Find Relief from Migraines Through Physical Therapy in Wickes, 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. 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 Wickes, MO area relieve migraine pain by targeting physical sources such as neck stiffness, jaw alignment, and vestibular dysfunction. Our licensed St. Louis physical therapists develop individualized treatment plans that target your specific symptoms and help restore your comfort and quality of life.
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.
Quick Overview: Physical Therapy for Migraine Relief in Wickes, MO
- Physical therapy can help reduce migraine frequency and intensity by targeting neck tension, poor posture, 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.
- It’s not a cure, but physical therapy offers long-term relief and integrates well with other forms of migraine management.
- Learn the difference between migraine types and how your symptoms may respond to physical therapy.
- Start your recovery today by scheduling an appointment at your nearest Axes location.
Understanding Migraine Types
Different migraines require different care—understanding which kind you have makes a difference.
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
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 Wickes, MO care team to build a more precise and effective treatment plan.
Our team at Axes Physical Therapy in Wickes, MO knows how to spot different migraine patterns and coordinate with your physician to support your recovery.
Ways Wickes, 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.
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
- 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
How We Treat Migraine Symptoms in Wickes, MO
There’s no universal formula for treating migraines at Axes—your care plan is based on your individual symptoms and needs.
Your treatment plan may include a combination of the following methods, based on what your Wickes, 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 – A precise method where fine needles are used to release muscle knots and relieve tension-related migraine triggers.
- 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 – Exercises to build resilience in the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
- 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.
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.
You can expect the following during your first PT session:
- Postural and neck mobility assessment
- Tests to check your stability and vestibular function
- Support and education on what may be contributing to your symptoms
- Partnering with your primary care provider in Wickes, 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.
Can PT Eliminate Migraines Completely?
While PT won’t eliminate migraines entirely, it can greatly reduce how often they occur and how severe they are.
By addressing physical contributors like balance issues or cervical spine dysfunction, we help you reduce future migraine episodes.
At Axes, we believe in collaborative care—we communicate with your physician or neurologist in Wickes, MO to ensure safe and integrated treatment.
What Makes Axes the Right Choice for Migraine Relief in Wickes, MO?
We help people in Wickes, MO take control of their migraines through expert, one-on-one care.
Every session—from day one to discharge—is focused on your healing, comfort, and results.
Here’s what sets Axes apart:
- One-on-one treatment with experienced, licensed professionals
- Convenient clinics across Wickes, MO and the surrounding St. Louis Metro
- No referral required in Missouri—learn more about Direct Access PT
- A team that’s committed to hearing your story and helping you succeed
- Specialized knowledge in physical triggers like posture, neck tension, and balance
You’re not just another patient here. You’re our priority.
Start Your Journey to Migraine Relief in Wickes, MO
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 Wickes, MO
Can physical therapy really help with 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 treatments do physical therapists use 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?
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?
Improvement timelines vary, but many clients feel better within 2–4 weeks. Staying consistent with therapy and exercises is key to lasting results.
How are cervicogenic headaches different from 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.