Do you suffer from recurring headaches?
There are five types of headaches, all of which can be greatly affected by regular massage therapy intervention.
- Tension headaches are caused by tension in the muscles in your face and head.
- Sinus headaches are caused mainly by sinus congestion or infections.
- Rebound headaches result from medication or alcohol.
- Cluster headaches are recurring, mainly affect males, and their cause is unknown.
- Migraine headaches can be hereditary, and are diagnosed by several criteria of causes.
It’s helpful to understand what type of headache you have, since different techniques are used to address the symptoms of each type of headache. Most headaches, with the exception of migraines, can be treated before, during or after an episode.
Several of my clients tell me they have “a terrible migraine headache,” when in fact they have regular tension headaches. As I tell them, “If you had a migraine headache, you probably wouldn’t be walking around.”
Migraine headaches are the most debilitating headaches. For massage therapy to have an effect, clients must come for regular treatments, and not during an episode.
Research proves that massage therapy decreases headaches
There have been hundreds of studies all over the world that prove that massage therapy decreases headaches. You can find details via AMTA and Headache: Hope Through Research (National Institute of Health). Here are some highlights:
A 2002 study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that headache frequency was significantly reduced within the first week of a massage therapy protocol.
For tension headaches, research has shown that massage can:
- Reduce depression/anxiety
- Decrease perceived pain
- Decrease anger
- Decrease tension
- Reduce frequency
- Reduce intensity
- Reduce duration
- Decrease medication use
- Increase cervical range of motion
If headaches are affecting your quality of life, consider massage therapy as a proven alternative treatment.
Feel Great, Look Great with Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa
Massage. Facials. Waxing. At Hand & Stone our Registered Massage Therapists will relieve tension, soothe tired muscles and ease headaches. Interested in our facial services? We know radiant, healthy skin reflects how you look and feel. Hand & Stone’s facials are performed by certified Estheticians and we are proud to offer Dermalogica®, YonKa and Diego Dalla Palma products so you can enjoy a bright, beautiful complexion in between regular appointments.
We’ll help you look and feel your best, affordably! Call today to schedule your appointment! We’re open 7 days a week with extended hours and gift cards are available for all occasions. Contact Us today!
Domenic Jason Falvo, RMT
Hand & Stone Barrie
Domenic has been practicing massage therapy for over 18 years in all types of clinic and spa environments. Having done so he has acquired and abundance of therapeutic skill sets incorporating deep tissue massage, shiatsu, acupressure, advanced joint mobilizations, remedial exercise and hydrotherapy into the ideally seasoned massage therapy experience. Domenic also has training in clinical acupuncture, progressive facial manipulation and reflexology that is also fused into his treatment.
Domenic prefers to focus on the cause of underlying issues rather than treating the symptoms alone, which is proven more effective in the long run for client health. Although treating all types of acute and chronic injuries is Domenic’s main focus, he is seamlessly able to perform general relaxation massage with ease.