AMTA’s office will be closed December 24-25 and January 1, and business hours on December 23, 26 and 27 will be 9 am-5 pm CT. To contact HPSO, call 1-888-253-1474. Click here for more information on the best times to reach us.

Massage Therapy for Headaches

Massage therapists are well-positioned to help clients find relief from headaches.

Alleviating Headaches Through Skilled Touch

Headaches affect millions of Americans regularly, but massage therapy offers a promising avenue for relief. Various types of headaches exist, including tension-type, vascular (such as migraines and cluster headaches), and traction-inflammatory, but even brief 30-minute sessions can significantly alleviate pain. Massage techniques like deep tissue and trigger point therapy are particularly effective in relaxing strained muscles and releasing suboccipital spasms, which often contribute to headache pain.

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Headaches:

  • Alleviating head pain
  • Relaxing strained muscles
  • Decrease in frequency of headaches
  • Reducing stress
  • Preventing headaches before they begin
  • Decrease blood flow to the neck and head

Related Online Continuing Education Courses

Face and Head Massage Techniques for Your Practice

$30 members / $50 non-members 2 CE credits

In this course, discover how to incorporate facial and head massage into your practice while taking an in-depth look at the indications and contraindications. Learn how to free up constrictions within the facial muscles and connective tissues.

Register Now

Stone Massage for Head and Neck Pain

$30 members / $50 non-members 2 CE credits

Explore the benefits of stone massage for headaches and neck pain. Find out what massage therapists need to know about this specialized technique including contraindications and the safety issues.

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Helping Clients Manage Migraines

$45 members / $75 non-members 3 CE credits

Learn how massage therapy can help clients who suffer from migraine headaches and the special considerations to keep in mind. Get detailed information on migraine types, phases, triggers, symptoms and common treatments.

Register Now