Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are very common and are often caused by overly tense muscles in the scalp, neck and shoulders. We receive numerous referrals from neurologists for this type of headache, sometimes referred to as "cervicogenic headache" when the primary cause is the cervical spine and surrounding musculature.

If you have been told your headaches are tension-type, or if they seem to originate in the neck and shoulders, there is a good chance we can help. We would expect to see significant improvements within 1 to 3 sessions.

How Tension Headaches Develop

Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and scalp creates trigger points, tight, tender nodules within the muscle that refer pain to specific areas of the head and face. Different muscles are responsible for different headache patterns:

Our Step-by-Step Approach

Step 1: Thorough Assessment

During your initial consultation we take a detailed medical case history to investigate the type, frequency, location and triggers of your headaches. We also assess the cervical spine, shoulders and relevant muscles to identify the likely source of your pain.

Step 2: Pain Mapping

We systematically assess the muscles most commonly involved in tension headaches, pressing on specific trigger points to identify which ones reproduce your headache pattern. This pain mapping guides precisely where treatment needs to be directed.

Step 3: Targeted Treatment

Once the trigger points are identified, treatment is focused and precise. This typically involves:

• Trigger point dry needling (medical acupuncture) or acupressure-style massage
• Deep soft tissue release of the neck, upper back and scalp muscles
• Cervical joint mobilisation where stiffness is contributing to the headache pattern
• Shockwave therapy in persistent or complex cases

Step 4: Preventing Recurrence

We provide clear advice on posture, workstation setup, sleep position and exercises to maintain the improvements gained in treatment. Many patients with recurrent tension headaches find that a short course of treatment, followed by periodic top-up sessions, gives them excellent long-term control of their symptoms.

What to Expect

Most patients with tension headaches notice a significant reduction in headache frequency and intensity within 1 to 3 sessions. The treatment itself can cause some temporary local discomfort at the trigger points during needling, but this is brief and is immediately followed by a noticeable release of muscle tension.

You do not need a GP referral. You can book directly and will receive a personalised assessment and treatment plan at your first appointment.