Find Relief from Migraines Through Physical Therapy in Tower Grove, 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 Tower Grove, 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.
Key Takeaways: Physical Therapy Migraine Relief Tower Grove, 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.
- PT is commonly used to treat cervicogenic and vestibular migraine symptoms.
- PT is not a cure, but it supports long-term migraine management and complements medical care.
- 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
Not all migraines are the same—and understanding which type you’re experiencing can help guide your treatment options.
Although often linked to severe head pain, migraines can show up differently in each person.
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)
Neck-based headaches that resemble migraines but stem from spinal misalignment or tension in the cervical spine.
- Chronic Migraine
If migraines are persistent throughout the month, they’re considered chronic and benefit from both medical and physical therapy care.
Understanding the type of migraine you’re dealing with can help your healthcare team—including your Tower Grove, MO physical therapist—develop a more effective plan of care.
At Axes, our Tower Grove, MO therapists are trained to recognize the signs of different migraine types and collaborate with your physician to make sure you’re getting the right support.
How Does Tower Grove, MO Physical Therapy Help with Migraine Relief?
By targeting physical triggers such as neck stiffness, poor alignment, and vestibular imbalance, physical therapy helps reduce migraine frequency and intensity.
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.
Here’s how physical therapy helps relieve migraines:
- Releases neck and shoulder tension that contributes to head pain
- Addresses postural issues and muscle imbalances that contribute to migraines
- 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 Tower Grove, MO
We take a customized approach to migraine relief, designing care around your unique triggers, goals, and body mechanics.
Depending on your evaluation and diagnosis, your Tower Grove, MO physical therapist may use a combination of the following techniques:
- 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 targeted technique using thin needles to release tight muscles that may be contributing to migraine pain.
- Vestibular Therapy – Therapy that improves inner ear function and stability to address disorientation and motion sensitivity.
- 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 – Modalities that soothe sore areas and help regulate nerve activity related to migraines.
- 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.
What Happens at Your Initial PT Appointment
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.
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
- Support and education on what may be contributing to your symptoms
- Coordination with your doctor in Tower Grove, MO to ensure cohesive care
This is the first step toward long-term relief—and it starts with understanding how your body moves and responds to stress.
Can PT Eliminate Migraines Completely?
No—physical therapy isn’t a cure, but it can significantly reduce migraine frequency, intensity, and physical triggers.
By addressing physical contributors like balance issues or cervical spine dysfunction, we help you reduce future migraine episodes.
To support your overall health, we partner with your care team in Tower Grove, MO and integrate physical therapy into your existing migraine management plan.
Why Trust Axes for Migraine Treatment in Tower Grove, MO?
Axes Physical Therapy provides migraine relief for Tower Grove, MO residents through personalized, compassionate treatment.
We center our care around you—your needs, your progress, and your long-term relief.
Why so many people in Tower Grove, MO choose Axes for migraine therapy:
- Custom care plans delivered by highly trained physical therapists
- Several nearby offices so expert migraine care is always accessible
- No referral needed (Direct Access PT)
- Friendly, supportive team who listens and empowers
- Years of experience treating migraine types linked to spinal and vestibular dysfunction
You’re not just another patient here. You’re our priority.
Start Your Journey to Migraine Relief in Tower Grove, MO
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. We’ll help you move better, feel better, and find real, lasting relief from migraines.
FAQs: Physical Therapy for Migraine Relief in Tower Grove, MO
Can physical therapy really help with 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 treatments do physical therapists use 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.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to start physical therapy for migraines?
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?
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.