Headaches and migraines
Headaches and migraines cover a broad range of presentations. Tension-type headaches are often associated with tight neck, shoulder, and jaw muscles, and tend to build gradually with stress, screen time, or long hours in one position. Migraines can involve additional features for some people, such as sensitivity to light or sound, and often follow their own pattern of triggers and timing.
Because headache patterns differ so much from person to person, general education can only go so far. Frequency, intensity, associated symptoms, and how a headache responds to rest, movement, or stress are all part of what a practitioner considers before building a plan, and no two presentations are treated identically.
This page explains, in general terms, how acupuncture and massage therapy commonly approach headaches and migraines at the clinic. It is educational information, not a diagnosis, and it does not replace a conversation with your own healthcare provider about a new or changing headache pattern.
How We Can Help
How we can help
Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Registered Acupuncturists commonly use acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and auricular acupuncture to support stress-related tension linked to headaches, and Fu's Subcutaneous Needling is used by the team for tension-type headaches and migraines and for post-traumatic or cervicogenic headaches following concussion.
A modern intake is blended with TCM pulse and tongue assessment, so treatment reflects your particular pattern rather than a single fixed approach to headaches.
Registered massage therapy
Registered Massage Therapists commonly work through the neck, shoulder, and jaw muscles that are often tied to tension-type headaches, using techniques such as trigger-point therapy and myofascial release to help ease that tightness.
A session typically starts with a short conversation about where headaches tend to build and how they feel, so your therapist can focus on the areas most relevant to your pattern.
Getting Started
Your first visit
A first visit for headaches or migraines usually starts with a conversation about frequency, triggers, and what a typical episode looks like for you, along with a look at neck and shoulder tension where relevant.
From there, your practitioner explains what they are seeing and builds a plan around your pattern rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to headaches. Treatment the same day is common, and your practitioner will talk through a general plan and pacing for follow-up visits. Book online through Jane for acupuncture or massage therapy; extended health receipts are provided, and direct billing is rolling out now, starting with Sun Life.
Good to Know
Headaches and migraines FAQs
What is the difference between a tension headache and a migraine?
In general terms, tension-type headaches are often linked with neck and shoulder tightness, while migraines can involve additional features such as sensitivity to light or sound for some people. Your own pattern is best discussed with your practitioner or physician.
Is Fu's Subcutaneous Needling used for headaches?
Yes. It is one of the techniques our acupuncture team uses for tension-type headaches and migraines, as well as post-traumatic and cervicogenic headaches after a concussion, alongside standard acupuncture and other TCM techniques.
Should I see a doctor about a new or worsening headache pattern?
A sudden, severe, or unusual headache, or one that changes in pattern, is worth discussing with a physician or urgent care first. See the safety note below for red-flag symptoms that warrant urgent attention.
If symptoms are severe, sudden, or getting worse, such as intense pain, loss of function, a new or worsening head injury, or any other urgent concern, seek urgent medical care or call 9-1-1 rather than waiting for an appointment. This page is general information, not medical advice, and does not replace an assessment from a qualified healthcare provider.
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