Manual therapies for migraine: a systematic review.
Strong EvidenceIn Plain Language: migraines, explained
This systematic review examined multiple studies on manual therapies (including massage and similar hands-on treatments) for treating migraines. The researchers found that several manual therapy approaches showed promise in reducing migraine frequency and intensity, though the quality of evidence varies across different techniques.
Key Findings: what this systematic review found about migraines
- ✓Several manual therapy approaches demonstrated effectiveness in reducing both migraine frequency and intensity.
- ✓The quality of evidence supporting manual therapies for migraine treatment varies significantly across different techniques.
- ✓Manual therapies, including massage and hands-on treatments, show promise as potential migraine treatment options.
What This Means for You
Manual therapies like massage may help reduce migraines based on existing research, but you should discuss this as a complementary approach with your healthcare provider rather than a primary treatment.
What This Means for Practitioners
This systematic review supports including manual therapies in migraine management protocols, but practitioners should stay informed about which specific techniques have the strongest evidence and communicate realistic expectations to clients.
Migraines: common questions
What does this study say about migraines?
Manual therapies like massage may help reduce migraines based on existing research, but you should discuss this as a complementary approach with your healthcare provider rather than a primary treatment.
What did this study find?
Several manual therapy approaches demonstrated effectiveness in reducing both migraine frequency and intensity. The quality of evidence supporting manual therapies for migraine treatment varies significantly across different techniques. Manual therapies, including massage and hands-on treatments, show promise as potential migraine treatment options.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a systematic review and we rate its evidence strong. It was published in The journal of headache and pain. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.
Related Research
Efficacy of foot reflexology in reducing migraine pain: a randomized controlled trial
Spinal manipulations for migraine: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
Myofascial Release for the Treatment of Tension-Type, Cervicogenic Headache or Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Physical treatment of migraine.
The psychosocial impact of migraines on women and alternative therapies for migraine management
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