Physical Therapy as a Migraine Treatment

Summary

In this episode of 'Spotlight on Migraine,' physical therapist Dr. Sam Kelus discusses the role of physical therapy in managing migraines. He explains various techniques like exercise, manual therapy, and modalities to reduce migraine frequency and intensity. Dr. Kelus emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach, tailoring therapy to the patient's needs and goals. He also addresses potential risks and the importance of finding a specialist in headache disorders for effective treatment.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Physical therapy can be a beneficial treatment option for migraine sufferers, aiming to reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine attacks.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Various physical therapy techniques such as exercise, manual therapy, and modalities like heat and cold can be used to manage migraines.
• 🧠 The goal is to desensitize the neurological system that triggers migraine attacks, making the patient more resilient against them.
• 🤔 Potential benefits of physical therapy for migraine include decreased attack frequency, improved management strategies, and a reduction in reliance on medication.
• 🔍 Physical therapists can employ lifestyle interventions and stress management techniques to help patients better manage their migraines at home.
• 👩‍⚕️ Physical therapy has evolved to treat a wide range of conditions, including neurological disorders like migraines, beyond just musculoskeletal issues.
• 🚫 There are minimal risks associated with physical therapy for migraines, though some interventions might temporarily exacerbate symptoms.
• 🤗 A collaborative approach between the patient and therapist is crucial for tailoring treatments to individual needs and goals.
• 📈 Physical therapy is more effective as a preventative measure to reduce the occurrence of migraines over time rather than as an acute treatment.
• 🌟 For those with vestibular migraines, physical therapy interventions may focus on exercises that stimulate and integrate vestibular information to reduce triggers.
• 📝 The first visit to a physical therapist involves a thorough discussion of the patient's migraine experience, potential triggers, and a physical examination to identify issues that may contribute to migraines.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the 'Spotlight on Migraine' episode?

The main focus of the 'Spotlight on Migraine' episode is to discuss how physical therapy can be a helpful treatment option for people living with migraines.

Who is the guest speaker in the episode and what is his profession?

The guest speaker is Dr. Sam Kelus, who is a headache physical therapist with an extensive background in neurological disorders and is an expert on treating and managing chronic pain.

What are some ways physical therapy can affect migraines?

Physical therapy can affect migraines by reducing the frequency, intensity, and duration of attacks through various strategies like exercise, manual therapy, and modalities.

What potential benefits can people experience from using physical therapy to manage migraines?

Potential benefits include decreasing the frequency of attacks, providing strategies to manage them independently through non-pharmacological means, and improving the body's ability to reduce triggers.

What is a reproduction resolution technique as mentioned in the script?

A reproduction resolution technique is a method used during physical therapy where the therapist attempts to reproduce the patient's familiar headache through manual techniques and then resolve it with the same technique.

How does physical therapy approach lifestyle interventions for migraine management?

Physical therapy approaches lifestyle interventions by providing strategies for stress management, grounding techniques for vestibular migraines, and promoting physical activity to help manage migraines at home.

What is the role of physical therapy in the acute management of migraines?

Physical therapy can be used acutely to lessen symptoms, but it is more commonly seen as a preventative measure to decrease the frequency of attacks over time.

What should someone do to prepare for their first physical therapy session for migraine?

Someone should prepare for their first session by recording information about their migraine frequency, perceived triggers, and what helps alleviate their symptoms.

Does insurance typically cover physical therapy for migraines, and what might the cost be for out-of-pocket sessions?

Insurance should cover physical therapy for migraines, but there might be requirements like referrals or prior authorization. For out-of-pocket costs, a typical session might be around $200 for an out-of-network provider.

What advice does Sam Kelus give to those who have had negative experiences with physical therapy for migraines?

Sam Kelus advises those who have had negative experiences to try again with a different physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of finding a provider who understands their diagnosis and communicates effectively.

What is the first step recommended by Sam Kelus for individuals to start managing their migraines at home?

The first step recommended is to start becoming more physically active, finding activities that align with their values and that they enjoy, to help reduce the impact of migraines.