Head & Neck · Trenton, MI
Migraines
Physical therapy for migraines at Total Body Rehab — evaluation-driven, one-on-one care in Trenton, serving all of Downriver.
Migraines are a neurological condition, but neck dysfunction is one of the most common and treatable triggers. Stiff cervical joints and myofascial trigger points can both provoke attacks and make them more frequent.
Physical therapy doesn't replace your physician's migraine management — it complements it by reducing the musculoskeletal triggers that set attacks off, often lowering their frequency and intensity.
Common signs & symptoms
- Throbbing, often one-sided head pain
- Sensitivity to light and sound during attacks
- Neck stiffness before or during migraines
- Attacks triggered by posture, stress, or poor sleep
- Tenderness in the upper neck and shoulders
How physical therapy helps
After coordinating with your physician, we address the cervical component: mobilizing stiff upper-neck joints, releasing trigger points with hands-on work or dry needling, and building postural endurance so long days at a desk stop feeding the cycle. Many patients see fewer and milder attacks as neck irritability calms down.
Treatments we use
- Manual cervical therapy
- Dry needling
- Cupping
- Relaxation & breathing work
- Postural conditioning
Frequently asked questions
Can PT cure my migraines?
No honest provider can promise that. What PT can often do is reduce how often attacks happen and how severe they are by treating neck-related triggers — as part of a plan alongside your physician.
Is dry needling safe for migraine sufferers?
In trained hands, yes. Dr. Alaiwat has advanced dry-needling training and screens every patient first. Many migraine patients find trigger-point release meaningfully reduces attack frequency.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Any migraine history you have — triggers, frequency, current medications — plus your physician's notes if available. The fuller the picture, the better we can target the neck's role.
This page is general education, not a diagnosis. For advice about your specific situation, schedule an evaluation or talk with your physician.