{"id":75818,"date":"2021-09-12T06:14:59","date_gmt":"2021-09-12T06:14:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/?page_id=75818"},"modified":"2024-06-05T16:22:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T16:22:00","slug":"migraine-massage-therapy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/q-and-a\/migraine-massage-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Get Relief from Migraines with Massage Therapy?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Can I Get Relief from Migraines with Massage Therapy?<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Question: <\/strong><\/p>

I started getting migraines several years ago. At first they were relatively rare, and I could usually identify the trigger. But recently, I\u2019ve been getting them more frequently, and seemingly for no reason. The medication my doctor prescribed is effective, but it\u2019s also fairly expensive, and it doesn\u2019t do anything to lessen the frequency. Could massage therapy give me some relief?<\/p>

Answer:<\/strong><\/p>

Migraines<\/strong> are one of the most prevalent neurological conditions worldwide, effecting 39 million people in the US and around 1 billion people globally.[1]<\/sup> The frequency of attacks can increase, with migraine attacks being most common for adults between the ages of 25 and 55.[2]<\/sup> Nearly every migraine sufferer takes some sort of medication, be it over-the-counter or prescribed, to relieve their symptoms. However, many have found, like you, that medication just isn\u2019t enough.<\/p>

Study Reveals How Massage Can Help With Migraines<\/h2>

Researchers at the University of Miami have studied the possible benefits of massage for migraines. For the study, one group of migraine sufferers continued to take their normal medication, but did not have massage therapy. Another group also continued to take their normal medication, but also received weekly massage therapy. Throughout the course of the study, no one in the massage group experienced a migraine attack.[3]<\/sup><\/p>

Migraines are believed to be related to your serotonin levels, and massage causes your body to release serotonin. Increased levels of serotonin may decrease the frequency and severity of your migraines.[4]<\/sup> Participants in the University of Miami study all had increased serotonin as a result of receiving massage therapy. They also reported that they slept better while receiving regular massage therapy.[5]<\/sup><\/p>

The best massage treatment for migraines may be deep tissue massage<\/a>. However, deep tissue massage may be too much for you if you are recovering from a recent migraine attack and are sensitive to touch. In that case, a simple Swedish massage<\/a> focusing on your hands and feet may provide some relief. A light massage of your hands and feet during an attack also might lessen your pain and reduce the pressure in your head.[6]<\/sup> Shiatsu massage technique, which focuses on pressure points along neural pathways and muscle lines, may also be beneficial in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.[7]<\/sup><\/p>

Before you start massage therapy, speak to your doctor or migraine specialist about it. They may be able to recommend specific types of massage that would work best for you. It\u2019s also important not to stop taking your medication, even if you find that you stop having migraines after several weeks of regular massage therapy.<\/p>

If you have sensitivity to light or movement, you can have a massage therapist come to your home so you don\u2019t have to worry about driving or going outside during daylight hours. Look for a massage therapist near you<\/a> who has experience providing massage therapy for migraine sufferers, and tell them the types of migraines you have and where you feel the most pain or pressure during an attack. That will help them determine the best areas to focus their efforts.<\/p>

References:<\/strong><\/p>

[1]<\/sup> Migraine Research Foundation: \u201cMigraine Facts<\/em>\u201d http:\/\/migraineresearchfoundation.org\/about-migraine\/migraine-facts\/<\/p>

[2]<\/sup> Id.<\/em><\/p>

[3]<\/sup> Migraine Relief Center: \u201cMigraines and Massage: What You Need to Know<\/em>\u201d https:\/\/blog.themigrainereliefcenter.com\/migraines-and-massage-what-you-should-know<\/p>

[4]<\/sup> Massage.com: \u201cMassage for Migraines: an introduction<\/em>\u201d https:\/\/migraine.com\/complimentary-and-alternative-therapies\/massage\/<\/p>

[5]<\/sup> Migraine Relief Center: \u201cMigraines and Massage: What You Need to Know<\/em>\u201d https:\/\/blog.themigrainereliefcenter.com\/migraines-and-massage-what-you-should-know<\/p>

[6]<\/sup> Id.<\/em><\/p>

[<\/sup>7<\/sup>]<\/sup> American Massage Therapy Association: \u201cTackling Migraines Head-On<\/em>\u201d https:\/\/www.amtamassage.org\/articles\/3\/MTJ\/detail\/3704\/tackling-migraines-head-on<\/p>

