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Patient Questions  /  PT for migraines

Neck, Jaw & Headaches

Can Physical Therapy Help Migraines?

It can be a helpful part of migraine care, but it isn't a cure. Many people with migraines also have neck and shoulder pain, and physical therapy can help with that. Regular exercise and steady daily routines may help some people have fewer or milder migraines. Your doctor should lead migraine treatment, including diagnosis and medicines.

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Migraine is different from a tension headache

A migraine is often a throbbing headache, frequently on one side, that can come with nausea and strong sensitivity to light and sound. Some people get warning signs first, called an aura, such as flashing lights. A tension headache feels more like a steady, tight band. Some people have both, and some headaches start in the neck itself. Knowing which kind you have helps guide the right care.

Where physical therapy can help

  • Neck and shoulder pain that often comes with migraines, using exercise and hands-on care.
  • Regular exercise. Building up aerobic exercise slowly may help some people. Hard exercise can trigger migraines in others, so start gently.
  • Daily habits like movement breaks, sleep routine, regular meals, and your desk and screen setup.
  • Relaxation and breathing to help with stress, a common trigger.

A simple headache diary can help you and your care team spot triggers and see what's working.

What physical therapy can't do

Physical therapy doesn't replace migraine medicines or your doctor's care. It works best as one part of a plan, and results vary from person to person.

When to see a doctor

Get medical care right away if you have:

  • A sudden, severe or “worst ever” headache: call 911
  • Headache with weakness, numbness, a drooping face, confusion, or trouble speaking or seeing: call 911
  • Headache with fever and a stiff neck: get emergency care
  • Headache after a head injury
  • An aura that is new, different from usual, or lasts more than an hour
  • A new headache pattern after age 50, or headaches that are steadily getting worse

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist checks your neck, upper back and shoulders, looks at your daily routine, and builds a plan of exercise and hands-on care that fits alongside your doctor's treatment. They will also check whether your headaches need a doctor's look first.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Headaches and migraines →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026