You may not think of physiotherapy when it comes to headache treatment, but headache physiotherapy can help. At our Newmarket clinic, we see people from across central Auckland, including Parnell, Remuera, Epsom, Grafton and Mt Eden, who have often lived with headaches or migraines for years before finding us.
Headaches can be classified as primary or secondary headaches.
Primary headaches: have no underlying pathologic process (i.e. tension-type headaches, and migraines).
Secondary headaches: are caused by another condition triggering pain in the head (i.e. cervicogenic headaches or medication overuse headache).
The common feature between all headache sufferers is a sensitised trigemino-cervical nucleus (TCN) - also known as the lower brainstem. The lower brainstem extends into the spinal canal (down to the 3rd bone). Joint or muscle dysfunction in those top 3 levels of the neck will sensitise the TCN/lower brain stem causing pain to refer into the head, giving you a headache or migraine. Over time, sensitisation of the lower brain stem can lower the body’s threshold to hormones, stress, fatigue, wine, cheese etc. giving each of these factors the potential to cause a headache. But these triggers may not be the cause of your headache - your sensitised brainstem likely is! And there is a way to reduce this sensitisation with headache treatment known as the Watson Headache® Approach
Our Master Physiotherapist, Robyn Atkinson, is a certified Watson Headache® practitioner. This method is an internationally renowned and researched method of examination and treatment for headaches. Its’ accuracy is unparalleled: specific tests can confirm upper neck disorders responsible for headache and migraine and isolate the specific joint/structure involved. The Watson Headache® Approach utilises small amplitude techniques (no cracking or manipulation) to confirm involvement of the neck through reproduction and resolution of your usual head pain.
This targeted and gentle headache physiotherapy for the upper neck, reduces sensitisation of the lower brainstem, leading to long-term resolution of your headaches, ability to return to what you love to do (and eat and drink!) without getting a headache or migraine. No more pills, no more avoiding the things that you love.
Other traditional headache treatment primarily focuses on a couple headache disorders only (i.e. tension-type headache and cervicogenic headache).
Effective headache treatment is available using The Watson Headache® Approach for the following headache types through The Headache Clinic: :
Within your first initial appointment, your physiotherapist will determine whether your cervical spine is contributing to your headache pain and with specific assessment techniques be able to isolate the specific joint dysfunction and treat appropriately. Even if you have been suffering from headaches for many years, you can expect improvements within the first 1-5 sessions.
Robyn Atkinson is a certified Watson Headache® practitioner. Robyn has 20 years of experience working in New Zealand and Australia as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist, has published in the international peer-reviewed journal Manual Therapy, and has taught within the physiotherapy department at Auckland University of Technology. Robyn has a special interest in treating headaches, offering long-term solutions to those who have been suffering from headaches, sometimes for decades.
Treatment for headaches and migraine has traditionally focused on activity modification and medication to lessen symptoms rather than address the cause of pain. The result being repeated headaches that may be better controlled but still occur. Her approach offers better long-term solutions by treating the cause of the headache pain. This may include ergonomic solutions, postural strengthening, and/or manual therapy for neck-related dysfunction - all of which can contribute to headache pain. This approach enables a return to the food and activity that may have once triggered headaches and reduction in pain medication use.
Yes, for many people. Problems in the top three joints of the neck can sensitise the lower brainstem, which shares a pain pathway with the head. Robyn uses the Watson Headache® Approach to test whether your neck is contributing to your headaches or migraines, and if it is, treats the cause rather than just the symptoms.
Robyn will talk through your headache history, triggers and any medication you take. She then uses gentle, specific tests on the upper neck to find out whether your neck is involved and which joint is responsible. Treatment usually starts in that first session, along with a plan that may include posture, strengthening and desk setup advice.
There is no cracking or manipulation. The Watson Headache® Approach uses small, gentle movements. During assessment Robyn may briefly reproduce your usual headache to confirm the neck is involved, then ease it again. Most people find this reassuring, because it shows the source of the pain has been found.
Everyone is different, but even people who have had headaches for many years can expect to notice change within the first 1–5 sessions. Robyn will give you a clear idea of your plan after your first appointment.
You can see our current fees on our fees page. Robyn is a Master's-trained physiotherapist with 20 years' experience and full Watson Headache® certification, so your assessment is precise and focused on finding the cause. That often means fewer appointments overall, compared with years of managing symptoms.
Not sure yet? Book a free phone consultation to talk it through first.
If your headaches started after an injury, such as a concussion, whiplash, a fall or a sports injury, your treatment may be covered by ACC. Give us a call and we can talk you through it.
Many health insurance policies include physiotherapy. We recommend checking your level of cover with your insurer before your appointment.
No. You can book directly with us without a referral. If you have seen your GP or a neurologist about your headaches, please bring along any relevant letters or scan results.
Robyn assesses and treats:
Please don't change or stop any medication without talking to your GP. Many people find they need less medication as their headaches improve, and any changes should be made with your doctor.
See a doctor urgently, or call 111, if you have a sudden, severe headache unlike any you've had before, or a headache with fever, a stiff neck, confusion, weakness, numbness, changes in vision or speech, or after a significant head injury. These need medical assessment first.
We're in the Foundation Precinct at 8 George Street, Newmarket, Auckland. We're a short trip from Parnell, Remuera, Epsom, Grafton and Mt Eden. Call us on 09 366 4480 or book your headache consultation online.
