Headaches
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Why Physiotherapy for Headaches?
Many headaches are caused or aggravated by neck tension, poor posture, jaw issues (TMJ dysfunction), or upper spine dysfunction. A physiotherapist assesses posture, muscle tightness, joint mobility, and movement patterns to identify contributing factors.
That’s where a physio can help. At Ducker Physio Adelaide, our physiotherapists will identify and treat the underlying musculoskeletal causes of your pain. Through hands-on techniques, targeted exercises, and lifestyle advice, we help reduce both the intensity and frequency of headaches — all without medication.
Can Physio Help With Headaches?
Yes — if your headaches are caused by musculoskeletal issues like neck stiffness, poor posture, or jaw dysfunction, physiotherapy can be highly effective. A headache physio can identify the root cause and provide targeted treatment to reduce pain and prevent recurrence. Our team regularly helps patients who experience headaches caused by:
Neck stiffness or poor posture (also known as cervicogenic headaches)
Jaw clenching or TMJ dysfunction
Upper back and shoulder tension
Previous whiplash or concussion
If your headaches tend to start after long hours at a desk, during stressful periods, or after physical strain, physiotherapy may be the solution.
Not sure if physio can help your headaches? Book an initial assessment at Ducker Physio today — let’s find out what’s causing your pain and how we can help.
Types of Headaches Physiotherapy Can Treat
At Ducker Physio, we treat a wide range of headache types that are commonly linked to musculoskeletal issues. If your headaches tend to start in your neck, shoulders, or jaw — or worsen with movement or posture — physiotherapy may offer lasting relief.
The most common types of headaches we help manage →
→ Cervicogenic Headaches
These headaches originate from stiffness or dysfunction in the neck (cervical spine). They typically present on one side of the head and may worsen with neck movement or prolonged postures. Our headache physios use hands-on therapy and corrective exercises to target the root cause.
→ Tension-Type Headaches
Tension headaches feel like a tight band across the forehead or at the back of the head and are often triggered by stress, fatigue, or muscle tension. Physiotherapy helps by releasing tight muscles, improving posture, and teaching stress-reduction strategies.
→ TMJ-Related Headaches
Jaw clenching, grinding (bruxism), or TMJ dysfunction can all contribute to headaches around the temples, jaw, or ears. We offer targeted jaw physiotherapy to relieve joint tension and improve jaw alignment.
→ Postural Headaches
Poor sitting or standing posture can lead to muscle fatigue and tightness in the upper back and neck, often triggering persistent headaches. Our team can help retrain your posture and restore balance through strengthening and mobility work.
→ Headaches After Whiplash or Concussion
Headaches are a common symptom following whiplash injuries or concussion. We provide gentle, progressive treatment to help reduce pain, improve movement, and restore function safely.
Salisbury Clinic: Private Gym for Patients Only
Our Salisbury clinic features a dedicated patients-only gym, designed to create a calm, focused space for your recovery. No crowded gyms, no distractions — just you, your physiotherapist, and a tailored program built around your goals. With professional supervision at all times, you’ll feel supported and safe as you work through your rehabilitation without the pressure of public gym environments. It’s all about your recovery — and nothing else.
How Our Physiotherapists Treat Headaches
At Ducker Physio, we take a holistic and personalised approach to headache treatment. Every patient is different — so we tailor your care based on the type of headache, contributing factors, and your daily lifestyle. Here’s how our experienced team helps you find long-term relief.
Initial Assessment
We start by identifying the root cause of your headaches through a comprehensive assessment. This includes analysing your posture, spinal alignment, jaw movement, and any muscular tightness around the neck, shoulders, or upper back. Understanding these patterns helps us create a treatment plan that targets the actual source of your pain.
Our manual therapy techniques are designed to relieve muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and reduce headache frequency. These may include:
Neck mobilisation to restore normal joint movement
Trigger point therapy to release painful knots
Soft tissue massage for tight neck and shoulder muscles
Jaw release techniques to ease TMJ-related strain
Our goal is to help you make long-term changes that support a headache-free lifestyle.
