Migraine Relief with Physical Therapy in Ladue, MO. Physical therapy targets physical contributors like neck stiffness, postural imbalances, and vestibular dysfunction to ease symptoms and support long-term relief.
Living with migraines isn’t something you just have to accept—you deserve relief. They can strike out of nowhere or drag on for days—impacting everything from your sleep to your job to your time with family.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we help people in Ladue, 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.
Don’t let migraines dictate your daily routine—Axes is here to help. 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 Ladue, MO
- Migraine relief through physical therapy is possible by addressing musculoskeletal and vestibular dysfunction.
- Treatments may involve hands-on therapy, dry needling, vestibular rehab, posture work, and mobility exercises.
- Physical therapy is especially effective for cervicogenic and vestibular migraines.
- PT is not a cure, but it supports long-term migraine management and complements medical care.
- 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.
Migraine symptoms vary widely and may include more than just head pain.
Here are some of the most common types:
- 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
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
Chronic migraines occur frequently—more than half the days in a month—and typically require a comprehensive treatment plan.
Understanding the type of migraine you’re dealing with can help your healthcare team—including your Ladue, MO physical therapist—develop a more effective plan of care.
The Ladue, MO physical therapists at Axes understand the various forms migraines can take and work closely with your doctor to ensure proper care.
How Does Ladue, MO Physical Therapy Help with Migraine Relief?
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.
Migraine pain can be intensified by physical stressors, including muscular imbalances, misalignment, and problems with your vestibular system. 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
- Corrects posture and muscle imbalances that increase strain on the spine
- Treats cervicogenic headaches, which originate in the neck
- Rebuilds vestibular strength to minimize dizziness and improve stability
- Empowers patients with tools and exercises for long-term symptom control
Migraine Therapy Methods We Use in Ladue, MO
We take a customized approach to migraine relief, designing care around your unique triggers, goals, and body mechanics.
After assessing your condition, your Ladue, 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 targeted technique using thin needles to release tight muscles that may be contributing to migraine pain.
- 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 – Movements designed to improve range of motion and relieve pressure in tension-prone areas.
- TENS or Heat/Cold Therapy – Pain-relieving modalities that calm irritated nerves and ease muscle tightness.
- Home Exercise Program – Custom routines you can follow at home to maintain improvements between sessions.
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.
We take the time to listen to your experience and tailor your treatment plan to your body, lifestyle, and goals.
You can expect the following during your first PT session:
- Assessment of your posture and range of motion in the neck
- Screening for balance-related and vestibular (inner ear) issues
- Education on lifestyle triggers and prevention strategies
- Partnering with your primary care provider in Ladue, 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.
Is Physical Therapy a Cure for Migraines?
While PT won’t eliminate migraines entirely, it can greatly reduce how often they occur and how severe they are.
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 Ladue, MO and integrate physical therapy into your existing migraine management plan.
What Makes Axes the Right Choice for Migraine Relief in Ladue, MO?
Axes Physical Therapy provides migraine relief for Ladue, MO residents through personalized, compassionate treatment.
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
- Multiple locations throughout the Greater St. Louis area
- No referral required in Missouri—learn more about Direct Access PT
- Friendly, supportive team who listens and empowers
- Expertise in treating vestibular, postural, and cervicogenic migraine symptoms
At Axes, you’ll never feel like just a number—your care truly matters to us.
Start Your Journey to Migraine Relief in Ladue, MO
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. Let us help you reduce your symptoms and get back to feeling like yourself.
Ladue, 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 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.
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 long does it take to see results from migraine physical therapy?
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.
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.