Cottleville, MO

Cottleville, MO

Find lasting headache relief with physical therapy in Cottleville, MO

Migraine Relief with Physical Therapy in Cottleville, MO. 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.

You’re not alone if migraines are interfering with your life—and you don’t have to suffer in silence. These episodes can affect your energy, productivity, and daily happiness, whether they’re brief or long-lasting.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we help people in Cottleville, MO 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 use evidence-based techniques and one-on-one care to support long-term migraine relief and recovery.

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.

Key Takeaways: Physical Therapy Migraine Relief Cottleville, MO

  • Migraine relief through physical therapy is possible by addressing musculoskeletal and vestibular dysfunction.
  • Therapies often used include massage, needling, vestibular retraining, posture adjustment, and flexibility work.
  • PT is commonly used to treat cervicogenic and vestibular migraine symptoms.
  • While physical therapy won’t eliminate migraines, it can reduce symptoms and work alongside your medical treatment.
  • Learn the difference between migraine types and how your symptoms may respond to physical therapy.
  • Get started with migraine treatment—contact your closest Axes Physical Therapy clinic.

Common Migraine Variations

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

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

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

  • 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

    These migraines involve problems with balance, motion sensitivity, or spinning sensations—and they may not always include head pain.

  • 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

    Chronic migraines occur frequently—more than half the days in a month—and typically require a comprehensive treatment plan.

Migraine Relief Cottleville, MO | Physical Therapy for Migraines Near Cottleville

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

Our team at Axes Physical Therapy in Cottleville, MO knows how to spot different migraine patterns and coordinate with your physician to support your recovery.

How Does Cottleville, MO Physical Therapy Help with Migraine Relief?

By targeting physical triggers such as neck stiffness, poor alignment, and vestibular imbalance, physical therapy helps reduce migraine frequency and intensity.

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.

Physical therapy provides the following benefits for migraine management:

  • Reduces muscular tension in the neck and shoulders, which may lead to migraine relief
  • Addresses postural issues and muscle imbalances that contribute to migraines
  • Targets neck-related headaches that mimic migraine symptoms
  • Improves vestibular function for those with dizziness or vertigo
  • Teaches long-term prevention techniques through education and movement

How We Treat Migraine Symptoms in Cottleville, MO

There’s no universal formula for treating migraines at Axes—your care plan is based on your individual symptoms and needs.

After assessing your condition, your Cottleville, MO therapist will choose from the following targeted therapies:

  • 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 precise method where fine needles are used to release muscle knots and relieve tension-related migraine triggers.
  • Vestibular Therapy Therapy that improves inner ear function and stability to address disorientation and motion sensitivity.
  • Postural Training – Strategies and exercises to improve spinal alignment and reduce muscle strain during daily activities.
  • Targeted Strengthening – Strength-building exercises that stabilize the upper spine and prevent tension buildup.
  • Stretching & Mobility Work – Flexibility exercises that open up restricted areas and reduce chronic tightness.
  • 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.

What Happens at Your Initial PT Appointment

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

At Axes, we align your care with your body’s needs, your goals, and your daily life.

At your first visit, here’s what we’ll typically cover:

  • Assessment of your posture and range of motion in the neck
  • Balance and vestibular system screening
  • Support and education on what may be contributing to your symptoms
  • Coordination with your doctor in Cottleville, MO to ensure cohesive care

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?

Physical therapy doesn’t “cure” migraines, but it helps manage the physical causes behind them for long-term relief.

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

To support your overall health, we partner with your care team in Cottleville, MO and integrate physical therapy into your existing migraine management plan.

Why Choose Axes for Migraine Relief in Cottleville, MO?

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

Every session—from day one to discharge—is focused on your healing, comfort, and results.

Why so many people in Cottleville, MO choose Axes for migraine therapy:

  • One-on-one treatment with experienced, licensed professionals
  • Multiple locations throughout the Greater St. Louis area
  • No referral required in Missouri—learn more about Direct Access PT
  • A team that’s committed to hearing your story and helping you succeed
  • Years of experience treating migraine types linked to spinal and vestibular dysfunction

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

Get Migraine Relief in Cottleville, MO 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 in Cottleville, MO

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.

Can I start PT for migraines without a referral?

Not at all. You can start PT at Axes without seeing your doctor first, and we’ll collaborate with them as needed to support your care plan.

When will I feel better after starting migraine PT?

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.

How are cervicogenic headaches different from migraines?

Unlike migraines that originate in the brain, cervicogenic headaches stem from cervical spine dysfunction. Physical therapy is ideal for treating this type of head pain.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Occupational Therapy
    • Certified Hand Therapy
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Vestibular Therapy and Post-Concussion Rehabilitation
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • dorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTYM)
  • Spine Specialty – Manual Therapy Certified
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our Team

Sara Crain
PT, CEAS, Astym Cert.
Amanda Long
DPT, CMPT, ATC
John Ruesler
Clinic Director, DPT, CMPT, Astym Cert.
Megan Phillips
Front Office
Hannah Drake
DPT, CMPT, ATC, LAT
Dawn Szerszen
Front Office

Locations

Begin Your Recovery Today

Injuries and pain shouldn’t keep you from moving and doing the things you love.