close to home.

Quick Overview: Physical Therapy for Migraine Relief in Berkeley, MO

• By focusing on posture, muscle tightness, and balance issues, physical therapy can reduce how often migraines occur and how severe they are.
• Treatments may involve hands-on therapy, dry needling, vestibular rehab, posture work, and mobility exercises.
• Migraines related to neck dysfunction or balance problems respond well to physical therapy.
• While physical therapy won’t eliminate migraines, it can reduce symptoms and work alongside your medical treatment.
• Explore migraine classifications and how physical therapy may address each.
• Get started with migraine treatment—contact your closest Axes Physical Therapy clinic.

Different Types of Migraines

Knowing the type of migraine you’re facing can help your care team choose the right therapy.

Migraine symptoms vary widely and may include more than just head pain.

Below are five migraine types that we commonly address in physical therapy.

• Migraine with Aura

  Characterized by temporary neurological symptoms like zigzag lines, visual spots, or tingling, usually appearing ahead of the migraine pain.

• Migraine without Aura

  Most people experience this type—headaches occur without visual disturbances or aura, and pain is often localized to one side.

• 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.

Identifying what type of migraine you have allows your Berkeley, MO care team to build a more precise and effective treatment plan.

At Axes, our Berkeley, MO 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 Physical Therapy in Berkeley, MO Helps Ease Migraines

Physical therapy offers a natural, non-invasive approach to migraine relief by focusing on musculoskeletal and balance-related dysfunctions.

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. The right physical therapy plan can ease these physical stressors and help prevent future episodes.

Some of the ways PT helps reduce migraine symptoms include:

• Releases neck and shoulder tension that contributes to head pain
• Improves spinal alignment and muscle symmetry to reduce physical stress
• 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

How We Treat Migraine Symptoms in Berkeley, MO

We take a customized approach to migraine relief, designing care around your unique triggers, goals, and body mechanics.

Depending on your evaluation and diagnosis, your Berkeley, MO 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 – This approach involves inserting thin needles into specific areas to reduce deep muscle tightness linked to migraines.
• Vestibular Therapy – Exercises to retrain your balance system and reduce symptoms of dizziness, especially for vestibular migraines.
• Postural Training – Posture correction techniques that decrease mechanical stress on your spine and muscles.
• Targeted Strengthening – Focused movement routines to support key muscles involved in posture and neck stability.
• Stretching & Mobility Work – Movements designed to improve range of motion and relieve pressure in tension-prone areas.
• TENS or Heat/Cold Therapy – Modalities that soothe sore areas and help regulate nerve activity related to migraines.
• Home Exercise Program – A take-home plan to reinforce your progress and help you stay in control of your symptoms.

Consistency and personalization are key to migraine relief through PT—and that’s exactly what we provide.

Your First Physical Therapy Visit for Migraines

We begin with a comprehensive physical evaluation to uncover the musculoskeletal or vestibular issues behind your migraines.

Your therapist will listen closely to your history and symptoms to create a personalized care plan.

You can expect the following during your first PT session:

• Evaluation of neck movement and spinal alignment
• Tests to check your stability and vestibular function
• Guidance on identifying migraine triggers and how to avoid them
• Partnering with your primary care provider in Berkeley, MO if your case requires shared input

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

Does Physical Therapy Cure Migraines?

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

Our approach targets the underlying issues—like poor posture, neck tension, or vestibular dysfunction—that can trigger or worsen migraines.

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

What Makes Axes the Right Choice for Migraine Relief in Berkeley, MO?

At Axes, we empower people in Berkeley, MO to manage migraines with skilled physical therapy and supportive care.

We center our care around you—your needs, your progress, and your long-term relief.

Here’s what sets Axes apart:

• One-on-one treatment with experienced, licensed professionals
• Convenient clinics across Berkeley, MO and the surrounding St. Louis Metro
• No referral required in Missouri—learn more about Direct Access PT
• Friendly, supportive team who listens and empowers
• Specialized knowledge in physical triggers like posture, neck tension, and balance

At Axes, you’ll never feel like just a number—your care truly matters to us.

Get Migraine Relief in Berkeley, MO Today

Reclaim your energy, clarity, and comfort with migraine treatment at Axes Physical Therapy.

Call the clinic nearest you or schedule an appointment online today. Let us help you reduce your symptoms and get back to feeling like yourself.

Berkeley, MO Physical Therapy for Migraines – Your Questions Answered

Is physical therapy effective for treating migraines?

Yes—it can. By treating physical factors that often trigger migraines, such as muscle tension and inner ear problems, physical therapy can significantly reduce symptom severity and frequency.

What treatments do physical therapists use for migraines?

Treatment options often include manual therapy, dry needling, posture correction, and vestibular rehabilitation. Your physical therapist will personalize your care based on your condition.

Can I start PT for migraines without a referral?

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 quickly does physical therapy help with migraines?

Improvement timelines vary, but many clients feel better within 2–4 weeks. Staying consistent with therapy and exercises is key to lasting results.

How are cervicogenic headaches different from migraines?

Cervicogenic headaches come from issues in the neck, while migraines are neurologically based—but both can be treated effectively with physical therapy.