Headaches are one of the most common reasons people book a massage. If you get a dull band of pressure around your head after a long day at the computer, tight muscles in your neck, shoulders and jaw may be part of the problem. Here’s how massage can help, and when a headache needs medical attention instead.
Tension Headache vs. Migraine
- Tension-type headaches usually feel like steady pressure or a tight band around the head, forehead or back of the neck. They’re often linked to stress, posture and muscle tension.
- Migraines are a neurological condition. They often bring throbbing pain on one side, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, and sometimes visual changes (aura).
Massage is most often used for tension-type headaches. Some people with migraines also find regular massage helpful for relaxation, stress and neck tension between attacks, as part of a plan with their doctor.
Muscles That Commonly Contribute to Headaches
- Upper trapezius: the muscle between your neck and shoulders that tightens with stress.
- Suboccipitals: small muscles at the base of the skull.
- Sternocleidomastoid (SCM): along the side of the neck; trigger points here can refer pain to the head and face.
- Jaw muscles: clenching can feed headaches. See our guide to TMJ and jaw pain.
How Massage Can Help
- Releasing tight neck, shoulder and jaw muscles
- Working on trigger points that refer pain to the head
- Improving neck mobility
- Calming the nervous system and reducing stress
At Focused Care, headache-focused sessions often combine medical massage techniques with neuromuscular therapy and gentle stretching. Your therapist will ask about your headache pattern and triggers during intake.
How Often Should You Book?
For frequent tension headaches, some people start with weekly or every-other-week sessions and then space them out as headaches improve. Keeping a simple headache diary (when, how strong, what you were doing) helps you and your therapist see what’s working.
Self-Care Between Sessions
- Take short screen breaks and roll your shoulders every hour.
- Check your desk setup so your screen is at eye level. See massage for tech neck.
- Stay hydrated and keep regular sleep and meal times.
- Notice clenching during the day and relax your jaw.
When a Headache Needs a Doctor
Seek medical care right away for a sudden, severe “worst ever” headache; a headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness, numbness or vision loss; a headache after a head injury; or headaches that are new, changing or getting worse. Massage is not a substitute for medical evaluation.
Related Reading
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. If you have a medical condition, recent injury or surgery, or you are pregnant, check with your healthcare provider before booking a massage.
Book Your Session at Focused Care
Focused Care Therapeutic Massage is located at 274A Granite Run Dr, Lancaster, PA 17601. Learn more about our medical massage, book online, or call or text (717) 725-9670.
