Tension Headache Treatment

If you regularly experience headaches linked with neck tightness, posture, stress or long hours at a desk, our experienced team can help identify contributing factors, relieve symptoms and create a plan for lasting improvement.

Tension Headache Treatment Adelaide | Physio for Headaches St Marys

tension headache Treatment in Adelaide

What Are Tension Headaches?

Tension headaches are one of the most common headache types. They are often associated with neck stiffness, muscular tension, jaw clenching, stress, fatigue or prolonged sitting. They may feel mild and nagging or severe enough to affect concentration, work performance and day-to-day life.

Common Symptoms of Tension Headaches

You may notice:

  • Dull, aching head pain
  • Tight band feeling around the head
  • Pressure at the forehead or temples
  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Tight shoulders
  • Headaches after desk work
  • Headaches later in the day
  • Jaw tension or clenching
  • Reduced concentration
  • Frequent recurring headaches 
Book Appointment

What Can Contribute to Tension Headaches?

Several factors may play a role, including:

  • Neck joint stiffness
  • Muscle tension in the neck, jaw or shoulders
  • Poor workstation setup
  • Long periods sitting
  • Stress or poor sleep
  • Eye strain
  • Reduced neck strength/endurance
  • Jaw clenching
  • Low physical activity levels

A proper assessment can help identify the key drivers of your symptoms.

Possible Causes of Headache Symptoms

Headaches can occur for a number of reasons. Symptoms may relate to:

  • Tension headaches
  • Cervicogenic headaches (neck-related)
  • Jaw dysfunction (TMJ)
  • Migraine
  • Stress-related headaches
  • Postural headaches
  • Sinus-related headaches

An assessment can help determine the most likely contributors and whether further medical review is appropriate.

How Physiotherapy Can Help Tension Headaches


Our physiotherapists combine hands-on treatment with targeted rehabilitation to help ease headaches now and reduce recurrence over time.

You won’t simply be handed generic exercises and sent away. Where appropriate, treatment may include:

  • Hands-on treatment for neck stiffness and pain
  • Soft tissue therapy for tight muscles
  • Joint mobilisation
  • Postural correction strategies
  • Movement retraining
  • Neck and upper back strengthening
  • Workstation and ergonomic advice
  • Headache prevention strategies

Once symptoms settle, we guide you through personalised rehab to build a stronger, more resilient body and better manage future flare-ups.



Book Appointment

Advanced Assessment & Rehab Technology



For selected clients, we may use laser headlamp assessment to improve head and neck movement control, posture awareness and joint position sense. This can be useful when headaches are associated with neck dysfunction, poor movement control or movement sensitivity.

How Remedial Massage & Myotherapy Can Help

Massage and myotherapy may assist by:

  • Reducing neck and shoulder tension
  • Releasing jaw, temple or upper back tightness
  • Improving circulation and mobility
  • Supporting relaxation and stress management
  • Helping reduce recurring muscular overload

These services can work very well alongside physiotherapy.

How Exercise Rehabilitation Can Help

Exercise rehab can help reduce recurrence and improve resilience.

Programs may include:

  • Deep neck flexor strengthening
  • Postural endurance work
  • Shoulder blade control exercises
  • Thoracic mobility drills
  • Breathing and relaxation strategies
  • Gradual return to gym/activity planning 

Why Choose Active Balance Physio & Wellness?

Experienced multidisciplinary team

Physio-led integrated care


Physio, massage, myo & rehab under one roof

Individualised treatment plans

Friendly, caring team focused on results


Convenient Adelaide location


After-hours appointments available

Frequently Asked Questions


Can physio really help headaches?

Yes, especially when headaches are related to neck stiffness, posture, muscle tension or jaw loading.


Is massage good for tension headaches?

Massage may help reduce muscular tension and improve comfort as part of a broader treatment plan.


How many sessions will I need?

This depends on how long symptoms have been present, how frequent they are and the contributing factors involved.


Do I need scans?

Not always. Many tension headaches can be managed conservatively, though further medical review may sometimes be recommended.

When Should I Seek Urgent Medical Attention?


Seek prompt medical review if you experience:

  • Sudden severe headache
  • New neurological symptoms
  • Visual changes
  • Fever or illness
  • Headache after trauma
  • Persistent worsening headaches
  • Unexplained vomiting
  • Headaches very different from your usual pattern 

Ready to Get on Top of Your Headaches?

Book with our team today and start a personalised plan to reduce headaches, ease tension and feel better consistently.