Reducing Migraines with Massage Therapy

By Anne Denk, RN, BSN

Migraines affect 37 million Americans, including men, women, and children. Migraines occur due to a variety of factors. While there are multiple pharmacological treatment options, studies have shown that several alternative treatments are beneficial. Massage therapy is one of these alternative treatment options that can reduce the symptoms of migraines.

Origins and Impacts of Migraines

Migraine headaches occur for many reasons. Contributing factors include stress, hyperactivity, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and exposure to bright lights. Migraines can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. Symptoms typically include a throbbing headache, nausea/vomiting, and/or sensitivity to light. These symptoms can disrupt daily activities, including your school day or workday. Students and adults might miss class or work due to migraines. People with migraines often skip social activities. Parents with migraines are sometimes unable to drive their children to activities or attend their sporting events. Migraines can be disruptive to your personal life.

Benefits of massage therapy

Massage therapy provides multiple benefits, including increased blood flow, reduced anxiety, and loosening of muscles. Increased blood flow improves circulation, meaning that nutrients and blood products are delivered appropriately throughout the body. This delivery helps with necessary functions, including temperature regulation and healing. Increased blood flow is linked with relaxation, which in turn helps to reduce anxiety. Combined, these factors contribute to decreasing muscle tension, which can reduce the neck/head muscle tension that might be contributing to migraines.

Receiving regular massages has been linked to experiencing reduced frequency of migraines and improved sleep. Reduced frequency of migraines means increased activity during the day. When you are migraine-free, you have an increased ability to participate in work and school. Therefore, you are not using as much sick leave or falling behind in classes. Fewer migraines also allow for increased social activities, which can benefit your mental health. With reduced migraines,  you can exercise regularly, which can help reduce additional comorbidities, such as elevated cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes. Improvement in sleep is vital to long-term well-being. Consistent sleep improves your brain function. It also affects you physically, from your breathing to your immune system to your overall cardiovascular health.

Conclusion

Massage has been linked to improving multiple health systems, including reducing migraines. Shiatsu massage is a recommended form of massage specifically for migraines. Shiatsu massage focuses on trigger points associated with the head and neck that may contribute to migraines. Massage therapy has also been shown to improve health by improving blood flow and sleep, and reducing anxiety. These types of factors can contribute to reducing migraines. Ask your doctor whether massage therapy might be beneficial for you.

References

Golden, K. M. (2017, May 23). Tackling migraines head on. American Massage Therapy Association. https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/tackling-migraines-head-on/ 

Lawler, S. P., & Cameron, L. D. (2006). A randomized, controlled trial of massage therapy as a treatment for migraine. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 50-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16827629/ 

Mayo Clinic. (2019, May 10). Headaches: Treatment depends on your diagnosis and symptoms. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-daily-headaches/in-depth/headaches/art-20047375 

National Institutes of Health. (2013, April). The benefits of slumber: Why you need a good night’s sleep. NIH News in Health. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/04/benefits-slumber 

Rostron, S. (2021). The effects of massage therapy on a patient with migraines and cervical spondylosis: A case report. The International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 14(3), 15–21. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8362828/ 

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