Headache Clinic

Headaches are extremely common and can be very disabling, severely affecting patients quality of life.

Often the failure of treatment of headache is related to the misdiagnoses of the cause of the headache.

Physiotherapy treatment can be very successful in the treatment of Tension Headaches.

Over the last 38 years Hans Fisch has developed a special interest in their treatment.

Tension Headaches

Tension Headaches are so called because of the muscular tension which has developed in the muscles in the base of the skull, leading to irritation of the sensitive structures running up into the scalp, especially the Greater Occipital Nerve.

This is by far the most common cause of headache experienced by patients.

Nerve irritation is generally caused by stiff intervertebral joints in the neck, tight neck muscles or both.

The cause of this tightness is commonly due to poor bio-mechanics and muscle weakness in the deep Neck Flexor muscles.

Poor posture, stress, scar tissue from previous injury (eg. Whiplash),repeated or prolonged abnormal activities (computing, bricklaying etc). Are all aggravating factors.

Treatment is aimed at releasing tight muscles and loosening stiff joints in the neck and upper back using gentle mobilising techniques and ‘Dry needling’, TENS and Heat.

This management is followed by stretching and strengthening exercises, postural education and ergonomic re-training.

Once the initial symptoms have been resolved the patient is empowered to manage the condition.