Physiotherapy | Physiotherapy for headaches during pregnancy

Physiotherapy

In physiotherapy for headaches during pregnancy, the focus is on tension-dependent headaches. Through gentle massages, trigger point or fascial treatment, the connective tissue and muscles can be relaxed and the blood circulation stimulated. Heat treatments using red light or fango can also have a positive influence on headaches and at the same time relax the autonomic nervous system, which leads to general relaxation.

Also important are gentle mobilization and stretching exercises, which the pregnant woman should learn in order to be able to help herself actively and independently. In case of severe psychological stress, relaxation techniques and breathing exercises can be learned to achieve relief from headaches. In some cases, light physical activity such as loose treadmill training or bicycle ergometers can also have a positive effect on headaches. The therapy should be adapted to the needs of the pregnant woman. Posture training should always be part of the therapy to avoid unnecessary stress in addition to the weight of the growing child.

Exercises

Exercises that can help against headaches during pregnancy are loosening, relaxing exercises for the shoulder and neck muscles.You should look for a quiet environment and adopt a comfortable sitting posture. For headaches that are more stress-related or hormonal, relaxation exercises can still be helpful. Conscious deep breaths or certain relaxing positions, e.g. from the field of yoga (child position etc.)

can relax the body and relieve headaches. There are a variety of possible exercises, if you have found one that is good for you, it can of course be done prophylactically. In any case it is important to listen to your body.

Here you can find more information on this topic: Yoga for pregnant women In case of headaches that are rather stress-related or hormonal, relaxation exercises can still be helpful. Conscious deep breaths or certain relaxing positions, e.g. from the field of yoga (child position etc.) can relax the body and relieve headaches.

There are a variety of possible exercises, if you have found one that is good for you, it can of course be done prophylactically. In any case it is important to listen to your body. Here you can find more information on this topic: Yoga for pregnant women

  • Now tilt the head to the side so that the ear approaches the shoulder.

    In an extended semicircle, roll your head forward, with the chin across the chest and the other ear towards the other shoulder.

  • In the end positions, the position is held briefly. The exercise can be combined with breathing. In the end position the patient exhales.

    While the head is rolled to the other side, the inhalation takes place. The exercise gently stretches the neck muscles and improves blood circulation.

  • Stretching the lateral neck muscles can also help to relieve headaches during pregnancy. From an upright position the head is tilted to the side so that the neck muscles on the other side are stretched.

    The shoulder on the “long” side is deliberately pulled down towards the floor, so that the distance between shoulder and ear is as large as possible.

  • The head position can also be varied by carefully turning or lifting the head, whereby the pulling should be more noticeable in the muscles. You can assume several positions in which you feel comfortable. One position should be held for about 20 seconds. The breath flows calmly and deeply during the exercise. Then the other side is stretched.