Bristol Biomechanics
Headache and Migraine Treatment in Bristol
Chronic headaches and migraines are more than just a nuisance. We help you understand what is driving them and put a stop to them for good.
What Causes Headaches and Migraines?
Headaches and migraines can have a number of triggers, but one of the most overlooked and most common causes is musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Understanding this connection is the first step towards lasting relief. It is also what makes our approach to headache treatment fundamentally different from anything else you may have tried.
Common contributors include:
01.
Tension in the neck, upper back and shoulders that creates a pattern of compression and restriction directly linked to headache and migraine frequency
02.
Poor posture that builds up gradually over time until the body can no longer compensate, resulting in persistent headaches
03.
Years of sitting at a desk or looking at screens that accumulate muscular and postural dysfunction beyond what the body can manage
04.
Chronic musculoskeletal dysfunction that medication can mask but never truly resolve
How Posture and Movement Contribute to Headaches
The position of your head and neck has a profound effect on the muscles, nerves and blood vessels in the surrounding area. A forward head posture, which is extremely common in people who spend long hours seated, places significant and sustained load on the cervical spine and the muscles of the neck and upper back.
Over time, this chronic tension creates trigger points in the muscles of the neck, shoulders and base of the skull that refer pain directly into the head. For migraine sufferers in particular, this muscular tension is often a key contributing factor that, when addressed, leads to a dramatic reduction in both the frequency and intensity of episodes.
Poor posture does not just affect the neck and head either. Imbalances lower down in the thoracic spine, ribcage and even the pelvis all influence how the upper body is held and how much tension accumulates in the areas most associated with headaches. A truly effective solution has to consider all of these factors together.
Our Approach
How We Address Headaches and Migraines
At Bristol Biomechanics, we use Functional Patterns, a methodology built around the fundamental movements of the human body: standing, walking, running and throwing. By assessing your posture and full movement cycle, we identify the specific dysfunctions that are contributing to your headaches and migraines and build a programme designed to correct them.
Our approach includes:
01
Postural and Gait Assessment
We begin with a thorough analysis of your posture and movement to identify exactly where the tension and imbalances are building and how they are contributing to your headaches.
02
Myofascial Release (MFR)
We teach you targeted self-massage techniques to release the tight and restricted tissue in the neck, upper back, shoulders and base of the skull, providing immediate relief and preparing the body for lasting corrective work.
03
Corrective Exercise
Using Functional Patterns corrective exercise, you will learn to restore proper alignment across the entire upper body, reducing the chronic muscular tension that has been driving your headaches and migraines.
04
Lifestyle and Wellbeing Support
We take a holistic approach covering sleep quality, stress management, nutrition, circadian rhythm and reducing systemic inflammation, all of which are closely linked to headache and migraine frequency.
Getting Started
What to Expect From Your First Session
01
Step one
Book a Call
Your journey begins with a free phone consultation. We will take the time to understand your situation, discuss your symptoms and determine whether we are the right fit for you.
02
Step two
Free Initial Consultation
Your first session is a full one-hour assessment. We will analyse your posture and movement, identify the specific imbalances contributing to your headaches and migraines and walk you through exactly how we plan to address them. You will also experience corrective exercise first-hand so you can feel the difference from the very first session.
03
Step three
Your Personalised Programme
From there, we build a programme tailored specifically to your body and your needs. Whether you join us in person at our Bristol studio or work with us online from home, you will have weekly guidance, video feedback and direct access to your coach throughout your journey.
Real Results
What Our Clients Say
Louise: Severe Migraines and Neck Pain
Louise was suffering from severe migraines and neck pain that left her reliant on pain medication and unable to function on some days. Working with us exclusively online, she transformed her posture and eliminated her pain entirely.
"I've gone from constant pain with recurring intense migraines to almost zero headaches and no pain in my mid back. I can stand for long periods of time, cook, carry loads and not have any issues."
Aaron: Migraines & Postural Imbalance
“I had constant migraines starting in my youth, recurring a couple of times a month. They were severe and often lasting over 24 hours, causing vomiting and sickness. Through applying Functional Patterns to fix my postural imbalances, specifically in my pelvis, the migraines are now an extremely rare occurrence. If one is triggered it lasts 30–60 minutes and rates about 2/10 in pain.”
Ready to Stop Living Around Your Headaches?
Chronic headaches and migraines do not have to be a permanent part of your life. Let us help you address the cause and get back to feeling like yourself.