by Jenna McKinney, Registered Massage Therapist (RMT)
Believe me when I say you’re not alone if you’ve ever felt that dull, tight band of pressure around your head after a long day of work. Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches, stemming from stress, muscle tightness, and/or poor posture. The good news is massage therapy and physiotherapy can both help relieve the discomfort and prevent future flare-ups.
What Causes Tension Headaches?
Tension headaches often start with tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, or upper back. Hours spent at a computer, driving, or even scrolling on your phone can cause these muscles to shorten and strain. Add in mental or emotional stress, and your body naturally responds by tightening even more, creating the perfect storm for a headache.
Common triggers include:
- Poor posture or long periods of sitting
- Stress and anxiety
- Clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth (see TMJ Therapy if you have jaw pain)
- Eye strain from screens
- Dehydration or fatigue
How Massage Therapy Can Help
Massage therapy is an effective and natural way to ease recurring tension headaches because it addresses the root cause — muscle tension.
- Muscle Relaxation. A massage can release those tight muscles in the upper back body, which will reduce the immediate pain and prevent the muscles from pulling down from the base of the skull (which is a cause of tension headaches).
- Improve Circulation. Massage increases blood flow to affected areas, which delivers oxygen and nutrients that help your muscles recover. Better circulation also helps flush out built-up waste products that can contribute to pain.
- Stress Relief. Beyond the physical benefits, massage also has a calming effect on the nervous system. It lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and encourages the release of endorphins (the feel-good chemicals). Less stress means fewer headaches.
- Posture Correction and Prevention. Regular massage can help improve posture by loosening tight areas and restoring balance between muscle groups. When your posture improves, your body doesn’t have to work as hard to support your head, which reduces the strain that can lead to headaches.
When to See a RMT (Registered Massage Therapist)
If you’re experiencing headaches several times a week or notice they’re affecting your sleep, focus, or quality of life, it could be worth booking a massage with a registered massage therapist (or seeing a physiotherapist). They can help identify what’s contributing to your headaches.
At The Joint Physiotherapy, we take a personalized approach to care. We can help you find lasting relief through massage, physiotherapy, and corrective exercise. We’ll support you every step of the way!