How Physical Therapists Can Help Manage Migraines and Vestibular Dysfunction
By Erin Bauer, PT, DPT at Axes Physical Therapy in St. Peters, MO
Millions of people struggle with migraines, a condition that goes far beyond a painful headache. For many, symptoms like dizziness, visual disturbances, light sensitivity, and vertigo are just as debilitating as the pain itself. An often-overlooked contributor to these symptoms is vestibular dysfunction, a disorder of the inner ear and brain that affects balance and spatial orientation.
What’s lesser known is that physical therapy, particularly Vestibular Therapy, offers non-invasive, evidence-based solutions for managing both migraines and vestibular symptoms.
Understanding the Connection Between Migraines and Vestibular Dysfunction
Migraines and vestibular dysfunction often overlap, with one triggering or intensifying the other. Many individuals with chronic migraines also experience:
- Dizziness or spinning sensations (vertigo)
- Imbalance or difficulty walking
- Sensitivity to motion or changes in position
These are hallmark signs of vestibular disorders. When the vestibular system—which includes structures in the inner ear and brain—is not functioning properly, symptoms like these can emerge, making migraine management even more complex.
How Vestibular Physical Therapy Can Help
At Axes Physical Therapy, we take an individualized, movement-based approach to help patients reduce symptoms and regain function. Here’s how physical therapy with a Vestibular Specialist supports migraine and vestibular relief:
1. Breaks the Cycle of Dizziness and Migraine Triggers
Vestibular dysfunction can increase the frequency and intensity of migraines. A trained physical therapist can:
- Identify vestibular triggers
- Design customized balance exercises
- Retrain the brain to process motion signals more effectively
This reduces vestibular symptoms, which can help lower the risk and severity of migraines.
2. Reduces Motion Sensitivity
If you feel dizzy from quick head turns or changing positions, you’re not alone. VRT includes desensitization training, which helps your brain adapt to movements that often provoke symptoms.
3. Improves Posture and Neck Mechanics
Neck tension and poor upper body posture are common migraine triggers. A physical therapist will:
- Address spinal alignment
- Teach exercises that strengthen postural muscles
- Reduce tension in the cervical spine
Better posture not only reduces migraine triggers but supports healthy vestibular function.
4. Enhances Eye-Head Coordination
Eye movements are tightly linked to vestibular function. When there’s dysfunction, visual disturbances can worsen. PTs use:
- Gaze stabilization drills
- Eye-tracking tasks
- Visual retraining techniques
These reduce blurry vision, improve spatial awareness, and support more stable movement.
5. Addresses Stress and Muscle Tension
Stress is one of the most common migraine triggers. Physical therapy can support relaxation through:
- Manual therapy
- Deep breathing and guided stretching
- Muscle release and relaxation strategies
These techniques lower stress, improve circulation, and ease tension that may be contributing to both migraines and vestibular symptoms.
Common Vestibular Rehab Exercises Used in Physical Therapy
A certified vestibular therapist at Axes may include the following in your treatment plan:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises – Improve your ability to keep your eyes steady while moving your head.
- Balance Training – Target core and lower body stability with progressive balance challenges.
- Habituation Exercises – Gradually reduce sensitivity to movements that typically provoke dizziness.
- Postural Correction – Reinforce spinal alignment through upper body and neck strengthening routines.
Every plan is adapted to your comfort level and symptoms, making physical therapy a safe and patient-centered option.
When Should You See a Physical Therapist?
If you:
- Have migraines accompanied by dizziness or visual issues
- Feel unsteady or motion-sensitive
- Experience increased symptoms with head turns or screen time
…you may benefit from vestibular rehabilitation.
Physical therapists at Axes perform a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the root causes of your symptoms and build a plan that fits your daily life. We also collaborate with referring physicians to ensure continuity of care.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don’t have to live with chronic migraines and vestibular dysfunction. With physical therapy, many patients experience fewer episodes, better movement control, and improved confidence.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we help active individuals across St. Louis and Southern Illinois recover from travel-related discomfort and stay ready for life’s adventures. With 21 clinics across the region (and growing), scheduling an appointment is easy and no physician referral is needed.
Schedule an appointment or visit AxesPT.com to find your nearest clinic and get expert help today.
