Condition guide

Head Pain Physiotherapy

Assessment for musculoskeletal head pain presentations, including tension-related patterns linked to neck and upper back dysfunction.

Headaches have many possible explanations, and neck discomfort does not by itself identify the cause. Where assessment suggests a musculoskeletal contribution, physiotherapy may address the associated movement problem. New, changing or severe headaches need medical advice; sudden extreme pain or new weakness needs emergency help rather than a routine appointment.

This guide is general information and does not replace a clinical assessment.

When to get urgent help

Call 999 or go to A&E for a sudden extremely painful headache, or a headache with a seizure, new weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking or walking, loss of vision, or a very high temperature with a stiff neck. See the NHS headache guidance for other urgent symptoms.

NHS: Headaches

Book an appointment 020 7511 3550

Common Symptoms

Head pain linked to neck stiffness or posture

Pain worsened by prolonged desk work or stress

Tension across temples, forehead, or back of head

Associated neck or upper shoulder discomfort

Seek Prompt Medical Advice If You Have

Sudden severe headache unlike previous episodes

Headache with neurological symptoms, confusion, or fainting

Headache after significant head trauma

Persistent headache with fever, visual change, or vomiting

If you are unsure, call NHS 111 or seek urgent medical care.

Assessment

Discuss the headache's onset, location, duration and effect on everyday activity

Check for a changed headache pattern or warning symptoms that need medical assessment first

Explore whether neck movement relates to symptoms, without assuming the neck is the cause

Consider a headache diary and relevant GP advice when agreeing the next step

Treatment

Neck movement or exercise work only where assessment identifies a suitable musculoskeletal problem

Practical changes to screen work and prolonged positions if these aggravate associated neck discomfort

Explanation of symptom patterns without presenting one posture or exercise as a universal solution

Review of headache frequency and daily function, with medical review if the presentation changes

Aftercare & self-management

At your appointment, agree which exercises to do, how often to practise them and when to review your progress.

Record when headaches happen, how long they last and any accompanying symptoms

Take breaks from prolonged screen work and maintain comfortable everyday movement

Keep meals and fluids regular and consider whether sleep or stress affects your symptoms

Use this page's urgent-help guidance for warning symptoms; do not wait for physiotherapy

Plan your visitClinic, prices, insurance and home visits

Your clinic & directions: Newham clinic, Plaistow
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow, London E13 8SD
Self-pay: £60 for a 30-minute physiotherapy appointment.
Prices & self-pay
Health insurance: Cover depends on your plan and chosen physiotherapist.
Insurance & cash-plan guidance

Would a home visit suit you better?

If getting to the clinic is difficult, explore physiotherapy at your visit address. Suitability depends on your condition, care needs, travel and the available clinician; the clinic price and insurance arrangements above do not automatically apply to home treatment.

Explore relevant home care Check home-visit options

Frequently Asked Questions

Can physiotherapy treat all headaches?+

No. Physiotherapy helps selected musculoskeletal headache patterns. We screen and signpost when medical review is needed.

How do you assess if head pain is neck-related?+

We assess symptom behaviour, neck movement, and trigger patterns to identify possible cervicogenic contribution.

Should I keep working at a desk with symptoms?+

If symptoms have been assessed and desk work is tolerable, changing position and taking screen breaks may help. New, worsening or unusual headaches need medical advice rather than being assumed to come from desk work.