Migraine Massage

migraineMigraine is a neurological syndrome characterized by excruciating “throbbing” ( vascular) headache with associated symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, lack of appetiteand hypersensitivity to stimuli.

Migraine Massage Therapy Treatment Goals:

– decrease pain

– decrease Hypertonicities ( within pain tolerance)

Migraine Massage Therapy Treatment:

  • Diaphragmatic breathing
  • Position: Supine or sidelying: not prone
  • Cold hydro to head and neck
  • Manual lymphatic drainage to head and neck
  • Origin and Insertion, GTO release, muscle approximation to hypertonic upper back and neck muscles if spasm is present
  • Effleurage and petrissage to upper back and neck
  • Vibrations over face and neck
  • Ischemic Compressions on Trigger Points
  • Finish with Passive ROM and Passive stretching

Considerations and Contraindications for Migraine Massage Therapy Treatment:

  • avoid heat on neck or head during migraine
  • avoid triggers (music and bright lights, loud music, avoid fragrances, perfumes, essential oils)
  • if head and neck massage is not tolerable, give client foot and hand massage
  • during attack: shorter treatment time, avoid deep work

Signs and Symptoms of Migraine:

  • usually unilateral
  • pulsating pain, moderate to severe
  • dull ache, sensation of pressure which gradually localizes to one area and becomes more intense and pounding

Common Migraine

  •  Without aura
  •  Affects 85% of people with migraines
  • 24-48 hours before: mood changes, food cravings, altered sensory perception, excessive yawning, memory dysfunction

Classic Migraine

  • Affects 15% of people with migraines
  • Reduction of cerebral blood flow (aura): hallucinations
  • Sensory: pins and needles, around lips and hands
  • Auditory: hissing or rumbling noises
  • Olfactory: hallucinations of strong smells (burning rubber)

Self care for Migraine:

  • hot bath as soon as and if client notices temperature of extremities dropping
  • stretching and self massage
  • during Headache: cool-cold compresses to face, scalp, wrists and feet
  • aerobic exercise between attacks