Assessment and Treatment of Headaches for Rehab Professionals

Headaches afflict nearly two-thirds of the world's population making them one of the most prevalent pain disorders. Cervicogenic headaches are uniquely suited for treatment by physical therapists using manual techniques, education, and therapeutic exercises. Thus, effective identification, diagnosis, and treatment are important to the rehab professional as improper identification may lead to ineffective treatment. Tension-type headaches and migraines are also common headache types that will be seen in rehabilitation settings. Knowing the differences between these three headache types and how to approach treatment and education for the patient will improve clinical outcomes.

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Athletic Trainers

Highlights

• Differentiate between common headache types seen in a rehabilitation setting
• Strategies to assess headache pain and guidance on when to refer
• Gain the knowledge and understanding to select appropriate treatment based on headache type