Condition guide
Tension Headache Physiotherapy
Information about tension-type headaches and assessment for associated neck symptoms, including when medical advice should come first.
Tension-type headaches often feel like pressure or tightness and may occur alongside neck discomfort. They are not automatically caused by a neck problem, and migraine can have overlapping symptoms. Assessment should consider headache pattern, sleep and daily impact before deciding whether physiotherapy for accompanying neck symptoms is appropriate.
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: HeadachesCommon Symptoms
Dull, tightening head pain or pressure
Headache with neck and shoulder tension
Symptoms linked to prolonged screen work
Repeated episodes of head pressure or tightness, sometimes with tenderness
Seek Prompt Medical Advice If You Have
Sudden thunderclap headache
Headache with speech, balance, or visual disturbance
Persistent headache following head injury
New severe headache with fever or neck stiffness
If you are unsure, call NHS 111 or seek urgent medical care.
Assessment
Review how often headaches occur, their severity and whether ordinary activity changes them
Ask about nausea, light sensitivity or other features that may suggest a different headache type
Assess associated neck stiffness or movement difficulties when relevant to the symptoms
Discuss sleep, stress and a headache diary, and identify when GP review is needed
Treatment
Explanation of which accompanying neck symptoms may suit physiotherapy and which need GP care
Selected neck or shoulder movement work for an identified problem, not a cure for every headache
Support for varying screen-work positions and keeping up tolerable general activity
Review of headache frequency and everyday function to judge whether the approach is helping
Aftercare & self-management
At your appointment, agree which exercises to do, how often to practise them and when to review your progress.
Keep a brief record of headaches and possible triggers to discuss with your clinician
Consider relaxing activities and a consistent sleep routine rather than repeatedly checking posture
Seek GP advice for frequent or severe headaches, or if self-care is not helping
Follow the urgent-help advice for a sudden severe headache or new neurological symptoms
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tension headache the same as migraine?+
No. Symptoms can overlap, but they are different conditions. We assess patterns and advise GP review where needed.
Can posture affect headache frequency?+
Neck discomfort and long spells in one position may accompany headaches, but posture alone does not establish the cause. Recurrent or changing headaches should be discussed with a GP.
What does treatment include?+
Treatment may include neck mobility work, symptom education, and exercise to reduce recurrent strain.
Related care and guides
Further reading
For public health information, self-care guidance and advice on when to seek medical help:
About your care at Nexus: meet our physiotherapists and read our clinical governance information.