Headache Physio Brisbane

Physiotherapy Column

Physiotherapy for Headaches — Brisbane's Best Team of Physios

If you’re experiencing frequent or persistent headaches, you’re not alone. Headaches affect a large number of Australians every week—and many of them may have a musculoskeletal component. At Barefoot Physiotherapy in Brisbane, we specialise in helping people find relief through expert, hands-on care that addresses the root cause of your symptoms.

Whether you’re dealing with tension-type, cervicogenic, or mixed headaches, physiotherapy can offer effective, drug-free solutions to reduce pain and improve your overall wellbeing.

Why See a Physiotherapist for Headaches?

Many headaches originate from issues in the neck and upper back. These are known as cervicogenic headaches, and they often stem from muscle tightness, joint stiffness, poor posture, or nerve irritation in the upper cervical spine.

Physiotherapy for headaches may involve:

  • Hands-on manual therapy to reduce joint stiffness and nerve irritation

  • Targeted exercises to improve posture and neck muscle strength

  • Movement strategies to reduce tension build-up

  • Education to help you understand and manage triggers

At Barefoot Physiotherapy, we take a holistic approach. Your headache treatment plan will be tailored to your lifestyle, goals, and the specific presentation of your symptoms.

Common Headache Types We Treat

1. Tension-Type Headaches
These are often related to muscle tension, postural positions throughout the day and/or stress. Physiotherapy can help reduce muscular tightness, retrain postural habits, and restore mobility in the neck and upper back. We can also help understand Brain Overload. 

2. Cervicogenic Headaches
These headaches are caused by tightness in the cervical spine (neck). They are typically one-sided and may be aggravated by neck movement or sustained postures. Our Brisbane physiotherapists use gentle joint mobilisations, muscle release, and movement retraining to reduce irritation and improve function.

3. Migraine with Cervical Contribution
While migraines have a neurological basis, many people also have underlying neck issues that contribute to frequency or intensity. Physiotherapy can support migraine management by addressing muscular or postural factors.

How we Treat Headaches at Barefoot Physiotherapy

When you visit Barefoot for headache physiotherapy in Brisbane, your treatment may include:

✅ Thorough Assessment
We’ll start by understanding your headache history, lifestyle, and any other contributing factors. We assess your neck range of motion, joint mobility, posture, and nervous system sensitivity. It may be indicated for us to do a Thoracic Ring Assessment.

✅ Hands-On Therapy
We use gentle manual techniques including:

  • Joint mobilisations (especially in the upper cervical spine)

  • Muscle release to neck, shoulders, and upper back

  • Neural tissue techniques to calm the nervous system

✅ Personalised Exercise Program
To support long-term relief and prevent recurrence, we may recommend:

Holistic Management
We look at the whole picture—sleep quality, stress, work habits, and more. Our physiotherapists are here to support your entire wellbeing.

Book in with a Headache Physio in Brisbane

If headaches are interfering with your daily life, it’s time to take action. Our experienced team at Barefoot Physiotherapy are here to help you move well, feel good, and take control of your health.

Book online now to schedule your first appointment

Or call us on 1300 842 850 to speak with one of our friendly physios

Let’s work together to get you feeling better—because no one should have to live with constant headaches.

Contact

F 07 3054 7388

28 Curzon street,
Tennyson QLD, 4105

Locations

AT BAREFOOT PHYSIOTHERAPY, WE’RE PROUD TO SERVE CLIENTS FROM ALL CORNERS OF AUSTRALIA WHO MAKE THE JOURNEY TO OUR CLINIC IN TENNYSON, BRISBANE.

Below is a list of nearby suburbs that many of our local clients come from. Whether you’re near or far, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional care tailored to your needs.