Are your tension headaches becoming more persistent? Do you wonder if massage therapy can help alleviate your symptoms? Constant headaches can make it challenging to perform well at work, and often ruin any chance for relaxation when not working! A search for constant headaches, or tension headaches, can bring up all sorts of alarming diagnoses. Still, at Massaggi, we’ve found that deep tissue massage or sports remedial massage often provides a quick solution.
What are tension headaches?
Tension headaches are often caused by stress, are exacerbated by dehydration, and can easily become constant headaches. Stress, or tension headaches, are characterised by the top or sides of the head feeling tight or sore, sometimes with pain behind the eyes. Often, a stiff neck and shoulders accompany this, exacerbating the condition.
How do tension headaches become constant headaches?
Tension headaches often stem from a painful neck and shoulders. A stiff neck, perhaps caused by work stress or bad posture at work, can spread up into the muscles around the skull (yes, you have muscles there, too!) and create a painful pressure against the capillaries and sensitive nerves surrounding the skull. You can read more info about what causes stiff, aching muscles by reading our sports massage post ‘Why do my neck and shoulders hurt at work?’
Jaw clenching (bruxism) can also contribute to this pain. We are often entirely unaware that we are clenching our jaws! Usually, bruxism occurs during sleep, and even during surprisingly low-key stressful moments, whilst completely awake. It is this low-grade, constant muscular tension that keeps the muscles surrounding the skull tightened and painful, which can cause persistent headaches.
What are the best solutions for persistent tension headaches? Can massage help?
The stiff, aching muscles around the skull (particularly around the sides of the head, the temples, and the muscles where the neck meets the skull) can be eased and softened by a skilled sports massage or deep tissue massage therapist. In the USA, research has shown that chronic tension headaches can be treated efficiently by experienced massage therapists. In the UK, the NHS advocates the use of massage to treat tension headaches. At Massaggi, we have many years of experience treating clients who suffer from tension headaches, and we can help address your constant headaches efficiently.
Our clients tend to be busy individuals, and we recommend measures that can alleviate work-related headaches and prevent them from recurring. A few simple practices can make your next massage more about relaxation and less about relieving pain. Interested in finding out more? Contact us!
