The Injury Hub

Tension Headaches: Info, Symptoms & Physiotherapy Treatment.

Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of tension headaches.

The Injury Hub: Tension Headaches

What is a tension headache?

A Tension Headache is caused by a tightening of the muscles in the upper back, neck and head, and is the most common of all the various headache types. Many people cite stress as an important headache trigger.

Feelings of stress or anxiety instruct the nervous system to initiate the ‘fight or flight’ response, which is characterised by shallow breathing, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and increased muscle tension. Physiotherapy can help manage and reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches.

Woman with a tension headache Rubbing her eyes

How We Can Help.

Symptoms, Treatment & How We Can Help Your Recovery.

Learn about common tension headache symptoms, effective treatments, and how our expert team supports your recovery journey every step of the way.

It is estimated that 50% of people experience tension type headaches. They are more common in women than men and are often seen in teenagers. Symptoms include a constant ache that affects both sides of the head, stiffness in the muscles surrounding the neck and/ or shoulders and often people report a pressure behind the eyes. The exact cause of tension type headaches isn’t clear but certain triggers have been identified.

  • Stress

  • Anxiety

  • Poor posture

  • Dehydration

  • Lack of sleep

  • Noise

  • Bright sunlight

 
 
 

Physiotherapists can successfully treat headaches using specialised techniques to decrease stiffness and inflammation in the spinal joints of your neck. These techniques include heat, joint mobilisation (a safe and gentle form of manipulation), soft tissue massage, stretching and strengthening exercises to improve muscular imbalance, and postural assessment and dysfunction correction.

Acupuncture may also help to relieve your symptoms. Our specialist Acupuncturists can advise and treat this problematic condition.

For a host of related topics and stories see our blog postings.

Our Physiotherapists have a great deal of specific clinical experience in the management of tension type headaches.

Initially, our chartered physiotherapists will carry out a thorough assessment, helping them to select the most appropriate treatment to help relieve your symptoms.

Our highly skilled Physiotherapists will use a variety of evidence based therapies and treatments to help reduce your pain and improve your quality of life.

All of our Chartered Physiotherapists are university trained and they are all fully insured so you know that you and your head are in safe hands.

Our patient’s health journeys

CMM Coate
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Very good attention from Igor. He was professional and friendly and took the time to answer questions. I would certainly revisit Thank you.
Alice O
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The best deep tissue massage by Marcelo! Would definitely go again.
Linda C
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A very plesant and efficient physiotherapy service.
Kevin M
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Had a very positive experience. Had severe back pain and Dylan was able to see me at short notice. He was very thorough and clear in assessing and explaining my condition and structuring a recovery exercise program that worked very succesfully. I am now fully recovered and looking forward to being as active as I was before my injury.
Sonia F
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Really happy with the two appointments I had with Dylan Connelly to treat my calf strain. His approach was both professional and personable and he ensured that I was completely comfortable during all phases of the appointments. He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Amy B
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I met with Lisa on three occasions in relation to my hamstring and she was absolutely amazing! So easy to chat to and super informative. You need to book at least a week or two in advance to get a spot with her and it's no surprise. She's absolutely fantastic! He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lisa O
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I went to Olga for 4 or 5 weeks before the marathon this year for hip pain. I was contemplating not running as my long run training had become so painful on the hip. Olga treated with dry needling and massage and over 2 sessions, I saw a big difference. I continued a weekly session to keep me loose and followed her exercise plan. I completed the marathon with no hip issues and felt like my recovery after was a lot faster than previous years.
Margaret C
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Myself and my mother attended Craig for 3 sessions - he is expert at what he does, so understanding, gentle and kind. Great personality and a really skilled physio. Would recommend him absolutly without reservation.He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Patrick M
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I had a painful trapped nerve in my neck which caused pain together with pins and needles running into my arm and hand. I attended Mohammed twice over a period of two weeks. It completely resolved after second appointment. Mohammed is an expert professional at what he does. I would highly recommend his services. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lauren T
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I can only recommend Dr. Muhammed Sohail. I’ve been to many physio consultants and he’s been the very best so far: dry needling has improved my IT band issues so much over two sessions including my knee pain. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
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How Much Does It Cost?

Please refer to our individual clinic location pages for pricing information.

Monday – Friday: 8am to 8pm

Saturday: 9am to 5pm

Sunday: Closed

*Please note, opening times can vary between clinics

This service is available in any of our nationwide clinics.

We work with all major insurers – Vhi, Laya and Irish Life. We recommend you check your own policy for its terms and conditions to see what cover you have.

Our Patient Services team is available to help you Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Call Us: 01 611 1740

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