Tension-Type Headaches — A Physiotherapy Approach in Calgary
- Colin Bouma, PT, FCAMPT
- Nov 9
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever felt a dull, aching pressure in your temples or at the base of your skull, you’ve
likely experienced a tension-type headache (TTH). While not dangerous, they can be
persistent—and frustrating.
At our Calgary physiotherapy clinic, we help patients address the underlying causes of tension
headaches so they can get back to living headache-free.
What Are Tension-Type Headaches?
Tension-type headaches are the most common type of headache worldwide. They are typically
described as:
Dull, bilateral pressure or tightness
Often starting in the neck or base of the skull
Not worsened by physical activity
They differ from migraines, which are usually one-sided and involve throbbing, nausea, or light
sensitivity (Olesen et al., 2004).
Causes of Tension-Type Headaches
Tension-type headaches are often linked to:
1. Neck Muscle Tension and Trigger Points
Overactive upper trapezius, suboccipitals, and sternocleidomastoid muscles can refer pain to the
head (Fernández-de-las-Peñas et al., 2006).
2. Postural Strain
Slouched posture and forward head position increase neck load and muscle fatigue (Griegel-
Morris et al., 1992).
3. Stress and Anxiety
Emotional stress increases muscle tension and pain sensitivity (Cathcart et al., 2010).
4. Sleep Disruption and Poor Ergonomics
Improper sleep posture or desk setup can contribute to chronic muscle tension.
Symptoms of Tension-Type Headaches
Dull, aching pain in forehead, temples, or back of the head
Sensation of tightness or pressure
Tenderness in scalp, neck, or shoulder muscles
Fatigue or irritability
Physiotherapy Treatment for Headaches in Calgary
At our MacLeod Trail clinic, we offer individualized, evidence-based care to relieve
headaches and improve long-term function.
1. Comprehensive Assessment
We assess:
Cervical mobility
Muscle tension and trigger points
Postural habits and workstation setup
Breathing patterns and stress levels
2. Manual Therapy & Soft Tissue Release
Studies show that joint mobilizations and trigger point release reduce headache intensity and
frequency (Gross et al., 2011).
3. Postural Retraining
We improve spinal alignment, head positioning, and scapular control to reduce strain.
4. Targeted Strengthening
Deep neck flexor activation
Scapular stabilizer exercises (e.g., rows, retractions)
Endurance training to improve posture under load
5. Stress Reduction Techniques
Diaphragmatic breathing
Relaxation strategies
Sleep hygiene education
6. Ergonomic Coaching
We help you adjust your work setup, pillow, and sitting posture to prevent recurrence.
What You Can Do at Home
Take microbreaks every 30–60 minutes
Use a cervical roll or support pillow
Practice deep neck flexor exercises (e.g. chin tucks)
Apply heat to tight muscles
Stay hydrated and limit caffeine if sensitive
Why Choose Us for Headache Physiotherapy in Calgary?
Located at 8989 MacLeod Trail SW, we serve patients across South Calgary,
including Haysboro, Kingsland, Fairview, and Acadia. Our team offers personalized, effective
care designed to treat the root cause—not just mask the symptoms.
Book Your Headache Assessment Today
You don’t need to live with chronic tension headaches. Let our Calgary physiotherapists help you
get back to clear thinking, restful sleep, and pain-free days.
Bibliography
Cathcart, S., Winefield, A. H., Lushington, K., & Rolan, P. (2010). Stress and tension-
type headache mechanisms. Cephalalgia, 30(10), 1250–1267.
Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., Alonso-Blanco, C., Cuadrado, M. L., & Pareja, J. A. (2006).
Trigger points in the suboccipital muscles and forward head posture in tension-type
headache. Headache, 46(3), 454–460. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00342.x
Griegel-Morris, P., Larson, K., Mueller-Klaus, K., & Oatis, C. A. (1992). Incidence of
common postural abnormalities in the cervical, shoulder, and thoracic regions and their
association with pain in two age groups of healthy subjects. Physical Therapy, 72(6),
425–431. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/72.6.425
Gross, A. R., Langevin, P., Burnie, S. J., Bedard-Brochu, M. S., Empey, B., Dzugan, S.
S., … & Forget, M. (2011). Manipulation and mobilization for neck pain contrasted
against an inactive control or another active treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic
Reviews, 2010(1), CD004249. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004249.pub3
Olesen, J., Bousser, M. G., Diener, H. C., Dodick, D., First, M., Goadsby, P. J., … &
Lipton, R. B. (2004). New appendix criteria open for a broader concept of chronic
migraine. Cephalalgia, 26(6), 742–746. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.2006.01161.x
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