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Health & Fitness

HD PHYSICAL THERAPY Recognizes June as Migraine & Headache Awareness Month #MHAM

June 1 is the start of Migraine & Headache Awareness Month. Over 37 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with migraine. Although 47% of the adult population experience headaches annually, these disorders are poorly recognized and inadequately treated. Purple is the recognized color for Migraine and Headache Awareness. That is why the National Headache Foundation is standing up to “show purple” during June. We challenge everyone else to stand up with us and let others know they are not alone.

For those experiencing chronic migrainetreatment involves both lifestyle changes and medical approaches. They can include migraine medications, antidepressants and complimentary and alternative therapies. Also, the Seven Healthy Habits of Headache Sufferers include the following tips that can be easily incorporated into sufferers’ lives: 

1. Diet: Eat regular meals, avoiding foods and drinks that are known to trigger your attacks.

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2. Sleep: Maintain a regular sleeping schedule, including weekends, holidays and vacations.

3. Stress: Implement stress reduction techniques into your daily life.

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4. Headache and Migraine diary: Keep a headache and Migraine diary of when your attacks occur, along with any triggers, the medications used, and other information, and share the information with your healthcare provider.

5. See your healthcare provider: Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to specifically discuss your headaches and your treatment options.

6. Be a partner in your health care: Be informed, be a participant in your treatment and be an advocate for your care.

7. Education: Stay apprised of the latest headache and migraine news and treatment.

So where does physical therapy fit into the management of migraine headaches? The answer depends on the individual headache sufferer, as there is a wide range of clinical presentations in patients with migraine headache. Physical therapy primarily involves work on the muscles and joints in the peripheral system. This means how an individual migraine sufferer responds to physical therapy depends partly on the extent to which the muscles and joints are involved in their headaches. The goals of physical therapy treatment are generally to normalize the musculoskeletal system as much as possible in order to reduce stress and tension on the soft tissues and joints. At HD Physical Therapy, we work with our migraine patients on the best ways to utilize modalities such as ice and relaxation, stretches and exercise and massage techniques.

At HD Physical Therapy, ADVANCE Magazine's 2013 ‘Best PT Practice Contest’ silver medalist, we are committed to the health and happiness of our patients. Everyday we work to restore each person's maximal function with consistency and compassion. Offering distinctive, inventive and proven rehabilitation treatment, our devoted professionals strive to deliver a successful and enjoyable experience to every patient we meet. HDPT proudly serves the communities of Wakefield, Reading, North Reading, Wilmington, Lynnfield, Saugus, Melrose, Peabody, Stoneham, the North Shore, and Essex County, Massachusetts. For more information about HD Physical Therapy, please call 781-587-0776, or visit www.HDPTonline.com.

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