Physical Therapy for Migraine Relief in Manchester, 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. 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 Manchester, MO area relieve migraine pain by targeting physical sources such as neck stiffness, jaw alignment, and vestibular dysfunction. Our licensed St. Louis physical therapists offer a hands-on, personalized approach to help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.

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 Manchester, 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.
• Explore migraine classifications and how physical therapy may address each.
• Start your recovery today by scheduling an appointment at your nearest Axes location.

Different Types of Migraines

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

Although often linked to severe head pain, migraines can show up differently in each person.

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)

  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.

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

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

Ways Manchester, 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.

Some of the ways PT helps reduce migraine symptoms include:

• Reduces muscular tension in the neck and shoulders, which may lead to migraine relief
• Corrects posture and muscle imbalances that increase strain on the spine
• Treats cervicogenic headaches, which originate in the neck
• Improves vestibular function for those with dizziness or vertigo
• Empowers patients with tools and exercises for long-term symptom control

Migraine Therapy Methods We Use in Manchester, 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.

After assessing your condition, your Manchester, 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 – This approach involves inserting thin needles into specific areas to reduce deep muscle tightness linked to migraines.
• Vestibular Therapy – Exercises to retrain your balance system and reduce symptoms of dizziness, especially for vestibular migraines.
• 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.

Consistency and personalization are key to migraine relief through PT—and that’s exactly what we provide.

Your First Physical Therapy Visit for Migraines

During your first appointment, we’ll conduct a head-to-toe assessment to understand what’s contributing to your migraines.

We take the time to listen to your experience and tailor your treatment plan to your body, lifestyle, and goals.

During your initial appointment, you can expect:

• Postural and neck mobility assessment
• Screening for balance-related and vestibular (inner ear) issues
• Guidance on identifying migraine triggers and how to avoid them
• Coordination with your doctor in Manchester, MO to ensure cohesive care

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?

No—physical therapy isn’t a cure, but it can significantly reduce migraine frequency, intensity, and physical triggers.

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 Manchester, MO and integrate physical therapy into your existing migraine management plan.

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

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

We center our care around you—your needs, your progress, and your long-term relief.

Here’s what sets Axes apart:

• One-on-one treatment with experienced, licensed professionals
• Several nearby offices so expert migraine care is always accessible
• Start care without a doctor’s referral (Direct Access)
• A team that’s committed to hearing your story and helping you succeed
• Expertise in treating vestibular, postural, and cervicogenic migraine symptoms

We treat every person with the same care we’d want for ourselves or our family.

Get Migraine Relief in Manchester, 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. Our team is ready to help you find long-term migraine relief—starting today.

Manchester, MO Physical Therapy for Migraines – Your Questions Answered

Can PT make a difference in migraine relief?

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 treatments do physical therapists use 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?

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.

When will I feel better after starting migraine PT?

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.

How are cervicogenic headaches different from 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.