Find Relief from Migraines Through Physical Therapy in Hazelwood, MO. Physical therapy targets physical contributors like neck stiffness, postural imbalances, and vestibular dysfunction to ease symptoms and support long-term relief.
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 Hazelwood, MO area relieve migraine pain by targeting physical sources such as neck stiffness, jaw alignment, and vestibular dysfunction. 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, expert care is always within reach.
Article Summary: Physical Therapy Migraine Relief in Hazelwood, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Migraine symptoms vary widely and may include more than just head pain.
Here are some of the most common types:
- 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
These migraines involve problems with balance, motion sensitivity, or spinning sensations—and they may not always include head pain.
- Cervicogenic Headache (Migraine-Like)
Originating in the cervical spine, these headaches are frequently confused with migraines and respond well to manual therapy and posture correction.
- 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.
Recognizing your migraine type helps your healthcare providers, including your local physical therapist, create a care strategy that fits your needs.
Our team at Axes Physical Therapy in Hazelwood, MO knows how to spot different migraine patterns and coordinate with your physician to support your recovery.
Ways Hazelwood, 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.
Migraine pain can be intensified by physical stressors, including muscular imbalances, misalignment, and problems with your vestibular system. The right physical therapy plan can ease these physical stressors and help prevent future episodes.
Physical therapy provides the following benefits for migraine management:
- Relieves tightness in the upper body that can trigger or worsen headaches
- Improves spinal alignment and muscle symmetry to reduce physical stress
- Targets neck-related headaches that mimic migraine symptoms
- Improves vestibular function for those with dizziness or vertigo
- Promotes lasting relief through patient education and targeted movement strategies
Our Migraine Treatment Techniques in Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, 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 – Balance-focused rehab designed to reduce vertigo and dizziness, particularly helpful for vestibular migraine patients.
- Postural Training – Training focused on optimizing how you sit, stand, and move to support healthy alignment.
- 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 – Custom routines you can follow at home to maintain improvements between sessions.
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.
We take the time to listen to your experience and tailor your treatment plan to your body, lifestyle, and goals.
At your first visit, here’s what we’ll typically cover:
- Postural and neck mobility assessment
- Balance and vestibular system screening
- Support and education on what may be contributing to your symptoms
- Partnering with your primary care provider in Hazelwood, MO if your case requires shared input
Relief starts with awareness—your first visit lays the foundation for real, lasting improvement.
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.
Axes Physical Therapy supports a multidisciplinary approach, meaning we work closely with your primary care provider or neurologist in Hazelwood, MO to complement your current treatment plan safely and effectively.
Why Choose Axes for Migraine Relief in Hazelwood, MO?
We help people in Hazelwood, MO take control of their migraines through expert, one-on-one care.
We center our care around you—your needs, your progress, and your long-term relief.
What you can expect when you choose Axes:
- Personalized, hands-on care with licensed physical therapists
- Several nearby offices so expert migraine care is always accessible
- No referral needed (Direct Access PT)
- Caring staff who take the time to understand and guide you
- 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.
Get Migraine Relief in Hazelwood, MO Today
It’s time to take control of your migraines and your schedule—let Axes help.
Call the clinic nearest you or schedule an appointment online today. Our team is ready to help you find long-term migraine relief—starting today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Migraine Relief and Physical Therapy in Hazelwood, MO
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 kind of physical therapy is best 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?
You don’t need a referral to begin treatment—Missouri and Illinois allow Direct Access, so you can get started right away. If we need to loop in your doctor, we’ll handle that.
How quickly does physical therapy help with migraines?
Most patients feel some relief within the first few weeks, depending on their triggers and treatment plan. Following your home program helps ensure continued progress.
What’s the difference between cervicogenic headaches and 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.