Well we’d be happy to help with that headache! Massage has been proven to reduce and relieve tension headaches caused by stress, poor posture, lack of sleep, or other imbalances of the musculoskeletal system. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache; meaning, 90-92% of people will experience them at some point in their life, according to the “Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology”. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke mentions that these types of headaches are most often caused by stress that triggers pain and contraction in the muscles of the neck, face, jaw, and scalp. They also mention that jaw clenching, missed meals, depression or anxiety, and hard labor can also lead to tension headaches. The most common symptoms involved, include: constant pressure in the face, head or neck; pain on both sides of the head, and sensitivity to light. These symptoms will typically go away once the stress or related cause has ended.

How can massage help? Using different techniques applied to the muscles of the neck, face, jaw and scalp, massage can reduce the tension in the muscles and decrease the stimulus that is being constantly sent to the brain from the affected tight muscles.

According to 7 different research articles found on the American Massage Therapy Association’s website, several studies were conducted to test the frequency and duration of tension headaches in patients after a massage. The results included a significant decrease in the frequency of tension headaches, as well as an immediate reduction of pain. Thus, concluding that massage can contribute to the relief of tension headaches.

In relation to tension headaches and other fun facts, massage can also help reduce depression and anxiety, perceived pain, frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches, decrease medication usage, and increase range of motion of the cervical vertebrae.

Overall, massage has been proven to be very beneficial for tension headaches and is a great way to reset, relax and destress.

Sources:

AMTA

https://www.amtamassage.org/approved_position_statements/Massage-Can-Be-Effective-for-Tension-Headaches.html