Holistic treatment for headaches in Manchester
Are you tired of relying on painkillers for recurring headaches or Migraines? Many persistent headaches and migraines are linked to a complex combination of physical tension, nervous system imbalances, and emotional stress. Our clinic combines the postural structural expertise of Osteopathy with the physiological neuro-chemical benefits of Acupuncture.
Both approaches are recognised for their effectiveness. Acupuncture is specifically recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) as a key non-drug option for the prophylactic (preventative) treatment of both chronic tension-type Headaches and Migraines.
This combination of treatment both carried out in each session addresses the physical, physiological, and emotional causes of your headache.
A Dual Approach: Addressing the Physical, Emotional, and Neurological causes of Headaches and Migraines
While each therapy is highly effective on its own, their synergy provides a more comprehensive, long-term solution for chronic sufferers:
- Structural and Physiological: Osteopathy addresses the postural "mechanical" joint restrictions and muscle guarding in the neck and shoulders. Simultaneously, Acupuncture modulates the "physiological" pain pathways, helping to desensitise the Trigeminal nucleus (the brain's migraine control centre).
- Breaking the Chronic pain cycle: We treat the immediate physical tension while addressing the underlying nervous system stress and neuroinflammation that often keep the headache cycle recurring.
- Immediate Relief & Long-Term Stability: Osteopathy provides immediate symptomatic relief from pain, stiffness and restricted movement. In contrast, a structured course of Acupuncture promotes deeper, lasting pain relief by retraining how your brain processes pain.
- Personalized Care: We tailor every session to your specific symptoms. Whether you suffer from Chronic Migraines, Tension-Type Headaches, or Cervicogenic (neck-related) pain, each treatment plan is designed for the sufferer's unique triggers.
How We Help You Find Relief
1. Osteopathy: Addressing the Structural Cause
Osteopathy focuses on the musculoskeletal system to resolve postural physical triggers of your pain.
- Release Muscle Tension/knots in muscles: Soft-tissue massage and stretching loosen tight muscles in the neck, scalp, and shoulders that often contribute to tension-type headaches. Knots/trigger points in the muscles of the neck and head (the most common are shown in the diagram below) are very often the cause of tension headaches and a strong contributor to Migraines.
- Improve Joint Mobility: Mobilization of the cervical spine (neck) and upper back reduces pressure on nerves and improves overall alignment.
- Enhance Circulation: By removing mechanical restrictions, osteopathy helps improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage to the head.
- Postural Correction: We assess desk ergonomics and daily habits to prevent the recurrence of strain-related pain.
For more information on how Osteopathy relieves headaches, click here
2. Acupuncture: Calming Pain, reducing stress, balancing mood
Acupuncture is recognized for its ability to regulate the body's natural healing systems and emotional state.
- Natural Pain Relief: Inserting fine, sterile needles stimulates the nervous system to release endorphins and serotonin, your body’s natural painkillers and mood stabilizers.
- Reduce Anxiety & Stress: By lowering cortisol (stress hormone) levels, acupuncture helps shift your body from "fight-or-flight" into a relaxed state. This is vital, as anxiety and mood fluctuations are primary triggers for many migraine sufferers.
- Interrupt Pain Signals: Acupuncture helps "block" pain signals from reaching the brain, offering relief during acute episodes.
- Target Trigger Points: We release stubborn "knots" (trigger points) in the muscles that cause referred pain into the head.
- Holistic support; Aids in improving sleep and overall wellbeing.
For more information on how Acupuncture relieves headaches and migraines, click here
Common Conditions We Treat
- Migraines: Reducing the frequency, severity, and duration of attacks.
- Tension-Type Headaches: Relieving that "tight band" feeling around the head, and reducing stress and anxiety.
- Cervicogenic Headaches: Headaches originating from neck stiffness or past injuries.
- Stress & Mood-Related Pain: Addressing headaches linked to anxiety, sleep issues, and emotional tension.
Insurance & Professional Standards
Most major health insurers cover our treatments. As policies vary (particularly regarding "Eastern approach" coverage), we recommend verifying your benefits with your provider directly. If there are any problems, please discuss them with us and we can find an approach that will insure you are fully covered.
Mark is a registered professional with:
- General Osteopathy Council (Registration No. 7003)
- British Medical Acupuncture Society (Registration No. 38529)
- Specialist Training: Advanced Eastern acupuncture techniques from Si Jaun College.
Are you struggling with persistent headaches? Looking for a more holistic treatment? Contact Manchester Osteopathy for more information.
0161 270 0426 or 07976 254 439











