Migraine

Migraine Physiotherapy Adelaide

Migraine is much more than “just a headache.” It is a common neurological condition that affects how the brain processes pain and sensory information. While many people experience severe headaches, migraine can also cause nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, neck pain, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and, in some cases, dizziness.

Migraine can have a significant impact on work, family life, exercise and everyday activities. Some people experience occasional migraine attacks, while others live with frequent or chronic migraine that affects their quality of life.

At Advanced Neuro Rehab, our Neurological Physiotherapists work alongside your GP, neurologist and other healthcare professionals to help manage the physical symptoms associated with migraine. Through education, exercise and targeted physiotherapy, we aim to reduce the impact migraine has on your daily life and help you return to the activities you enjoy.

What is Migraine?

Migraine is a disorder of the nervous system where the brain becomes more sensitive to different types of sensory input. During a migraine attack, changes occur within the brain that can produce a range of symptoms—not just headaches.

Migraine affects people differently. Some people experience a warning phase (known as an aura), while others develop symptoms suddenly. Attacks may last from several hours to several days.

Although there is currently no cure for migraine, effective medical management and physiotherapy can help many people better manage their symptoms and reduce the impact migraine has on everyday life.

Common Symptoms of Migraine

Migraine symptoms vary from person to person and may include:

• Moderate to severe headache
• Throbbing or pulsing pain
• Pain on one or both sides of the head
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)
• Sensitivity to smells
• Visual disturbances or aura
• Fatigue
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Motion sensitivity
• Reduced tolerance to physical activity

Some people also experience dizziness or vertigo. If dizziness is your main symptom, you may have Vestibular Migraine, which we assess and treat through our experienced vestibular physiotherapy service.

Neck Pain and Migraine

Neck pain is one of the most common symptoms experienced by people living with migraine.

For some people, neck pain occurs before a migraine attack as part of the migraine itself. For others, reduced neck movement, muscle weakness or joint stiffness may contribute to ongoing discomfort and increased sensitivity.

Our physiotherapists complete a thorough assessment of your neck to determine whether physical factors may be contributing to your symptoms.

Treatment may include:

• Manual therapy where appropriate
• Deep neck muscle strengthening
• Postural retraining
• Mobility exercises
• Movement retraining
• Advice on work and desk ergonomics
• Strategies to reduce muscle tension

Improving neck function can help reduce pain, improve movement confidence and support your overall migraine management.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy does not replace medical treatment for migraine, but it can play an important role in helping manage the physical factors that often accompany migraine.

Following a comprehensive assessment, your physiotherapist will develop an individualised rehabilitation program which may include:

• Neck assessment and treatment
• Individualised exercise programs
• Strength and endurance training
• Postural education
• Relaxation and breathing strategies
• Education about pacing and activity management
• Advice on gradually returning to exercise
• Strategies to improve movement confidence
• Home exercise programs tailored to your goals

Where appropriate, we communicate with your GP, neurologist or other healthcare providers to ensure your rehabilitation complements your overall migraine management plan.

Living Well with Migraine

Living with migraine often involves understanding your individual triggers and learning strategies to manage symptoms over time.

Common migraine triggers may include:

• Stress
• Poor sleep
• Hormonal changes
• Dehydration
• Skipping meals
• Certain foods or drinks
• Bright lights
• Busy environments
• Prolonged screen time

While triggers vary between individuals, identifying patterns can help you and your healthcare team develop an effective long-term management plan.

Regular exercise, good sleep habits and maintaining an active lifestyle are often important components of migraine management. Your physiotherapist can help you return to activity safely and confidently.

Why Choose Advanced Neuro Rehab?

At Advanced Neuro Rehab, our Neurological Physiotherapists have extensive experience working with people experiencing migraine, persistent headaches and neurological conditions affecting movement and balance.

We understand that migraine affects much more than your head. It can influence your confidence, work, exercise, relationships and quality of life.

Our goal is to provide evidence-based physiotherapy that helps you better understand your symptoms, improve physical function and regain confidence in everyday activities.

ANR Migraines Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

Can physiotherapy help migraines?

Yes. While physiotherapy does not cure migraine, it can help manage neck pain, muscle tension, movement sensitivity and other physical factors that may contribute to your symptoms. It also supports a safe return to exercise and daily activities.

Can neck pain trigger migraines?

Neck pain is very common in people living with migraine. Although the relationship is complex, improving neck movement, strength and function may help reduce pain and disability for some people.

Should I exercise if I have migraine?

Yes. Regular exercise is recommended for most people with migraine, but it is important to increase activity gradually. Your physiotherapist can develop an exercise program that matches your symptoms and fitness level.

What is the difference between migraine and a tension headache?

Migraine is a neurological condition that often causes moderate to severe headaches along with symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity and sound sensitivity. Tension headaches are typically milder and usually do not include these additional neurological symptoms.

Can migraine cause dizziness?

Yes. Some people experience dizziness during a migraine attack. If dizziness or vertigo is one of your main symptoms, you may have Vestibular Migraine, which can often be effectively managed with experienced vestibular rehabilitation.

When should I see a physiotherapist for migraine?

You may benefit from physiotherapy if you experience frequent migraines, persistent neck pain, headaches that affect your work or daily activities, reduced confidence with exercise, or ongoing symptoms despite medical management.