Headache & migraine support in Pennant Hills
If your headaches start in your neck, come with tight shoulders or a sore jaw, or seem to follow long days at the desk, we can help find the drivers and ease how often — and how hard — they hit.
- No GP referral needed
- AHPRA-registered osteopaths
- HICAPS on-the-spot claims
Many headaches start below the head
Not every headache is the same. Tension-type headaches and headaches coming from the neck (cervicogenic headaches) often respond well to osteopathic care. Migraines are a medical condition — we can’t cure them, but we can help with common triggers like neck and jaw tension.
Here’s what we believe:
- Get the diagnosis right. Different headaches need different care. We assess carefully and refer to your GP when needed.
- Your neck can refer pain to your head. Stiff upper neck joints and tight muscles can send pain into the head, temples and behind the eyes.
- Your jaw matters too. Clenching, grinding and jaw tension (TMJ) are common headache contributors.
- Triggers stack up. Sleep, stress, screen time, hydration and posture can combine to tip you over.
- Work with your doctor. For migraines, osteopathy complements — not replaces — medical care.
Sound familiar?
- Headaches that start at the base of your skull or one side of your neck
- A tight band around your head by the afternoon
- Headaches with stiff, sore shoulders
- Jaw clicking, clenching or grinding
- Headaches that follow long days at a screen
- Migraines with lots of neck and shoulder tension
What we commonly see
- Tension-type headaches
- Cervicogenic (neck) headaches
- Jaw (TMJ) related headaches
- Migraine with neck tension
- Desk & screen-related headaches
- Headaches after whiplash
Not sure if your pain fits? Call us on 0457 796 468 and we’ll let you know if we can help.
How we treat headaches & migraines
Every appointment follows our Assess, Plan, Treat framework — so you always know what’s happening and why.
Assess
A detailed headache history — type, frequency, triggers and medication use.
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We assess your neck, upper back, jaw and shoulders, check nerves and reflexes where needed, and screen carefully for warning signs that need medical review.
Plan
A clear explanation of what’s driving your headaches and how we’ll tackle it.
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We may suggest a headache diary to track triggers, and set goals around reducing how often and how hard headaches hit.
Treat
Ease neck and jaw tension, then build strength and habits that reduce recurrence.
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Gentle hands-on treatment, then deep neck and shoulder strengthening, plus practical changes to your work set-up, sleep and stress.
The tools we have at our disposal
We choose the right mix for you — every tool is there to ease pain, restore movement and get you back to what you love.
Hands-on osteopathy
Soft tissue work, joint mobilisation and, where appropriate, HVLA adjustments to ease pain and restore movement.
How it helps with headaches & migraines
Gentle mobilisation of the upper neck and upper back, soft tissue work for the neck, shoulders and jaw, and gentle cranial techniques where appropriate.
Hands-on care works best as part of a plan that includes exercise and advice.
Dry needling & cupping
Fine needles and suction cups used to settle tight, overactive muscles and trigger points.
How it helps with headaches & migraines
Dry needling of trigger points in the neck, shoulders and jaw muscles can ease muscle-related headache pain.
Studies show dry needling can reduce muscle-related pain in the short term, especially alongside exercise.
Low-level laser therapy
Painless light therapy that energises your cells to calm pain and support tissue healing.
How it helps with headaches & migraines
Laser calms tight, irritated neck and jaw muscles — common headache drivers — and is a gentle option when the area is too sore for much hands-on work.
Laser energises your cells’ mitochondria to support healing — a powerful adjunct to hands-on care and rehab.
Exercise rehab
A progressive program to rebuild strength, control and confidence — the part that keeps you better.
How it helps with headaches & migraines
Deep neck flexor and shoulder-blade strengthening — shown to help reduce neck-related headaches.
Exercise has the strongest research support for most musculoskeletal pain.
Education & self-care
Understanding your pain, what to do at home, and how to stop it coming back.
How it helps with headaches & migraines
Headache diaries, desk set-up, sleep, hydration and stress strategies to reduce your triggers.
Integrated naturopathy
For pain driven by inflammation, gut health, hormones or diet — with Dr Lydia Thompson, osteopath and naturopath.
How it helps with headaches & migraines
For headaches linked to hormones, diet or inflammation, integrated naturopathy with Dr Lydia Thompson can help.
What you can do right now
While you wait for your appointment, these simple steps help most people:
- Take regular breaks from screens
- Stay hydrated and keep regular meals
- Use heat on tight neck and shoulder muscles
- Keep a simple headache diary to spot triggers
- Prioritise regular sleep times
- Notice and relax jaw clenching during the day
When to see a doctor urgently
Most headaches aren’t serious, but call 000 or go to an emergency department if you have:
- A sudden, severe “thunderclap” headache — the worst of your life
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, rash or confusion
- Headache after a head injury
- Weakness, numbness, slurred speech, vision loss or trouble walking
- A new or changing headache pattern, especially if you’re over 50
- Headache that wakes you from sleep and keeps getting worse
Common questions
Do I need a GP referral to see an osteopath?
No. Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners, so you can book directly. If you have a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan or a WorkCover claim, bring your referral to your first visit.
Can I claim on my private health insurance?
Osteopathy is covered by most extras policies, and we offer on-the-spot claiming through HICAPS. Check with your fund for your level of cover.
Can an osteopath help with migraines?
Osteopathy can’t cure migraine, but many people with migraine also have neck and shoulder tension that can contribute. We work alongside your GP or neurologist.
How do I know if my headache is coming from my neck?
Neck-related headaches often start at the back of the head or one side, come with neck stiffness, and change with neck movement or posture. A thorough assessment helps confirm it.
Will you treat my jaw?
Yes, where appropriate. Jaw tension and clenching are common headache contributors, and we can include gentle jaw treatment and advice.
Related conditions
About osteopathy · All conditions we treat · Meet our osteopaths