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Specialized ​HeadacheTreatment
​“Headaches are a pain in the neck!”  While this may seem to just be a saying, we know there’s a lot of truth behind it.

​​Symptoms in the head, face, and jaw most often stem from the neck, or more specifically, the cervical spine. These symptoms can be any number of things, including pain, soreness, achiness, tightness, numbness, tingling, tooth pain, jaw pain, dry or watery eyes, tight or sore sinuses, vision changes, nausea, fullness or ringing in the ears…the list goes on and on. 

So how can all of these different symptoms come from a neck problem?  ​Small muscles at the base of the skull, called suboccipitals, can become very tight. When they are tight, they put pressure on the tissues nearby, which include nerves from the brain and cervical spine.  In addition, if there is a problem in the lower neck, this can cause miscommunication from this part of the spine to the base of the skull, causing the same symptoms.
In nearly every case, bad posture of the head on the body is the reason. The longer someone is in a position that is out of “neutral” alignment, like having the head forward or looking down, the more irritation to the structures mentioned above, and the worse the headache becomes. 

How do you fix the problems?

If you suffer from chronic headaches, migraines, and/or TMJ pain you know they rarely just go away on their own, and they tend to get worse over time the longer you let them. 

It takes a very detailed and specific examination by a trained physical therapist to first see what part of the neck your symptoms are coming from. After that, your physical therapist will instruct you what specific posture and exercise your neck needs in order to make your symptoms go away in the correct order, or centralize. The therapists at Whitefish Therapy have been extensively trained in this technique, and can guide you in the right path towards getting rid of your headaches.
Just one of our many patient testimonials about these physical therapy treatments:
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​"When I started physical therapy, I was experiencing neck pain and headaches practically every day, especially waking up in the morning.  The pain would continue for the rest of the day, in a variety of intensities.  ​I had a history of 40 years of headaches, ranging from minor headaches to migraines. Throughout the years, I sought relief in acupuncture, diet, exercise, meditation, etc. with practically no positive result. Physical therapy has definitely reduced my headaches and neck problems by 90%.  Literally, what a relief it is to be free of a 'pain in the neck'!"

Here is a list of how Scott Ruta has dealt skillfully with the problem: 
• Identifying the source of the problem: in my case, the neck, among others. 
• Setting a regular schedule of appointments for consultation and therapy massages. 
• Creating a personalized exercise program to do at home in a precise and disciplined way. 
• Regular follow up and supervision of the exercises done at home. 
• Correction in postures when standing, walking and sitting down. 
• Finding the best posture to sleep, including the use of pillows, rolls, and different postures. 
• Identification and awareness of the “trigger points” that can generate the headache and how to deal with it. 

Correctly identifying and classifying each and every one of the points mentioned above requires a skillful, talented, dedicated professional who understands his patient and knows how to carefully and patiently listen, sometimes even to the absurd details of how and why a headache is generated.  Scott Ruta, I admire your wonderful performance as my therapist, and please know how forever thankful I am for your perseverance and true interest in my case."  ~Lili Anne
​“My treatment for headaches has been life changing. I suffered from migraine headaches for over 20 years. I was having two to three episodes a month when I began treatment. The first goal we had was to get me off my medication, I did not think it would be possible, but I was medication free in a month!  I had taken migraine medicine for years so this was a huge success and motivator for me to be diligent in my treatment and exercises. The strategies and exercises to relieve my discomfort and pain have made me stronger and healthier.  Not only did we work on my posture and strength, Scott looked at all areas in my life that could be triggering my headaches and I made changes where it was needed. It’s amazing to me how making small changes in how I did things in my everyday life could have such a huge impact on my health. I no longer suffer from regular headaches; I have been medication free for over a year, and I have confidence in knowing what I need to do if I get one.  Seeking treatment for my headaches through Physical therapy has not only brought me relief but it is healing me. I am extremely grateful for the care and time vested in me.”   ~ Amanda W.