Event 3: Manual Therapy and Musculoskeletal Evaluation

Musculoskeletal Evaluation of Patient

  • Observe head and neck posture
  • Discuss body mechanics related to head and neck postures
  • Assess cervical ranges of motion
  • Palpate muscle for myofascial trigger points
  • Palpate joints for segmental pain

Two Types of Headache

There are 2 headache types: primary and secondary.

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Illustration of migraine and tension-type headaches
Headache types

Tension-Type Headaches

Tension-type headaches often are associated with several history and exam findings.

Characteristics

  • Mild to moderate pain
  • Bilateral
  • Non-throbbing
  • No nausea or vomiting
  • Not aggravated by activity, sound, or light

Precipitating Factors

  • Neck movement
  • Sustained head and neck postures

Exam Findings

  • Tenderness (taut bands) in the head, neck or shoulder muscles
  • Pericranial muscle tenderness (temporomandibular joint)

Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Treatments

Physical therapy and chiropractic treatments can be helpful for managing chronic headaches.

Manual mobilization of cervical facet joints

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Manual manipulation of cervical facet joints
Manual manipulation of cervical facet joints

Post-Isometric Relaxation and Muscle Stretching

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Post-isometric relaxation and muscle stretching
Post-isometric relaxation and muscle stretching

Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Treatments

Physical therapy and chiropractic treatments can be helpful for managing chronic headaches.

Manual Myofascial Trigger Point Release (Deep Tissue Massage)

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Manual myofascial trigger point release (deep tissue massage)
Manual myofascial trigger point release (deep tissue massage)

Manual or Mechanical Cervical Traction

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Manual or mechanical cervical traction
Manual or mechanical cervical traction

Posture Advice and Work Station Ergonomics

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Posture advice and work station ergonomics
Posture advice and work station ergonomics

Self-Care and Home Exercises

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Self-care and home exercises
Self-care and home exercises

Physical Therapists and Nurses

Physical therapists should work together with nurses to promote patient health and wellness.

Reinforce Lifestyle Modifications

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Reinforce lifestyle Modifications
Reinforce lifestyle modifications

Provide Non-Pharmacological Interventions

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Provide non-pharmacological Interventions
Provide non-pharmacological Interventions

 

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