Several studies have shown that massage can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Some indicate that regular massage, such as trigger point therapy and neuromuscular massage, helps to reduce stress and alleviate migraine symptoms. Others indicate that deep tissue massage may aggravate symptoms during a migraine attack, while gentle massage, reflexology, cranio-sacral therapy and acupressure are better tolerated. A light massage combined with migraine pressure points may offer the greatest relief.

Gentle neck traction may alleviate migraine symptoms.

Just as each migraine sufferer is different, so should each treatment plan be unique. Massage therapists may draw on a variety of techniques to help clients who suffer from frequent migraines.

One study done by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine consisted of two groups of migraine sufferers.

The twelve people in the first group received twice weekly massages for five weeks. In this thirty minute massage, the therapist focused on the back of the neck, the base of the skull, and the head. Massage participants attended weekly massage sessions during Weeks 5 to 10. State anxiety, heart rates, and salivary cortisol were assessed before and after the sessions.

Those in the second group (14 people) were not treated. Members of both groups continued to take their prescribed migraine medication, and all kept logs of their pain.

Those who received massage reported fewer sleep disturbances and headaches. Almost 60% of them reported an entire month free of headaches, whereas only 40% of the control group reported the same results.

According to the study, compared to control participants, massage participants showed improvements in migraine frequency and sleep quality during the weeks in which they received massage and during the follow-up period. During sessions, massage induced decreases in state anxiety, heart rate, and cortisol.

Rob Joseph, Ph.D. relates that one systematic review research study showed that “physical manipulation” of the neck such as physiotherapy or massage was as effective as amitriptyline for migraines.

Researchers at the Department of Neuropsychiatry, Bootham Park Hospital, York UK studied the effects of either acupuncture or combined massage and relaxation on chronic headache. Participants were assigned to either acupuncture or massage with relaxation instead of a change to their prescribed medication.

With both treatments, participants reported a significant improvement in pain, but those migraine patients who were treated by massage with relaxation showed greater improvements than those patients who received acupuncture.

Other articles in this series:

Massage Therapy Shown to Reduce Tension Headaches
Migraine Techniques for Headache Relief