Neck, Jaw, and Head Massage May be Effective in Reducing Frequency of Chronic Tension Headaches

A case series published in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork aimed to investigate whether massage therapy interventions for chronic tension type headaches (CTTH) were more effective when muscles of the anterior neck, jaw, and cranium were included.

Four female clients suffering CTTH received six predetermined massage therapy interventions for 45 minutes each over a period of three weeks. Two subjects received interventions addressing shoulder, posterior neck, and occiput muscles; the other two subjects received interventions addressing the same areas, as well as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, temporalis, and masseter muscles.

The treatment consisted of myofascial trigger point release, neuromuscular therapy, and consideration of central sensitization mechanisms present in CTTH.

All four subjects experienced a reduction in headache frequency, and three subjects reported continued improvements after study completion. The subjects who received jaw, neck, and head massage had greater decreases in headache frequency and headache disability inventory scores.

These results suggest that including neck, jaw, and head muscles in massage treatment strategies for chronic tension headaches may increase effectiveness of the treatment.

Read the full study here.

Category: 

News

Nevada Introduces Massage Compact Bill

The Nevada legislature introduced Senate Bill 270, the Massage Compact, in March 2023. If you believe an interstate license would benefit massage therapists, write a letter to your representatives.

Blog

Eight Reasons Why I Love Being a Massage Therapist

Love Being a Massage Therapist

Taking inspiration from a recent ABMP Facebook thread on the subject, freelance writer and LMT Cindy Williams put together a list of her top eight things she loves about being a massage therapist.

Benefits

Podcast: Humbitious: Low-ego, high-drive Leadership

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by professor and author Dr. Amer Kaissi to discuss how humility and ambition converge to make a great leader, the interesting dynamic between self-awareness and humility, and behaviors we can all learn to develop humble leadership within ourselves.

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Milady

Raise awareness of domestic abuse, human trafficking, and practical infection control through Milady’s “Client Well-Being & Safety,” a free training available to ABMP members.

Please note: We have recently updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Learn more...