Headache client

[Ragend]

I have a client that gets headaches -sometimes at the migraine level, a lot of the times - just a nagging dull ache. She says it hits at frontal area and I often note her squeezing in between her eyebrows, if she is headaching during a session.. I feel more tension and can visibly see left side issues around the levator and trap. Have also tried working SCMs and sub - occs. Left SCM is very crampy and hard to work - client can't handle much MET or isometric stretching because of cramping. Have tried TPing SCMS, traps and Levators and even do some icing in the session so it calms down. Client also sees chiro and has C2-3 adjusted regularly..
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Pompal 09.]

The headache is sounding like a sinus headache.
Or does the client work with a computer or something up close during the day (eye strain-bad posture)?

Have you done anywork to her face and scalp?

 

[Go Cubs Go!!]

just a thought.....
My sister used to get headaches in the frontal area that were like migraines. When she went to the doctor, he diagnosed her with 'cluster headaches' - they came on really quickly and she said they felt like an icepick going through her forehead. They're called cluster headaches because you get them for a few months and then they're usually gone for years at a time. She took meds for a while, and the headaches have been gone for about 5 years. If your client's headaches are like this, maybe that's what she has.

 

[Guitar Guy]

no sinus issues ; Does have head forward posture . Headaches do not come on suddenly - always slow to creep up but do blossom into some massive head pain.. Ice helps when she is IN her headache. She eats very well. Does NOT drink massageplanetfeine and drinks plenty of water..
I think is coming from SCMs because of head forward posture but can't work on them deep enough before she cramps??? What about stretches for longis coli or splenius? any help and all comments greatly appreciated.

 

[Rajendra M]

For clients with headache issues or who are prone to headaches, I always begin and end the work at their feet. Drawing the increased circulation away from the problem area has worked like a charm thus far.

It sounds like the QRT (Quick Release Technique) published in "Relief from Head, Neck and Shoulder Pain" by Don McCann might be a big help to you and your client. I got my copy of the book from amazon.com, but here it is on his website http://www.structuralenergetictherapy.com/Books_Tapes.htm. Finding this has been a treasure! It prepares the client for deeper work in a very relaxing way and I've found that at times, it resolves the issue altogether. The principal is the same as that employed by an occipital release. You do some waiting but their body weight does all the work. It took my fingers a little time to get used to it. I've never tried to explain this in type so if something is unclear, give me a holler.

Client supine, MT at the client's head kneeling or sitting in a chair. This can take a little time so be kind to yourself and be comfortable. Slide your hands under your client, when you find the trigger point, curl/hook your fingers (use all four fingers) to hit the trigger point and surrounding area. At each point, just hang out until you feel your fingers sink in and get the release. This appears to work best in the specific sequence suggested in the book. And here that is:

#1 SI-10
#2 SI-14
#3 UB-38
#4 SI-16
#5 UB-10,GB-20,TH-16

That's all there is to it. I use this often for just about anything in the upper back, neck, head area. It's easy on the client and on me.

 

[Icarius]

Have you tried any craniosacral work? Any work on the roof of her mouth or pterygoid muscles? Just a thought. Also check to see if she grinds her teeth. Does she ever wake up with pain in her TMJ? Maybe working her masseters and temporalis muscles might help. And she can always try to self treat by working her sinus points before she goes to sleep each night. Especially working around the orbits of her eyes and along her brow. Worth a shot!

Take care,
Meredith

 

[Donna E]

I have done a little craniosacral but am not very well versed so just dabble. She does clench her jaw terribly and has tried night guards but they make her gag. I will try doing more work on facial muscles tho. Thanks. Am also looking into points reffered to in the previous post. Thanks so much for all of the advice!