Headaches aren’t always just about stress, dehydration, or bad sleep.
For many people in Etobicoke, persistent headaches are a sign of underlying tension in the neck, shoulders, or jaw — and massage therapy with an RMT may be one of the most effective, non-invasive ways to manage them.
Common Types of Headaches
There are many causes of headaches, but the most frequent ones we see in clinic include:
1. Tension Headaches
– Caused by tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
– Often triggered by stress, poor posture, or working long hours at a desk
– Feels like a dull, squeezing pressure on both sides of the head or behind the eyes
2. Cervicogenic Headaches
– Originates from dysfunction in the neck (cervical spine)
– Pain often starts in the neck and radiates upward to the head
– Common after whiplash, injuries, or long-term posture issues
3. Migraine-Associated Tension
– While migraines have a neurological component, they are often accompanied or triggered by muscle tension
– Massage may help reduce the frequency and severity when included in a full management plan
How RMT Massage Helps with Headaches
Massage therapy is not a painkiller — it’s targeted physical care that addresses the root cause of many recurring headaches.
Here’s how an RMT can help:
| Issue | How Massage Therapy Helps |
|---|---|
| Neck & shoulder tightness | Releases tension and improves mobility |
| Jaw clenching / TMJ strain | Gentle techniques reduce jaw muscle strain & grinding |
| Poor posture (tech neck) | Rebalances postural muscles that cause cervicogenic pain |
| Circulation issues | Boosts blood flow, easing pressure and inflammation |
| Stress-induced headaches | Calms the nervous system and lowers overall tension |
Every treatment is customized. Your RMT will assess where your tension originates and use techniques such as:
Trigger point therapy
Myofascial release
Deep tissue massage
Scalp and neck work
Passive stretches
When Should You See an RMT for Headaches?
You don’t need to wait for the pain to become unbearable.
Massage therapy is often most effective when used preventatively or at early stages of tension.
You should consider seeing an RMT if:
You have frequent headaches that aren’t fully relieved by rest or hydration
Your headaches tend to follow periods of stress, long workdays, or poor sleep
You also feel tension or pain in your neck, upper back, or jaw
You’ve already ruled out serious causes with your physician
RMT Massage Is a Recognized Headache Treatment in Ontario
Unlike general spa massage, only Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are licensed in Ontario to assess and treat pain-related conditions.
They are trained in clinical anatomy, neurology, and soft tissue dysfunction, and their services are covered by most extended health insurance plans.
