June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, and seniors who suffer from either of these painful conditions might be wondering how they can get more relief. Physical therapy services might be an option that they haven’t even considered. But it turns out that physical therapists have a wide range of tools they can offer to help aging adults manage headaches and migraines more effectively.
Identifying Triggers and Contributing Factors
Seniors who are prone to headaches and migraines benefit from identifying the triggers for their headaches. This helps them to avoid whatever contributing factors are avoidable. This might be something that seniors have help from their medical providers to do, but physical therapists who specialize in pain relief may be able to help as well. Factors like posture, muscle tension, and other issues related to body function may contribute to headaches and migraines. Having a full understanding of those factors lets medical providers offer a comprehensive plan for dealing with headaches and migraines.
Manual Therapy Techniques
Physical therapists employ various manual therapy techniques to alleviate pain and tension associated with headaches and migraines. These techniques may include soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, and joint mobilization. Through skilled hands-on techniques, therapists can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and restore proper joint function, leading to a decrease in headache frequency and intensity.
Posture Correction
Poor posture can be a common culprit behind tension headaches in seniors. Physical therapists can assess an aging adult’s posture and provide exercises and guidance to correct alignment and body mechanics. By improving posture, seniors can alleviate strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back, reducing the occurrence of tension headaches and even migraines.
Strengthening and Stretching Exercises
Targeted exercises prescribed by physical therapists can help seniors strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight muscles that might contribute to headaches and migraines. Strengthening exercises focusing on the neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles improve stability and support the head and neck. Stretching exercises promote flexibility and reduce muscle tension, minimizing the occurrence of headaches and migraines.
Relaxation Techniques
Stress is another common trigger for headaches and migraines. Seniors often don’t think about how they might be experiencing stress, which can leave them dealing with unmanaged stress more often than they realize. Physical therapists can teach seniors relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques help seniors manage stress and tension, reducing the frequency and severity of headaches.
Education and Lifestyle Modifications
Physical therapy aides can play a crucial role in educating seniors about lifestyle modifications that can positively impact their headaches and migraines. They may provide guidance on ergonomics, proper body mechanics, and even sleep hygiene. By making appropriate adjustments in their daily activities and environments, seniors can minimize headache triggers and maintain better overall well-being.
For seniors struggling with headaches and migraines, physical therapy can be a valuable and often overlooked treatment option. Physical therapy specialists can offer a wide variety of tools and techniques that help aging adults focus on what they can control around their headache and migraine triggers.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Physical Therapy Services in Roswell, GA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (404) 266-8773
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Atlanta, Palmetto, Alpharetta, Chattahoochee Hills, Milton, College Park, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Hapeville, Johns Creek, and all of Fulton County.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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