Find Relief from Migraines Through Physical Therapy in Crestwood, 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.
You’re not alone if migraines are interfering with your life—and you don’t have to suffer in silence. 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 Crestwood, 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 use evidence-based techniques and one-on-one care to support long-term migraine relief and recovery.
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.
Quick Overview: Physical Therapy for Migraine Relief in Crestwood, MO
- By focusing on posture, muscle tightness, and balance issues, physical therapy can reduce how often migraines occur and how severe they are.
- Therapies often used include massage, needling, vestibular retraining, posture adjustment, and flexibility work.
- Physical therapy is especially effective for cervicogenic and vestibular migraines.
- It’s not a cure, but physical therapy offers long-term relief and integrates well with other forms of migraine management.
- 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.
Different Types of Migraines
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
This type of migraine includes visual or sensory symptoms like light flashes or numbness that appear before the headache sets in.
- 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
Symptoms like dizziness and disorientation are common, and vestibular PT is often an effective treatment.
- 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 Crestwood, MO physical therapist—develop a more effective plan of care.
Our team at Axes Physical Therapy in Crestwood, MO knows how to spot different migraine patterns and coordinate with your physician to support your recovery.
Ways Crestwood, MO Physical Therapy Supports 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. Physical therapy offers a hands-on, drug-free way to reduce those triggers and support long-term relief.
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
- Helps relieve cervicogenic headaches caused by cervical spine dysfunction
- Rebuilds vestibular strength to minimize dizziness and improve stability
- Promotes lasting relief through patient education and targeted movement strategies
Migraine Therapy Methods We Use in Crestwood, 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 Crestwood, MO therapist will choose from the following targeted therapies:
- Manual Therapy – Physical touch-based methods such as mobilization, traction, and massage to ease neck and shoulder tightness.
- Dry Needling – A precise method where fine needles are used to release muscle knots and relieve tension-related migraine triggers.
- Vestibular Therapy – Balance-focused rehab designed to reduce vertigo and dizziness, particularly helpful for vestibular migraine patients.
- Postural Training – Strategies and exercises to improve spinal alignment and reduce muscle strain during daily activities.
- 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.
Physical therapy works best when it’s consistent and customized. That’s what you get at Axes.
What Happens at Your Initial PT Appointment
Your first physical therapy visit for migraine relief includes a full-body evaluation to identify the root causes of your symptoms.
Your therapist will listen closely to your history and symptoms to create a personalized care plan.
During your initial appointment, you can expect:
- Assessment of your posture and range of motion in the neck
- Balance and vestibular system screening
- Guidance on identifying migraine triggers and how to avoid them
- Collaborative care planning with your Crestwood, MO physician (if needed)
Your journey toward lasting migraine relief begins by learning how your body functions and where it needs support.
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.
Our approach targets the underlying issues—like poor posture, neck tension, or vestibular dysfunction—that can trigger or worsen migraines.
At Axes, we believe in collaborative care—we communicate with your physician or neurologist in Crestwood, MO to ensure safe and integrated treatment.
Why Trust Axes for Migraine Treatment in Crestwood, MO?
We help people in Crestwood, MO 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:
- One-on-one treatment with experienced, licensed professionals
- Convenient clinics across Crestwood, 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
We treat every person with the same care we’d want for ourselves or our family.
Start Your Journey to Migraine Relief in Crestwood, MO
Reclaim your energy, clarity, and comfort with migraine treatment at 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.
FAQs: Physical Therapy for Migraine Relief in Crestwood, MO
Can physical therapy really help with migraines?
Absolutely. Physical therapy is highly effective at managing migraine symptoms when physical issues like neck stiffness, balance dysfunction, or posture are involved. It works especially well for cervicogenic and vestibular-related migraines.
Which PT techniques help with migraine symptoms?
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.
When will I feel better after starting migraine PT?
Improvement timelines vary, but many clients feel better within 2–4 weeks. Staying consistent with therapy and exercises is key to lasting results.
Are cervicogenic headaches the same as 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.
