Do you often find yourself reaching for painkillers to battle another pounding headache? You’re not alone. Chronic headaches and migraines affect millions of people and can seriously throw off your day, from messing up your sleep to making it hard to concentrate at work or enjoy family time.
Instead of relying only on medication, many people turn to massage therapy as a natural, drug-free way to find relief. At Primary Rehab, we’ve seen how hands-on care can help ease the tension that triggers those relentless headaches.
In this blog, let’s talk about what causes chronic headaches and migraines, how massage therapy in Surrey BC can help, what to expect in a session, and when you should consider giving it a try.
What Causes Chronic Headaches and Migraines
Before we get into how massage can help, let’s clear up what we’re dealing with.
Tension headaches are the most common kind. They often feel like a dull pressure around the forehead or the back of the head and neck. These are usually tied to muscle tension and stress.
Migraines, on the other hand, are more intense. They can come with nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and even visual disturbances. While they can be triggered by many things, they’re often linked to hormonal changes, certain foods, or even changes in sleep patterns.
But a major contributor to both types? Muscle tension—especially in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Add poor posture, screen time, and stress, and you’ve got the perfect storm for recurring headaches.
How Massage Therapy Helps with Headaches
Massage therapy works on both the body and the nervous system. When done right, it helps:
- Reduce muscle tension in areas known to contribute to headaches
- Improve blood flow, which brings more oxygen to tight or sore muscles
- Lower cortisol levels, which helps reduce stress—a major trigger for headaches
At Primary Rehab, our massage therapists may use techniques like:
- Trigger point therapy – focuses on “knots” in your muscles that refer pain elsewhere
- Myofascial release – stretches and releases the fascia around tight muscles
- Craniosacral therapy – gentle techniques aimed at balancing the central nervous system
Multiple studies support massage therapy for tension-type headaches and even migraines. Regular sessions can not only reduce the intensity of pain but also help space out the frequency of headache episodes.
Real Benefits of Massage for Headache Relief
Here’s what you might notice after consistent massage sessions:
- Natural pain relief—no meds required
- Looser muscles in the neck, shoulders, and scalp
- Better sleep and more balanced mood
- Greater body awareness and posture correction
- Fewer and less intense migraines over time
What to Expect in a Headache-Focused Massage Therapy Session
At Primary Rehab, every massage begins with a chat. You’ll talk about your symptoms, lifestyle, and what triggers your headaches.
Then, your massage therapist will focus on target areas like the neck, shoulders, upper back, and temples—anywhere tension tends to build. You’ll stay fully clothed or covered with sheets depending on the style of treatment and your comfort level.
We’ll also guide you on aftercare, like staying hydrated, doing simple stretches, or applying heat/cold if needed. As for how often to come in? It depends on the person. Some see results with monthly visits, while others benefit from bi-weekly care at first.
When to See a Professional
If you’re getting frequent headaches, they’re affecting your quality of life, or you’ve tried everything else, it might be time to talk to someone.
Massage therapy is a great complement to medical care but not a replacement for it. If your headaches come with serious symptoms—like vision loss, dizziness, or numbness—it’s best to check with your doctor first.
But if your symptoms are stress-related or tension-triggered, massage might be the perfect next step. You can even book an assessment at Primary Rehab to talk about a custom care plan.
Why Choose Primary Rehab for Massage Therapy
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to pain relief, and that’s where we stand out.
- Our registered massage therapists are trained in headache and pain relief techniques.
- We build personalized plans based on your lifestyle and symptoms.
- If needed, we work alongside our physiotherapists and chiropractors for a more complete approach.
- Our clinic in Surrey BC offers a calm, professional, and welcoming environment where your comfort comes first.
Start Today
If you’re tired of living with headaches or migraines, massage therapy is a safe and natural option that might just make a real difference. Talk to our massage therapists at Primary Rehab about building your personalized headache relief plan today. Book your first session or consultation now.