Headache Relief for Athletes: Reset, Restore & Reload

At Physio Room, we know how frustrating and debilitating headaches can be for athletes and active individuals. Often caused by muscle tension, poor posture, or spinal misalignment, these headaches stem from underlying musculoskeletal issues. Our Reset, Restore, Reload approach targets the root causes, providing lasting relief through a structured, hands-on treatment plan. Each phase is designed to alleviate pain, improve function, and build resilience—so you can move better, train harder, and stay headache-free.

Phase 1: Reset

The first step in the process is the Reset phase, where our primary focus is to alleviate the immediate pain and discomfort caused by headaches. This phase aims to reduce muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and address soft tissue imbalances.

Joint Manipulation and Mobilization

At Physio Room, our therapists utilize joint manipulation and mobilization to address restricted movement in the cervical and thoracic spine—often the main culprits of headaches. By improving range of motion and relieving pressure on the nerves, we can help reduce the intensity and frequency of headaches. Research shows that spinal manipulation is especially effective for cervicogenic headaches, which originate from issues in the neck [1].

Dry Needling

Dry needling is another powerful tool we use during the Reset phase. This technique helps release trigger points (knots in tight muscles) that contribute to headache pain. By targeting specific muscles like the upper trapezius, suboccipitals, and levator scapulae, we can reduce muscle tension and referred pain to the head. Studies confirm that dry needling can significantly alleviate tension-type headaches [2].

Phase 2: Restore

Once immediate pain is managed, we transition to the Restore phase, where we focus on improving mobility and addressing deeper soft tissue restrictions. This phase is essential for correcting the underlying causes of headaches.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

During the Restore phase, we employ Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. This technique is particularly effective for athletes who experience headaches due to muscle overuse, poor posture, or previous injuries. IASTM enhances circulation and promotes healing by improving tissue mobility, and research supports its effectiveness in reducing soft tissue restrictions [3].

Gentle Corrective Exercises

In this phase, Physio Room therapists introduce gentle corrective exercises to help restore posture and improve alignment. These exercises focus on enhancing flexibility and retraining movement patterns, ensuring that the body functions optimally without placing undue strain on the neck and upper back. Corrective exercises are key to reducing future headaches by addressing postural and movement issues.

Phase 3: Reload

The final phase, Reload, focuses on building long-term resilience. After reducing pain and restoring proper movement, we shift our attention to strengthening the body to prevent future headaches and improve overall performance.

Progressive Corrective Exercises

In the Reload phase, we progress to more challenging corrective exercises that aim to strengthen the deep stabilizing muscles of the neck, upper back, and shoulders. These exercises help develop postural endurance and mobility, essential for preventing headache recurrences. At Physio Room, we tailor each exercise plan to meet the individual needs of our patients, ensuring they build the strength and resilience needed to stay headache-free.

Building Resilience for Long-Term Relief

Our ultimate goal at Physio Room is to empower patients to manage their headaches long-term. Through education on posture correction, ergonomic setups, and movement strategies, we equip our patients with the tools they need to maintain pain-free movement and excel in their daily and athletic activities. Studies show that combining manual therapy with targeted exercise provides significant long-term benefits for headache sufferers, reducing both the frequency and intensity of headaches [4].

Conclusion

At Physio Room, our structured approach to managing headaches—Reset, Restore, and Reload—provides comprehensive, long-lasting relief. From reducing acute pain with joint manipulation and dry needling to building strength and resilience with corrective exercises, our sports performance physical therapists offer a complete solution to address the root causes of headaches. If you’re experiencing headaches that limit your ability to perform at your best, our expert team at Physio Room is here to help you get back to pain-free living.

References:

1. Chaibi, A., Russell, M. B. (2017). Manual therapies for primary chronic headaches: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The Journal of Headache and Pain, 18(1), 17. [doi:10.1186/s10194-017-0738-x](https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-017-0738-x)
2. Llamas-Ramos, R., et al. (2016). Effectiveness of dry needling on muscle pain and headache in tension-type headache: A randomized controlled trial. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 56(4), 679-692. [doi:10.1111/head.12791](https://doi.org/10.1111/head.12791)
3. Cheatham, S. W., et al. (2016). The efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization: a systematic review. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 60(3), 200-211.
4. Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., et al. (2011). Mobilization versus manipulations versus sustain apophyseal natural glide techniques and exercise for cervicogenic headache: a randomized clinical trial. Manual Therapy, 16(2), 133-140. [doi:10.1016/j.math.2010.09.002](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2010.09.002)

 

Written by Dr. Nate Henry – PT, DPT, DSc, OCS, SCS, CSCS | Physio Room