Massage for Headaches; Headaches are one of those things people tend to push through — another coffee, another painkiller, another early night. But if you’re reaching for ibuprofen several times a week, or waking up with that dull, vice-like pressure across your skull before the day has even started, your body is likely telling you something worth listening to.
At Verdelab, our remedial massage therapists in Brunswick work with clients navigating all kinds of pain — and headaches are among the most common complaints we hear. This post is for anyone who’s wondered whether massage might help, or whether it’s just a nice idea with limited real-world benefit.
The short answer? The evidence is genuinely promising. Here’s what we know.
Why Headaches Happen: The Muscle Connection
There are many types of headaches — migraines, cluster headaches, sinus headaches — but the most prevalent by far is the tension-type headache (TTH). The World Health Organisation estimates that tension headaches affect nearly half of all adults globally, making them the most common neurological disorder worldwide. Massage for headaches – the science
Tension headaches often originate in the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and scalp. When these muscles are chronically tight — from sustained postures, stress, poor sleep, or repetitive movements — they can develop what are called trigger points: hyperirritable spots within the muscle tissue that, when pressed, refer pain to other areas of the body. In the case of the neck and suboccipital muscles (those small muscles at the base of your skull), trigger points frequently refer pain directly into the head, mimicking the sensation of a tension headache.
This is where remedial massage becomes particularly relevant.
Incorporating massage for headaches: What the Research Shows
Several well-designed studies have explored massage therapy as an intervention for headaches, with encouraging results.
A 2002 study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that massage therapy significantly reduced the frequency of tension headaches and improved sleep quality compared to a control group. Participants who received regular massage experienced fewer headache days per week within just the first few weeks of treatment.
More recently, a 2014 systematic review in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies concluded that manual therapies — including massage — showed meaningful benefits for both tension-type headaches and cervicogenic headaches (those originating in the cervical spine).
The proposed mechanisms are logical:
- Reduced muscle tension — direct manipulation of tight muscles decreases the mechanical pressure that contributes to referred head pain
- Improved circulation — massage encourages blood flow, which may help reduce the vascular component of some headaches
- Nervous system regulation — therapeutic touch activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering cortisol and reducing the stress-headache cycle
- Fascial release — the connective tissue surrounding muscles can become restricted over time, and targeted work on the fascia can relieve tension patterns contributing to headache
Cervicogenic Headaches: A Common Culprit We See in Brunswick
One type of headache that responds particularly well to remedial massage is the cervicogenic headache — a headache that originates not in the head itself, but in the structures of the cervical spine (neck vertebrae, discs, and surrounding soft tissue).
Cervicogenic headaches are frequently misdiagnosed as migraines or tension headaches, and they’re extremely common in people who spend long hours at a desk, look at screens for extended periods, or carry stress in their upper body. The headache typically begins at the back of the neck or base of the skull and radiates forward, sometimes affecting one side of the head and even the eye.
Remedial massage targeting the cervical musculature, combined with postural assessment, can make a significant difference for these clients. We find this pattern particularly often in the Brunswick and inner-north Melbourne community, where so many people are working in creative, tech, and professional roles that involve prolonged desk time.
Massage for Headches; What a Session Looks Like at Verdelab
When a client comes to us with headaches, our approach isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our remedial massage therapists begin with a thorough intake conversation — understanding the type of headache, its frequency, where it starts, what makes it better or worse, and what’s happening in your life and body more broadly.
From there, a session might include:
- Trigger point therapy targeting the suboccipital muscles, SCM (sternocleidomastoid), upper trapezius, and scalenes
- Deep tissue work through the neck and shoulders to address chronic holding patterns
- Myofascial release to address broader tension through the upper back and chest
- Scalp and temporal work to ease tension in the muscles of the head itself
We also take time to discuss contributing factors — hydration, screen habits, pillow position, stress — because massage works best as part of a bigger picture. Remedial Massage
How Often Should You Come In? Massage for Headaches
This varies depending on the severity and chronicity of your headaches. For acute, frequent headaches, a short course of weekly sessions is often most effective to begin with, before spacing out to fortnightly or monthly maintenance. Many clients find that consistent remedial massage over a period of two to three months results in a lasting reduction in headache frequency — not just temporary relief.
You Don’t Have to Just Live with It
Headaches are common, but they’re not inevitable. If you’re tired of managing symptoms without addressing the cause, remedial massage in Brunswick might be the next step worth taking.
Our therapists at Verdelab are experienced, warm, and genuinely invested in understanding what’s going on for you. We’re located in Brunswick and see clients from across Melbourne’s inner north.
Ready to book? Head to our bookings page or get in touch — we’d love to help you find some relief.
Verdelab offers remedial massage in Brunswick, Melbourne. We work with headaches, neck and shoulder tension, back pain, and a range of musculoskeletal conditions.