You Might Be Interested In These, As Well:
<\/strong>
Headaches afflict millions every year. Luckily, massage for headaches<\/a> can reduce pressure and pain.<\/p>

Sinus congestion can leave you feeling miserable. Some people think a lymphatic massage<\/a> can help.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Ready to book your massage?<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBook A Massage<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Can I Get Relief from Migraines with Massage Therapy? Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn Share on reddit Reddit Question: I started getting migraines several years ago. At first they were relatively rare, and I could usually identify the trigger. But recently, I\u2019ve been getting them more frequently, and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":75683,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_elementor_edit_mode":"builder","_elementor_template_type":"wp-page","_elementor_data":"[{\"id\":\"390b2716\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[]},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"4f29b960\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":100,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"199c90be\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[]},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"79ccf842\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":100,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"35d14464\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"title\":\"Can I Get Relief from Migraines with Massage Therapy?\",\"header_size\":\"h1\",\"align\":\"center\",\"title_color\":\"#14316C\",\"typography_typography\":\"custom\",\"typography_font_family\":\"Poppins\",\"typography_font_size\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":30,\"sizes\":[]},\"typography_font_weight\":\"600\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"heading\"},{\"id\":\"3ef44173\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"spacer\"}],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"147b622f\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[]},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"68832358\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":100,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"7b37c5d5\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"text\":\"Divider\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"divider\"}],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"4fe8361d\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[]},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"3d5fb50e\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":100,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"6380bd41\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"share_buttons\":[{\"_id\":\"177a087\"},{\"button\":\"twitter\",\"_id\":\"821e691\"},{\"button\":\"linkedin\",\"_id\":\"280d314\"},{\"_id\":\"8f9e41a\",\"button\":\"reddit\"}],\"alignment\":\"left\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"share-buttons\"}],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"6ce7c8ba\",\"elType\":\"section\",\"settings\":{\"eael_parallax_layers_list\":[],\"structure\":\"22\"},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"64f1601d\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":66,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"21cf2c6\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"editor\":\"

Question: <\\\/strong><\\\/p>

I started getting migraines several years ago. At first they were relatively rare, and I could usually identify the trigger. But recently, I\\u2019ve been getting them more frequently, and seemingly for no reason. The medication my doctor prescribed is effective, but it\\u2019s also fairly expensive, and it doesn\\u2019t do anything to lessen the frequency. Could massage therapy give me some relief?<\\\/p>

Answer:<\\\/strong><\\\/p>

Migraines<\\\/strong> are one of the most prevalent neurological conditions worldwide, effecting 39 million people in the US and around 1 billion people globally.[1]<\\\/sup> The frequency of attacks can increase, with migraine attacks being most common for adults between the ages of 25 and 55.[2]<\\\/sup> Nearly every migraine sufferer takes some sort of medication, be it over-the-counter or prescribed, to relieve their symptoms. However, many have found, like you, that medication just isn\\u2019t enough.<\\\/p>

Study Reveals How Massage Can Help With Migraines<\\\/h2>

Researchers at the University of Miami have studied the possible benefits of massage for migraines. For the study, one group of migraine sufferers continued to take their normal medication, but did not have massage therapy. Another group also continued to take their normal medication, but also received weekly massage therapy. Throughout the course of the study, no one in the massage group experienced a migraine attack.[3]<\\\/sup><\\\/p>

Migraines are believed to be related to your serotonin levels, and massage causes your body to release serotonin. Increased levels of serotonin may decrease the frequency and severity of your migraines.[4]<\\\/sup> Participants in the University of Miami study all had increased serotonin as a result of receiving massage therapy. They also reported that they slept better while receiving regular massage therapy.[5]<\\\/sup><\\\/p>

The best massage treatment for migraines may be deep tissue massage<\\\/a>. However, deep tissue massage may be too much for you if you are recovering from a recent migraine attack and are sensitive to touch. In that case, a simple Swedish massage<\\\/a> focusing on your hands and feet may provide some relief. A light massage of your hands and feet during an attack also might lessen your pain and reduce the pressure in your head.[6]<\\\/sup> Shiatsu massage technique, which focuses on pressure points along neural pathways and muscle lines, may also be beneficial in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.[7]<\\\/sup><\\\/p>

