Assessment-led remedial massage and soft tissue therapy for recurring headaches

Headaches are often treated as a standalone issue but in many cases, they are closely linked to what’s happening in the neck, jaw (TMJ), shoulders, and upper back.

For many people, headaches are not caused by a single trigger.
They tend to develop alongside ongoing muscle tension, restricted movement, stress, and nervous system overload.

At K-Flow Therapy, headache treatment focuses on identifying why tension keeps building not just easing symptoms temporarily.

Common Headache Patterns I See in Clinic

Headaches can present in different ways, including:

• Tight, band-like pressure around the head

• Pain starting at the base of the skull and moving forward

• Headaches linked with neck stiffness or reduced movement

• Jaw tension, clenching, or teeth grinding (TMJ-related symptoms)

• Headaches associated with desk work, stress, or poor sleep

• Symptoms that worsen as the day goes on

In many cases, the head itself is not the primary source of the problem.

The Link Between Headaches, Neck Tightness, and TMJ

The muscles and joints of the neck, jaw, and upper back are closely connected.

Common contributing factors include:

• Persistent neck stiffness limiting normal head movement

• Overactivity in jaw muscles from clenching or grinding

• Reduced movement through the upper back

• Stress-related muscle guarding

• Prolonged postures without adequate movement variation

When these areas remain overloaded or restricted, the nervous system can become more sensitive, making headaches more frequent or harder to settle.

How Headaches Are Assessed at K-Flow Therapy

Every headache presentation is different.

Assessment may include:

• Understanding headache frequency, intensity, and triggers

• Exploring neck movement and areas of restriction

• Assessing jaw tension and TMJ-related symptoms

• Identifying patterns of muscle overload through the upper body

This helps ensure treatment is aimed at the drivers of your headaches, not just the pain itself.

Treatment Approach for Headaches

Treatment is guided by assessment rather than a generic protocol.

Depending on your presentation, sessions may include:

• Remedial massage to address neck, shoulder, and jaw-related muscle tension

• Soft tissue techniques to reduce restriction and improve movement comfort

• Dry needling, where appropriate, to help reduce sensitivity in overactive muscles

The aim is to calm excessive tension, improve tissue tolerance, and reduce the frequency or intensity of headaches over time.

Stress, Recovery, and Headache Management

Headaches are often influenced by how the body copes with ongoing stress and load.

Where appropriate, I may also provide:

• Simple movement or posture-based suggestions

• Guidance around work habits and recovery

• Strategies to reduce jaw and neck tension throughout the day

These recommendations are kept practical and manageable not overwhelming.

When Headaches Need Medical Review

Most tension-related headaches respond well to conservative care.
However, medical review is recommended if you experience:

• Sudden or severe headaches unlike previous episodes

• Neurological symptoms such as vision changes, weakness, or numbness

• Headaches following trauma or illness

Not Sure What’s Driving Your Headaches?

That’s very common.

Headaches often overlap with neck pain, jaw tension (TMJ), postural issues, or stress-related symptoms.
An initial consultation allows us to assess your situation properly and decide the most appropriate approach.