Headache Physiotherapy in Perth & Regional WA
Headaches can affect concentration, work, sleep and general wellbeing. Our Physiotherapists assess headache presentations at Mount Pleasant, Belmont and Regional WA clinics, with guidance based on your symptoms, health history and daily activities. Some headaches may occur alongside neck pain or tension associated with jaw pain.
A Physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether factors such as neck movement, muscle tension, jaw symptoms or sustained positions may be relevant to your presentation.
Book an appointment
If headaches are affecting your work, concentration, sleep or daily comfort, a Physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether neck, jaw or other musculoskeletal factors may be relevant.
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Common symptoms people describe
Headache symptoms can vary considerably. Some people experience discomfort around the temples, forehead or back of the head, while others notice symptoms alongside neck, upper-shoulder or jaw tension.
- Tension or discomfort around the temples or forehead
- Pain around the base of the skull
- Neck stiffness occurring alongside headaches
- Symptoms associated with prolonged sitting or screen-based work
- Headaches occurring alongside neck, shoulder or jaw tension
A Physiotherapy assessment can help clarify whether movement, sustained positions or muscular factors may be relevant. Medical assessment may also be recommended depending on your symptoms.
When to consider a Physiotherapy appointment
A Physiotherapy appointment may be useful when headaches are recurring, affecting daily activities or appearing alongside neck stiffness, jaw tension or prolonged desk work.
- Recurring headaches affecting work or concentration
- Neck tension or stiffness occurring with symptoms
- Headaches associated with prolonged sitting or screen-based tasks
- Jaw tension, clenching or related neck discomfort
- Uncertainty about whether musculoskeletal factors may be involved
What your appointment may include
Your Physiotherapist will discuss your symptoms and relevant medical history before assessing areas such as neck movement, muscle tension, jaw symptoms, sustained positions and daily activities. This helps determine whether Physiotherapy is appropriate and guides an individual plan.
- Discussion of headache patterns, triggers and relevant health history
- Assessment of neck mobility and muscle tension
- Consideration of jaw symptoms where relevant
- Review of work setup, sustained positions and daily habits
- Hands-on Physiotherapy where clinically appropriate
- Exercises to support neck movement, strength and control
- Guidance about movement, activity and symptom management
How Physiotherapy may help
Physiotherapy may be considered when assessment indicates that neck movement, muscle tension or other musculoskeletal factors could be contributing to symptoms. Recommendations are individualised according to your presentation and assessment findings.
- Hands-on Physiotherapy where clinically appropriate
- Exercises addressing neck movement, strength or control
- Advice about sustained positions and regular movement
- Guidance for managing work, screen and daily activity demands
- Consideration of jaw-related factors where relevant
- Referral for medical assessment when Physiotherapy is not considered appropriate
Factors that may be relevant
Headaches have many different causes and contributing factors. For some people, symptoms may occur alongside neck tension, jaw clenching, fatigue, stress or prolonged sitting. An assessment helps determine which factors may be relevant and whether medical review is needed.
- Muscle tension through the neck and shoulders
- Reduced or uncomfortable neck movement
- Prolonged sitting or screen-based work
- Jaw clenching or grinding
- Changes in stress, fatigue, sleep or activity patterns
Headaches may occur alongside related concerns such as neck pain or jaw pain. You can also read more about TMJ dysfunction and jaw pain.
When to seek urgent medical attention
Call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance, or go to your nearest hospital emergency department, if you experience a sudden severe headache or a headache with concerning neurological or illness-related symptoms.
- A sudden, severe headache unlike your usual symptoms
- A headache with vomiting, confusion, neck stiffness or significant vision changes
- Weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking or a seizure
- Fainting, loss of balance or a marked change in alertness
- A severe headache following a head injury
- Symptoms that are rapidly worsening or causing serious concern
Arrange prompt medical assessment if your headaches are new, changing, becoming progressively worse, waking you from sleep or regularly limiting your usual activities.
Headache FAQs
Can Physiotherapy help with headaches related to neck tension?
Some headache presentations occur alongside neck stiffness, muscle tension or reduced movement. A Physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether these factors may be relevant and whether Physiotherapy is appropriate for you.
Are headaches always caused by posture?
No. Headaches can have many different causes and contributing factors. Sustained positions, neck tension, stress, jaw clenching, sleep and activity patterns may be relevant for some people, but posture alone does not explain every headache.
What if my headaches seem to be linked with desk work?
Prolonged sitting, screen work and sustained neck positions may be associated with symptoms for some people. Your plan may include guidance about regular movement, workstation setup, breaks and exercises where appropriate.
Can jaw tension occur alongside headaches?
Jaw clenching, grinding and tension around the jaw may occur alongside some headache presentations. Your Physiotherapist can assess whether the jaw, neck or surrounding muscles may be relevant and discuss whether dental or medical advice should also be considered.
When should I seek urgent medical advice for a headache?
Call Triple Zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department for a sudden severe headache or a headache accompanied by vomiting, confusion, neck stiffness, significant vision changes, weakness, difficulty speaking, a seizure or loss of balance.
Further reading
For general Australian health information, read Healthdirect’s information about headaches .
Related conditions
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Book a headache assessment in Perth & Regional WA
If headaches are occurring alongside neck stiffness, muscle tension or jaw discomfort, a Physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether musculoskeletal factors may be involved. Appointments are available at Mount Pleasant, Belmont and Regional WA clinics.
Related: Physio Tips • Physiotherapy