Treating migraines holistically

Treating migraines holistically - modern approaches in physiotherapy and occupational therapy

How physiotherapy and occupational therapy can provide effective support

Migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide - and yet many sufferers feel left alone. The recurring attacks, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and massive impairment of quality of life, cannot simply be "treated away". However, a targeted, interdisciplinary approach involving physiotherapy, occupational therapy and individual support can effectively improve the frequency, intensity and management of migraines.

What is a migraine?

Migraine is a neurological disorder with recurring, often half-sided headaches that can last from 4 to 72 hours. Typical symptoms are

• pulsating, sometimes stabbing pain

• Reinforcement through movement or stimuli

• Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound

• in 10-30% of cases: Migraine aura (visual or sensory symptoms before the attack)

Important: Migraines are not imaginary - they are an expression of a complex hypersensitivity of the nervous system to certain stimuli, combined with neurovascular inflammatory processes and dysregulation in the brain stem.

How can physiotherapy and occupational therapy help?

Migraine is not a disease that can be treated purely with medication. Instead, sufferers benefit from an integrative approach that includes physical as well as vegetative and psychosocial aspects.

Physiotherapy - modulate instead of manipulate

In physiotherapy, the focus is not just on the neck and jaw - but on overall regulation. The aim is to reduce vegetative triggers, relieve muscular tension and improve body awareness.

Possible treatment approaches:

• Manual therapy in the cervical spine / thoracic spine / temporomandibular joint area

• Myofascial techniques for tension regulation

• Breathing therapy and vegetative balance exercises

• Sensorimotor training for stimulus processing

• Medical yoga for vagus activation and stress reduction

The central idea is that migraines are not a local problem in the head - but an expression of systemic overstimulation. This is where modern, regulating physiotherapy comes in.

Occupational therapy - stabilize everyday life, strengthen self-efficacy

Migraines not only affect the body, but also lifestyle. It often leads to:

• Loss of work and social withdrawal

• Difficulties with stimulus processing and concentration

• Fear of new attacks ("migraine anticipation")

• disturbed sleep, stress intolerance and exhaustion

Occupational therapy focus:

• Stimulus and stress management in everyday life (e.g. through pacing, relief, structuring)

• Individual energy management & fatigue management

• Training of concentration, working memory & cognitive strategies

• Adaptation of workstation, VDU workstation, light & noise environment

• Strengthening self-care and psychosocial balance

Occupational therapy sees people in their everyday lives - not in their pathology. And this is precisely where it can initiate lasting change.

Biopsychosocial model - understanding migraines holistically

At Hockenholz, we combine modern pain and movement therapy with in-depth training of the autonomic nervous system, body awareness and self-regulation. We do not see migraines as a "disease of the head", but as a dynamic interplay of neurophysiological, emotional and social factors.

That is why our work includes

• Educational support on the subject of migraines and stimulus processing

• Exercise and relaxation - not as a duty, but as a resource

• Promoting body awareness, self-care and stability

• Interdisciplinary collaboration with neurologists, psychotherapistsand pain specialists

Conclusion: Living with migraines - and becoming capable of acting again

Migraines cannot be cured - but they can be influenced. With an individually tailored, interdisciplinary approach consisting of physiotherapy and occupational therapy, sufferers can learn to deal better with their symptoms, reduce triggers and sustainably improve their quality of life.

Are you a therapistand want to learn more about holistic support for migraine patients?
Then take a look at our practical training courses on pain, autonomic regulation and psychosomatic therapy:
www.hockenholz.com/weiterbildungen

Are you affected yourself?
We offer you sound, individual support - in our practice in Berlin or online. Get in touch for a personal initial consultation.