Headaches Wasilla

Headache Treatment

Headache and Migraine Treatment in Wasilla, Alaska

Headaches are quite common but the condition is poorly understood. There is a stark difference between minor headaches that ruin your day and severe headaches that keep you from functioning. The problem must be defined appropriately to get results with headache treatment. There are three major categories of headaches:

Primary headaches – Includes the main types of headaches: Migraines, Cluster, Tension headaches. Migraines typically involve a prodrome which is a signal of the oncoming headache. Cluster headaches are quite rare but can be debilitating. Both of these types of headaches are typically treated with medication. Tension headaches are typically related to improper posture, tight muscles and limited neck mobility.

Secondary headaches – Involves headaches caused by conditions or problems in the head and neck. These are problems that typically require a thorough medical evaluation to rule out serious pathology.

Cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches- Neuralgia means nerve pain, hence cranial neuralgia is caused by inflammation or irritation of the nerves in the head and upper neck. Facial pain and a variety of other causes for headache are included in this category.

All headaches are multi-factorial– meaning that more than one structure or system is involved. For instance, tight and irritated trapezius muscles along with restricted facet joints in the neck could lead to Tension Headaches. While the limits in different systems (metabolic, emotional, muscular, etc) could lead to migraines. In either case, the symptoms are poorly patterned and injured structures are difficult to isolate.

The challenge with headaches is pinpointing which structures are involved and determining the most promising treatments. Lack of specific diagnosis and treatment may be the reason headaches tends to become chronic. Northern Edge Physical Therapy understands the challenges faced by those suffering headaches and seeking headache or migraine treatment in Wasilla. Our examination is designed to be specific allowing us to identify structures which are either causing pain or delaying healing. Our headache treatment plan is directed towards the pain and the barriers to healing. We offer specialized programs to help achieve pain-relief and enhance performance.

    WHY DO I HURT?

    • Here is what happens: The problem is rarely isolated to one area or a single structure. Often the headache is caused by the sum of many problems involving the musculoskeletal system (muscles, ligaments and joints) and other systems. The problem can be debilitating when the symptoms begin to limit activity and affect quality of life.
    • Until you get better: Movement is the fuel of all life and promotes healing. Some movement is better than none especially in the case of headaches. Healing is often delayed in situations where anxiety and fear of re-injury prevents movement.
    • Repeat injury: Inflammation prevents nutrients from reaching injured tissues. Some inflammation is natural during the healing process but it can become excessive and persistent due to inactivity, stress, repeated trauma and lack of treatment. Other weakened or deconditioned areas not affected by the original injury can become painful and limited due to persistent inflammation and lack of movement.
    • Trigger pain reflex: Pain triggers a reflexive change in movement patterns. Movement becomes unnatural and leads to imbalanced posture, uncontrolled motion and excessive guarding. Pain can easily become a training aide that reshapes movement patterns and alters muscle activation in efforts to protect and shield tissues/joints from further injury. However, just like inflammation this pain driven reflex can become excessive and persistent.

      “Been coming here for a 8 months using dry needling with Garrick. It has helped my headaches better then anything in the last 10 years. Highly recommended!”

      Jacob Philbin

      “Just had my third visit and already feeling better love the friendly and helpful staff”

      Wanda “Sharee Love” Ballard

      “The best PT office in the Valley!  Excellent staff from front office to physical therapists and exercise specialists.  Highly recommend!  They treat each patient individually meeting specific needs.”

       Kathy Voran

      “This was the best experience I’ve ever had at a medical clinic, and that’s no exaggeration.”

       James Wallace

      How We Treat It

      Fortunately, we have effective treatments for headaches. At Northern Edge Physical Therapy, our team of skilled and compassionate professionals will create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs and goals. This may include a combination of exercises to improve strength and flexibility, manual therapy to reduce inflammation and pain, and education on proper posture and body mechanics to prevent future flare-ups.

      What You Can Do

      Don’t let headaches control your life any longer. Book an appointment at Northern Edge Physical Therapy today and start your journey to recovery. Our team is ready to help you overcome this condition and get back to living your best life. Plus, the sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances are of a quick and successful recovery. Don’t delay – book your appointment at Northern Edge Physical Therapy now.

      Meet Your Provider

      Dr. Garrick Herr

      Garrick has always has a passion for helping others and has helped many recover from recurring headaches. It only took a brief job shadow to start him on the path to becoming a physical therapist. He completed Bachelors of Science Degree in Health Promotion from Canadian University College in Alberta Canada. During college, he managed to find time to play competitive hockey and become director for a local youth mentorship program.

      Garrick graduated in 2006 with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy Degree from Loma Linda University in California. He knew Alaska was the place to call home. He moved to Wasilla and started practicing Physical Therapy with an emphasis on Orthopedics.

      Over the last decade Garrick has cared for thousands of clients in the Mat-Su Valley. He has attended hundreds of hours of continuing education, and works closely with clients to help them overcome pain and functional limits so they can return to work and get back to enjoying all that Alaska has to offer.

      Garrick believes that helping people goes beyond the walls of the clinic, he has given his time volunteering for local groups such as; Family Promise, Walk for Hope, Special Olympics, and coaching local youth hockey organizations.

      In his spare time he enjoys backcountry snowboarding, hockey, snow-machining, flying, and spending time in nature with his young family.

      Get The Care You Need

      Booking an appointment is easy. Either give us a call or click the button below to fill out a new patient form. We look forward to seeing you soon!