Migraine Relief Ellisville, MO

Migraine Relief Ellisville, MO

Discover lasting migraine relief with PT in Ellisville, MO

Migraine Relief with Physical Therapy in Ellisville, 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. 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 Ellisville, 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.

Don’t let migraines dictate your daily routine—Axes is here to help. With multiple convenient locations across the St. Louis Metro Area, you’re never far from the expert care you need.

Article Summary: Physical Therapy Migraine Relief in Ellisville, MO

  • By focusing on posture, muscle tightness, and balance issues, physical therapy can reduce how often migraines occur and how severe they are.
  • Common techniques include manual therapy, dry needling, vestibular rehab, postural correction, and stretching.
  • Migraines related to neck dysfunction or balance problems respond well to physical therapy.
  • PT is not a cure, but it supports long-term migraine management and complements medical care.
  • Understand which kind of migraine you may have and how PT can help.
  • Get started with migraine treatment—contact your closest Axes Physical Therapy clinic.

Understanding Migraine Types

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

    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

    These migraines typically involve intense pain without the visual or sensory symptoms that come with aura.

  • 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

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

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

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

The Ellisville, MO physical therapists at Axes understand the various forms migraines can take and work closely with your doctor to ensure proper care.

Ways Ellisville, MO Physical Therapy Supports Migraine Relief

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

While migraines may originate in the brain, physical contributors like muscle tightness, posture issues, and balance dysfunction often play a major role. 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
  • 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 Ellisville, MO

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

Your treatment plan may include a combination of the following methods, based on what your Ellisville, MO physical therapist finds during your evaluation:

  • Manual Therapy Physical touch-based methods such as mobilization, traction, and massage to ease neck and shoulder tightness.
  • Dry Needling This approach involves inserting thin needles into specific areas to reduce deep muscle tightness linked to migraines.
  • 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 – Flexibility exercises that open up restricted areas and reduce chronic tightness.
  • TENS or Heat/Cold Therapy – Pain-relieving modalities that calm irritated nerves and ease muscle tightness.
  • Home Exercise Program – Ongoing exercises designed to support your therapy goals outside the clinic.

At Axes, we believe individualized, ongoing care is the foundation of long-term migraine improvement.

Your First Physical Therapy Visit for Migraines

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.

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

  • Evaluation of neck movement and spinal alignment
  • Balance and vestibular system screening
  • Support and education on what may be contributing to your symptoms
  • Collaborative care planning with your Ellisville, MO 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.

Does Physical Therapy Cure 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.

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

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

Axes Physical Therapy provides migraine relief for Ellisville, MO residents through personalized, compassionate treatment.

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

What you can expect when you choose Axes:

  • One-on-one treatment with experienced, licensed professionals
  • Several nearby offices so expert migraine care is always accessible
  • No referral needed (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 Ellisville, 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. 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 Ellisville, MO

Is physical therapy effective for treating 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?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but common treatments include balance retraining, dry needling, joint mobilization, and posture-focused exercises.

Is a referral required for migraine treatment at Axes?

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.