Before you start massage therapy, speak to your doctor or migraine specialist about it. They may be able to recommend specific types of massage that would work best for you. It\\u2019s also important not to stop taking your medication, even if you find that you stop having migraines after several weeks of regular massage therapy.<\\\/p>

If you have sensitivity to light or movement, you can have a massage therapist come to your home so you don\\u2019t have to worry about driving or going outside during daylight hours. Look for a massage therapist near you<\\\/a> who has experience providing massage therapy for migraine sufferers, and tell them the types of migraines you have and where you feel the most pain or pressure during an attack. That will help them determine the best areas to focus their efforts.<\\\/p>

References:<\\\/strong><\\\/p>

[1]<\\\/sup> Migraine Research Foundation: \\u201cMigraine Facts<\\\/em>\\u201d http:\\\/\\\/migraineresearchfoundation.org\\\/about-migraine\\\/migraine-facts\\\/<\\\/p>

[2]<\\\/sup> Id.<\\\/em><\\\/p>

[3]<\\\/sup> Migraine Relief Center: \\u201cMigraines and Massage: What You Need to Know<\\\/em>\\u201d https:\\\/\\\/blog.themigrainereliefcenter.com\\\/migraines-and-massage-what-you-should-know<\\\/p>

[4]<\\\/sup> Massage.com: \\u201cMassage for Migraines: an introduction<\\\/em>\\u201d https:\\\/\\\/migraine.com\\\/complimentary-and-alternative-therapies\\\/massage\\\/<\\\/p>

[5]<\\\/sup> Migraine Relief Center: \\u201cMigraines and Massage: What You Need to Know<\\\/em>\\u201d https:\\\/\\\/blog.themigrainereliefcenter.com\\\/migraines-and-massage-what-you-should-know<\\\/p>

[6]<\\\/sup> Id.<\\\/em><\\\/p>

[<\\\/sup>7<\\\/sup>]<\\\/sup> American Massage Therapy Association: \\u201cTackling Migraines Head-On<\\\/em>\\u201d https:\\\/\\\/www.amtamassage.org\\\/articles\\\/3\\\/MTJ\\\/detail\\\/3704\\\/tackling-migraines-head-on<\\\/p>

You Might Be Interested In These, As Well:
<\\\/strong>
Headaches afflict millions every year. Luckily, massage for headaches<\\\/a> can reduce pressure and pain.<\\\/p>

Sinus congestion can leave you feeling miserable. Some people think a lymphatic massage<\\\/a> can help.<\\\/p>\",\"text_color\":\"#020202\",\"typography_typography\":\"custom\",\"typography_font_family\":\"Poppins\",\"typography_font_weight\":\"400\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"text-editor\"}],\"isInner\":false},{\"id\":\"2abe1b79\",\"elType\":\"column\",\"settings\":{\"_column_size\":33,\"_inline_size\":null},\"elements\":[{\"id\":\"6769f510\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"editor\":\"

Ready to book your massage?<\\\/p>\",\"typography_typography\":\"custom\",\"typography_font_family\":\"Poppins\",\"typography_font_size\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":17,\"sizes\":[]},\"typography_font_weight\":\"400\",\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\"},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"text-editor\"},{\"id\":\"5e0966e6\",\"elType\":\"widget\",\"settings\":{\"text\":\"Book A Massage\",\"align\":\"center\",\"typography_typography\":\"custom\",\"typography_font_family\":\"Poppins\",\"typography_font_size\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":18,\"sizes\":[]},\"typography_font_weight\":\"600\",\"typography_line_height\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"size\":22,\"sizes\":[]},\"background_color\":\"#F58266\",\"border_radius\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"top\":\"50\",\"right\":\"50\",\"bottom\":\"50\",\"left\":\"50\",\"isLinked\":true},\"eael_tooltip_section_content\":\"I am a tooltip\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_placeholder\":\"Enter Password\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_submit_btn_txt\":\"Submit\",\"eael_ext_content_protection_password_incorrect_message\":\"Password does not match.\",\"link\":{\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.soothe.com\\\/booking\",\"is_external\":\"\",\"nofollow\":\"\",\"custom_attributes\":\"\"}},\"elements\":[],\"widgetType\":\"button\"}],\"isInner\":false}],\"isInner\":false}]","_elementor_page_settings":{"eael_ext_toc_title":"Table of Contents"},"_elementor_conditions":[]},"class_list":["post-75818","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75818","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=75818"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75818\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/75683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.soothe.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=75818"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}