Physio for Tension Headaches in Brisbane City
If your head tightens by mid-afternoon, screens blur and your neck feels like concrete you’re not alone. Tension-type headaches are the most common primary headache worldwide and a major cause of lost productivity for office workers. Headache disorders affect approximately 40% of people globally in a given year, with tension type headaches responsible for a large share. Most cases are benign and respond to simple, active strategies.
At AHF Physiotherapy in Brisbane City, we help office workers to get on top of headaches with practical changes that fit work life through targeted exercise, ergonomic tweaks you’ll actually use, and hands-on care. All wrapped in a plan that follows current guidelines and coordinates with your GP if needed.
What is a tension headache, really?
Think steady, pressing, “tight headband” pain (usually on both sides), mild to moderate in strength, and not made dramatically worse by normal activity.
Nausea is uncommon; some people notice either light or sound sensitivity.
Episodes can last from 30 minutes to 7 days, and they may pop up occasionally – or most days if things have turned chronic.
Recognising the symptoms of tension-type headaches
Symptoms vary from person to person, but most people describe tension headache pain as:
- Dull, aching, band-like head pain on both sides (often temples and forehead)
- Tightness in the scalp, neck or shoulders, often worse after long screen blocks
- Fatigue through the upper back/neck: you keep rubbing the same spots
- sensitive to sound and/or light
Book an appointment at our Brisbane City physiotherapy clinic if headaches are frequent, impact work or sleep, or are provoked by desk time, posture or muscle tension. An experienced physio can assess neck and shoulder mechanics, screen for red flags, tailor exercises, and optimise your desk and daily habits to reduce frequency and intensity.
What Causes Tension Headaches?
Tension headaches usually come about from a mix of biological and environmental factors, including:
- postural strain
- prolonged screen time
- neck/shoulder muscle tension
- Jaw Pain/TMJ
- stress, anxiety and poor sleep
- eye strain
- dehydration
It’s rarely just one thing – so treatment works best when it tackles a few pieces at once. In many cases, people respond very well to targeted physiotherapy.
Tension Headache Treatment at AHF Physiotherapy Brisbane CBD
Think of your headache as a system problem, not a single sore spot. We treat the whole system: neck and shoulders, your desk setup, your weekly load, and how your nervous system handles stress. It’s practical, evidence-led and designed for busy office workers in Brisbane City. Our treatment plan includes:
- Targeted exercise: We coach neck and scapular strength, mobility and motor control. Research shows that structured neck and shoulder exercise plus education can cut headache days and impact, with benefits that outlast the treatment block.
- Ergonomics: Small workstation tweaks and micro-break routines unload sensitised tissues for desk workers.
- Hands-on therapy: Mobilisation and soft-tissue work can help some people when combined with active care. Think of it as a way to calm things down while you build capacity, not a stand-alone fix.
- Stress, breath and the nervous system: Headaches often flare with deadlines, poor sleep and jaw clenching. We teach breathing, pacing and relaxation skills that slot into a real workday - practical tools to turn the volume down.
- Dry needling: For frequent episodic or chronic TTH, dry needling can help as an adjunct to your plan. We’ll discuss pros/cons and whether it suits your situation.
Ready to have fewer headache days?
You don’t have to push through another afternoon headache. Get a tailored physio plan – smart ergonomics tweaks, a personalised exercises plan, and hands-on support when you most need it. Book a same-day appointment with our Brisbane City physios.
FAQ
No. Physiotherapists are primary contact practitioners in Australia. You can book directly on our website or call us to get an appointment today.
Yes – programs that target the neck and shoulder (mobility, motor control, strength) can reduce headache days and intensity, especially when paired with education and habit changes. Evidence from trials and systematic reviews supports exercise-based care for tension type headaches.
Any time headaches cluster around desk work, keep returning despite self-care, or limit work, training or sleep. We’ll assess the neck, jaw and upper-back mechanics, screen for red flags, tailor exercise and ergonomics, and coordinate care if needed.
Migraines are often throbbing, can be one-sided, and commonly bring nausea plus light and sound sensitivity. Tension headaches feel pressing and tight, are usually bilateral, and routine activity is still generally doable. If features point to migraine (or you’re unsure), we’ll help you triage and coordinate with your GP.
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