Are cervicogenic headaches the same as 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
  • Women's Health Therapy - Pelvic Floor
  • 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.
Lauren Cavanaugh
Front Office Supervisor
Amanda Long
DPT, CMPT, ATC
Stephen Brunjes
OTR/L, CEAS
Brian Wahlig
Front Office
Sarah Schroeder
MOTR/L, CHT, Astym Cert
Daria Klein
PT, DPT, CMPT
Bill Franzen
Partner, PT, MHSPT
Kinsey Jackson
Front Office
Cassandra Wadlow
Front Office
Mary McKinney
Front Office
Brian Little
Front Office Supervisor
Zac Schniers
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Natasha Burtchett
Front Office Supervisor
Antoinette Ghoston
Front Office
Brad Tiehes
PT, DPT, CMPT
Ashley Kraus
Front Office
Helen Ziegler
Front Office
Addie Kersting
Front Office Supervisor
Dena Rose
PT, CMPT, CHT
Katee Strunk
Front Office Team Lead
Mark Smith
PT, DPT, CMPT
Kaila Mikesch
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Ali Bauer
PT, CMPT
Brandi Arndt
PT, DPT, CMPT
Julie Freiner
OTR/L, CHT
Eric Meyer
Assistant Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Anthony Meyer
PT, DPT, CMPT
Haley Finnegan
OTR/L, CHT
Brittany Stapp
Front Office
Hattie Kaimann
Front Office
Mitchell Hammack
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Farren Holman
Assistant Clinic Director, PT, DPT, Astym Cert.
Jodi Bielicke
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, ASTYM Cert.
Sara Dowil
OTR/L, CHT
Mike Faris
Clinic Director, PT, CMPT
Emily Helton
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Mandy Carter
MSPT, CMPT, ATC, CWC
Matt Williams
MS, OTR/L, ATC/L, CHT
Ray Bauer
Clinic Director, MSPT, CMPT
Brett Shelton
PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSMT
Candace Cunningham
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Jeff Hunter
Clinic Director, PT, Cert. MDT, MBA
Scott Gallant
PT, FAAOMPT, BDN
Derrick Wolk
Partner, Clinic Director, MPT, CMPT
Greg Nicholas
Clinic Director, MPT, CMPT
John Teepe
Partner, MPT
Ernie Goddard
Partner, PT
John Ruesler
Clinic Director, DPT, CMPT, Astym Cert.
Jennifer Szydlowski
Clinic Director, PT, CMPT
Stacey Collins
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Brian Freund
Partner, DPT, CMPT, TPS, MBA
Joe Schmersahl
Clinic Director, PT, MTC, CMTPT
Bradley Webb
Clinic Director, PT
Kelly Basler
Front Office
Daniel Scribner
PT, DPT, ATC
Jayne Scanlan
DPT, COMT, CMTPT, FAAOMPT
Sharon Titter
Clinic Director, MPT
Natalie Carter
PT, DPT, Astym. Cert.
Michelle Schrage
Front Office
Megan Phillips
Front Office
TJ Jung
PT, DPT
Kaysie Cope
Front Office
Christine Lucke
MPT, COMT.
Lauren Huckstep
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CSCS, Astym Cert.
Mary Headrick
Front Office Associate
Megan Leaver
OTD, OTR/L
Lauren Vaughn
PT, DPT, CMPT, Astym Cert.
Jon Arconati
PT, DPT, CMPT
Emma Witte
PTA, ASTYM Cert.
Stephanie Heubi
Front Office
Hannah Drake
DPT, CMPT, ATC, LAT
Kimberly Helm
Front Office Supervisor
Carly Donahue
PT, DPT, CMPT
JP Thompson
PT, DPT, Astym Cert.
Marion Shaw
Front Office Supervisor
Kelly Barnes
Physical Therapist
Lisa Bell
Front Office
Shelby Ellis
Front Office
Erin Bauer
PT, DPT
Kelly Thornton
Clinic Director, PT, DPT
Mandy Wilmes
PT, DPT, COMT
Grace Gualtieri
Physical Therapist
Lorinda Gaines
Front Office
Jeff Cowdry
OTR/L, CHT
Shannon Blum
PTA, ATC
Chris Casner
PT, Clinic Director
Jamie Baumer
PT, DPT, CMPT
Christine Rufkahr
PT, COMT, CSMT
Ashley Brown
Front Office
Tanya Stanek
Front Office
Bryan Chac
PT, DPT
David Grant
MPT, COMT, FAAOMPT
Megan Henderson
OTR/L, CHT
Jennifer Chura
Front Office
Brad Morr
PT, DPT
Emma Hanger
PT, DPT, LAT, ATC
Camri Pratt
MOT, OTR/L
Becky Reininger
Front Office
Danielle Nichols
Front Office
Anthony Pope
PT, DPT, CMPT
Stacey Cronovich
Front Office
Sabrina Schieffer
Front Office
Shelby Reynolds
Front Office
Angie Burkhead
Front Office
Dawn Szerszen
Front Office
Dari Clarke
Front Office

Locations

Begin Your Recovery Today

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