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Headache Physical Therapy Treatment

This sort of support is rare among doctors, yet is a regular practice and exemplary manifestation of the one-on-one attention given at Therapydia. I feel supported at Therapydia by the entire staff, from the physical therapists to the service provided by the administrative support team. When you look forward to coming in for a physical therapy appointment you know you have found something special.

– Neel M.

These guys are the best. There is a reason everyone gives them 5 stars. At first glance, it’s the personal attention really separates this practice from others. But then you find that not only does the team want to make sure you are getting their full attention, but they want to make sure you see results, too. I work with Jennifer, and she is terrific.

– Bridget R.

Dr Tim Vidale is a miracle worker. I have been with him for about 8 weeks and am amazed by the improvements throughout my neck, upper and lower back. He knows the human body like a map and can pinpoint targeted areas that need work/treatment. Dr Vidale has also been very helpful advising me on ergonomic positions while using the computer, as extended sitting was uncomfortable for me and wrote a letter on my behalf advising my employer to provide a standing desk. He obviously deeply cares about his patients, which is one of the many outstanding traits of his practice.

– Matt E.

What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?

Headaches that start and intensify at your forehead or around your eye sockets are often due to sinus pressure or irritation of the connective tissue in the brain. Headaches that start at the base of your neck and extend up your head, around your head or down into your neck are referred to as cervicogenic headaches (CGHs).


Headaches caused by sinus pressure or irritation of the connective tissue respond well to NSAIDs such as Advil or Tylenol. NSAIDs will inhibit the pain receptors for cervicogenic headaches, however it will not have a lasting effect as the muscle and joint limitations remain and the pain will return once the NSAIDs wears off. In order to make a positive, long-lasting change to a cervicogenic headache, you’ll need to change the tissues to correct the root of the cause of your CGHs.


• 47% of the global population suffers from a headache, and 15-20% of those are cervicogenic
• Up to 44% of CGH patients have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues as well

Causes of CGHs

    Your neck and head muscles are interconnected: your suboccipitals attach from the upper cervical spine to the base of the head, the upper trapezius attaches from the shoulder to the base of the head and the sternocleidomastoid attaches from the collarbone to the base of the skull. When one or more of these muscles to shorten and in turn “pull” at the base of the skull, it will cause CGHs.


    Causes of CGHs include:
    • Stress and fatigue
    • Poor posture
    • Sleeping habits
    • Carrying heavy items such as briefcases and luggage
    • Using a shoulder strap for a heavy purse or bag
    • Sitting/standing at poorly designed work stations


    Restoring joint mechanics of the locally involved segments and other near-by restricted segments are the goals of the physical therapist in helping to abolish cervicogenic headaches. Therapydia physical therapists use hands-on techniques that are massage-like, but go deeper to mobilize, release, manipulate joints and muscles to get to the source of your pain.

Why PT?

    A physical therapist will take a thorough subjective history, analyze static and dynamic posture and assess biomechanical components contributing to the cervicogenic headaches. The most significant role physical therapists can play is addressing the root cause of your headaches and work with you to improve your overall posture, your ergonomic work set up and give patient specific advice for positioning while riding in cars, carrying bags etc.
    Your physical therapy treatment may include:

    • Hands-on therapy techniques to manipulate and mobilize your muscles and joints for faster recovery
    • Progressive and gentle relaxation stretching to elongate the muscles
    • Custom exercise programs to strengthen the shoulder, neck and pericranial muscles, cranio-cervical
    • Postural correction to prevent cervicogenic headaches from coming back

About Therapydia DC

Better Physical Therapy Experience

At Therapydia DC, our physical therapists offer one-on-one, hands-on headache treatment. You’ll spend your entire with one of our expert therapists – we won’t hand you off to a PT assistant or aide. We’ll help you understand what’s causing your pain, what you can do to relieve your pain and ways to prevent reoccurring injuries. Best of all, you’re covered. Therapydia works with and provides billing for most PPO insurance groups and Medicare. We also accept cash-based payments.

  • Lifetime Wellness
  • Hands-On-Care
  • Quality Treatment
  • Tim Vidale, DPT
    Clinic Director
    and Physical Therapist
  • Jennifer Nelson, DPT
    Physical Therapist
  • Jane Kruszewksi, DPT
    Physical Therapist
  • Joanne Divito, DPT
    Physical Therapist

Schedule Your Appointment

Start your physical therapy treatment with Therapydia
Appointment Request

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or call us at (202) 833-1381