Headache Treatment | Physio & Sports Therapy

Help for neck-related headaches

Frequent headaches can affect your work, sleep and mood. Some headaches are linked to stiffness and tension in the neck and upper back, and these are the ones we can help with.

Our physiotherapists and sports therapists assess how your neck and upper back move and what tends to bring your headaches on. Then we use hands-on treatment, exercise and practical advice to help. Migraine is different. It should be assessed and managed with your GP, although we can still help with neck stiffness alongside their care.

Help for tension-type and neck-related headaches

Soft tissue therapy and joint mobilisation

Posture and desk set-up advice

Exercises for the neck and upper back

We work alongside your GP's care

No GP referral needed to book

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Types of headache we can help with

Neck-Related Headache

Also called cervicogenic headache. It starts in the neck joints or muscles, is often one-sided, and is usually felt at the base of the skull and towards the forehead or eye.

Tension-Type Headache

A common headache that feels like a band of pressure around the head. It is often linked to tension in the neck, shoulders and scalp.

Postural Headache

Headaches that build with long spells of sitting or screen time, linked to sustained load on the neck and upper back.

Migraine

Migraine is a medical condition that should be assessed and managed by your GP. We don't treat migraine, but if you also have neck stiffness we can help with that alongside your GP's care.

When to see a doctor first

Please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency, rather than booking with us, if you have:

A sudden, severe headache that feels like the worst you've ever had: call 999

Headache with a fever, stiff neck, rash or sensitivity to light: call 999 or NHS 111 straight away

Headache with weakness, numbness, confusion, slurred speech or changes in your vision: call 999

Headache after a head injury: go to A&E

A new headache that keeps getting worse, or a change in your usual headache pattern: see your GP promptly

Migraine or headaches with nausea and visual disturbance: see your GP

Headache help near you

If your headaches seem to go hand in hand with a stiff neck or tight shoulders, our team in Cambridge, Bishop's Stortford, Saffron Walden, Sawston and Willingham can assess you and talk through what might help. If we think you need to see your GP, we'll tell you.

32 Raynham Road, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5PE

Headache questions answered

Can physiotherapy or sports therapy help with headaches?

For tension-type headaches and headaches that start in the neck, many people find hands-on treatment and exercise for the neck and upper back helps. If your headaches come with neck stiffness, long hours at a desk or tight shoulders, it's worth an assessment with one of our physiotherapists or sports therapists. Migraine should be managed with your GP.

What is a cervicogenic headache?

It's a headache that starts in the neck joints, muscles or nerves. It is often one-sided, starts at the base of the skull and spreads towards the forehead, eye or temple. It often comes with neck stiffness and can be brought on by neck movements or long spells in one position.

Do you treat migraine?

No. Migraine should be assessed and managed with your GP. Some people with migraine also have neck stiffness, and we can help with that alongside your GP's care.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. You don't need a referral to book with our physiotherapists or sports therapists. If you have any of the warning signs listed on this page, please see your GP or seek urgent medical help first.

"Highly recommend for running-related issues. Jess put together a clear plan to get me ready for my marathon, and her communication was excellent throughout. Thank you!"

"Referred after an increasingly painful knee was impacting on my exercise. Hannah was very thorough in her investigation and analysis of the problem. I noticed a steady but sustained improvement following the recommended exercises over the first week. The exercises were subsequently changed up and the improvement sustained over the next two weeks. What definitely helped was the link between the Injury Active Clinic and the Barn. Hannah provided a briefing for the coaches, ensuring the gym sessions reinforced the recommended physio programme."

"Jess was so lovely and supportive throughout my time with her. She really helped build my confidence and get me back to doing the sports I love! I'm so grateful for all her help and would highly recommend :)"

Book a Pain & Movement Assessment

Rather than resting and hoping it settles, get it looked at. Your assessment gives you a clear explanation of what we think is going on, a plan, and a way to measure your progress.

Book an Assessment

Assessment

A thorough look at your history, how you move and what aggravates it, so we understand what's driving your symptoms.

Your Plan

A clear plan with realistic goals and the right mix of hands-on care and exercise for you.

Build Back Up

Progressive strength and movement work so you can get back to full activity with confidence.

Headache
Treatment

Help for neck-related headaches