Physical therapy for headaches in Palo Alto, California

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Where we serve / Bay Area Region / Palo Alto / Conditions we treat / headaches
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Meet with the best headaches physical therapists in Palo Alto, California

Palo Alto, California, Luna’s talented group of physical therapists specialize in treating patients who suffer from headaches. Our PTs understand the debilitating effects of chronic headaches, and can help patients to not only identify the root cause, but address it with strengthening exercises, postural training, and lifestyle changes.

The best part of Luna? Our physical therapists come to you — it’s physical therapy, delivered.

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What is a headache?

Headaches are among the most common causes of physical discomfort – around 7 in 10 people experience at least one headache each year, and over 45 million Americans suffer from frequent or even disabling headaches. Despite their prevalence, headaches can be difficult to treat and prevent.

That’s because there are numerous types of headaches, and even more potential causes. Some headaches are symptoms of an overarching problem; others are both the symptom and the cause. The most common types of headache are migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, sinus headaches, and post-traumatic headaches.

All headaches are characterized by pain in the head, scalp, or neck. In some cases, patients may also experience sensitivity to light and sound, visual auras, loss of appetite, or mood swings. Depending on the cause and type, headaches can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days.

Source: Healthline

Headache symptoms

The symptoms of any given headache will vary from one type to the next. Tension headaches, which are most common among women, tend to cause stiffness in the neck and shoulders, dull and aching pain, scalp tenderness, and a sensation of pressure across the forehead.

Cluster headaches, on the other hand, cause intense, throbbing pain behind the eyes. Cluster headaches usually occur several hours after the patient falls asleep, and are often confused with migraines due to their intensity.

Migraines can be distinguished from cluster headaches by the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Migraine symptoms also include pulsating sensations in the head, pain on only one side of the head, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can be so painful that patients may have difficulty even getting out of bed.

The most common symptoms of a headache include:

  • Pain in the head, and neck
  • Neck and shoulder stiffness
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Throbbing sensation in the forehead

Source: Healthline

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What causes a headache?

All headaches can be classified into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary headaches are caused by chemical activity in the brain, the muscles of the head and neck, or the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the skull. They are not caused by an underlying condition.

Cluster headaches, tension headaches, and migraines are the most common examples of primary headaches. While they aren’t caused by any underlying conditions, these headaches can in fact be triggered by external factors. Common triggers include alcohol, specific foods like cured meats, a lack of sleep, poor posture, skipped meals, and stress.

Secondary headaches are caused by one or more separate conditions. Secondary headaches can occur as a result of a sinus infection, for example, a hangover, dehydration, or even dental problems. They can also occur because the patient is suffering from an aneurysm, a concussion, a brain tumor, or encephalitis.

The most common causes of a headache include:

  • Alcohol
  • Lack of sleep
  • Stress
  • Underlying conditions
Source: Mayo Clinic

Physical therapy for headaches in Palo Alto, California

While patients suffering from headaches might not immediately think of physical therapy as a viable treatment, it can in fact be useful. Firstly, many patients have difficulty pinpointing the cause of their headaches. A licensed physical therapist can help the patient to determine the underlying cause of their headaches by asking about the patient’s health history and evaluating their posture, strength, pain points, and range of motion.

If the physical therapist determines that the headaches are caused by an underlying condition, he or she can refer the patient to an appropriate medical specialist. For tension headaches, physical therapists can help patients improve neck mobility, strength, and posture — preventative measures that can reduce their frequency.

Source: Move Forward PT
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Frequently asked questions

Where are Luna therapists seeing patients?
Our team of therapists is ready to conduct in-home physical therapy sessions throughout the Palo Alto area. Regardless of the neighborhood you're in, we prioritize coming to you, ensuring that your PT experience is as convenient as it can be.

Is physical therapy covered by insurance?
Luna accepts many insurance plans, and we handle the benefits verification process for you. With Luna, you always pay the same exact co-pay your insurance plan has for visiting a PT clinic. We accept all major insurances and Medicare.

Is there a waiting list for new patients?
Not at all—we want to ensure that patients can easily kickstart their physical therapy with us! New patients are always welcome, and for most, their initial at-home physical therapy session can be scheduled within 48 hours of signing up. Our therapists are available from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm, seven days a week, ensuring flexibility for all our patients. Check Availability.

Who are Luna’s physical therapists?
The therapists affiliated with Luna are seasoned practitioners, with a minimum of 3 years of experience, frequently with many more years of practice. Every therapist undergoes a meticulous interview and thorough background check. Our collaboration is exclusively with therapists who are devoted to offering exceptional care to their patients.

We’ve got your back. Book a PT today.

Call 866-525-3175 Call 866-525-3175 or Check Availability