Hands-On Treatment
Your physio will prescribe specific exercises to support recovery and prevent recurrence, such as:
Strengthening deep neck flexors to support spinal alignment
Postural re-education to correct slouched or forward head posture
Mobility work to improve range in your neck, shoulders, and upper back
Targeted Exercises
TMJ (Jaw) Focus
If your headaches are linked to jaw clenching, grinding, or TMJ dysfunction, we offer TMJ headache physiotherapy to reduce tension and restore natural movement in the jaw. This includes jaw muscle release, joint mobilisation, and guided home exercises to break the headache–jaw pain cycle.
Lifestyle and Desk Setup Advice
Small daily habits can have a big impact on headache triggers. We provide practical guidance around
Ergonomic desk setup
Posture during work or sleep
Hydration and movement breaks
Stress-related tension management
Headache Treatment Options
Book a Headache Physio Appointment Today
Don’t let persistent headaches hold you back. Whether you're struggling with tension headaches, jaw-related pain, or neck stiffness, our team is ready to help.
Book an appointment at Ducker Physio today and take the first step towards long-lasting relief.
What to Expect at Your Headache Physio Appointment
When you visit Ducker Physio for headache treatment, you’ll receive one-on-one care from a qualified physiotherapist who takes the time to understand your symptoms and history.
Here’s what you can expect →
Personalised 1:1 consultation to assess your headache triggers and contributing factors
Treatment plan based on your specific symptoms and lifestyle
Ongoing progress tracking and education to help you manage headaches long-term
Collaboration with your GP or specialist if additional investigation or care is required
We aim to not only treat your current symptoms but also equip you with tools to reduce recurrence and regain control of your day-to-day life.
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At Ducker Physio Adelaide, we combine expert clinical care with a deep understanding of the physical and lifestyle factors that contribute to headaches. Whether you’re dealing with neck-related pain, jaw tension, or posture-driven issues, we’re here to help.
Two convenient Adelaide locations: Magill and Salisbury
Skilled in treating neck, jaw (TMJ), and posture-related headaches
Individualised, evidence-based treatment grounded in the latest research
Experience managing both chronic and sport-related headaches
Our goal is to deliver results-focused care that fits your body, goals, and lifestyle.
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It depends on the cause and severity. Some people find relief after just a few sessions, while others with chronic or long-standing headaches may need a structured treatment plan over several weeks. Your physiotherapist will discuss expectations during your first visit.
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Yes — our physios are experienced in treating TMJ dysfunction, which is a common cause of headaches around the temples, jaw, or ears. We use manual therapy and targeted exercises to relieve jaw tension and restore natural movement.
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Physio may help reduce the frequency or severity of migraines, particularly if they’re triggered by neck tension, posture, or jaw issues. While it may not prevent all migraines, it can address contributing musculoskeletal factors.
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Medicare Coverage
Yes, Ducker Physio accepts Medicare referrals under the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan (formerly EPC). To access this:
You must visit your GP and have a CDM plan prepared, confirming your headaches are part of a chronic musculoskeletal condition.
Your GP must send a referral to Ducker Physio.
Medicare rebates up to 5 sessions per calendar year under this plan.
A gap fee usually applies, as Ducker Physio is not a bulk-billing clinic.
Note: If your headaches are not classified as chronic or complex, Medicare will not apply.
Private Health Insurance
Yes, most private health funds cover physiotherapy as part of extras cover. If you have extras:
You can claim a rebate for physiotherapy sessions without needing a GP referral.
The amount rebated depends on your health fund, level of cover, and annual limits.
Ducker Physio offers on-the-spot claiming via HICAPS, so you’ll only pay the gap on the day.
Tip: Contact your health fund to check your current balance and rebate level for physio.