Watson Headache Institute

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Watson Headache Institute

Watson Headache® Institute is an advocate for the causative role of Upper Cervical Dysfunction (nec

Watson Headache® Institute is the Research and Education arm of Watson Headache®. It is an international voice of Upper Cervical Dysfunction (neck disorders) in Primary Headache and delivers educational programmes and resources to Health Practitioners - training in the unrivalled Watson Headache® Approach; the Public - so that those affected by Headache and Migraine can make informed decisions based on up-to-date, balanced information for improved outcomes; and the Watson Headache® Clinics.

15/01/2026

🇮🇹✨ Varese October 2025 Course Participants Reminder Invitation! ✨🇦🇺

As a thank you for joining us in Varese, Italy (Oct 2025), we’re kicking off 2026 with an exclusive online Q&A 💬

🗓 Saturday 17 Jan 2026

⏰ 9:00–10:00am Milan | 6:30–7:30pm Adelaide
(times to adjust your time zone to)

🎙 Live Q&A with Dr Dean H Watson
PhD

🌍 Live translation by Dr Simone Scaglioni

A relaxed, open forum to revisit course concepts, clinical reasoning, and how new thinking is landing in your clinical practice.

Bring your questions, reflections, and real world experiences to the session.

Zoom details sent via email 📩

We can’t wait to reconnect 🙌 and have you join us once again.

Another collaboration between the Watson Headache Institute and Manualmente - Formazione in Movimento.

14/01/2026

Why is Cervicogenic Headache so Under-Recognised?

Cervicogenic headache (CGH) remains widely under-recognised not because it is uncommon or unimportant, but because current diagnostic frameworks, education, and research priorities are poorly suited to how it actually presents.

Diagnostic systems often require visible structural lesions, yet many cervical contributors to headache are functional or microstructural and invisible on imaging, leading to systematic under-diagnosis. This is compounded by limited clinician training in skilled assessment of the upper cervical spine and a research landscape that favours pharmaceutical models over mechanically and neurophysiologically complex conditions like CGH.

Despite strong evidence showing that cervical afferent input can sensitise the trigeminocervical complex and influence both Cervicogenic and Primary Headache, CGH continues to fall between clinical disciplines.

Addressing this gap requires updated diagnostic thinking, improved clinical education, and stronger interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure cervical contributions to headache are identified and treated appropriately.

If you would like to explore Watson and colleague's discussion Click the link https://bit.ly/4jC7lDh to go to OC3 in Headache Matters to read Edition 41 - "Why is Cervicogenic Headache so Under-Recognised?" [3 minute read time].

13/01/2026

Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course.

Our first Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course for 2026 was uploaded online for registration toward the end of 2025.

Scheduled for 13th, 14th and 15th February 2026 this course is now fully subscribed.

A second course Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course for 2026 is now open, 29th, 30th and 31st May 2026.

If you would like to know more or join us, please click on the link bit.ly/3AwnAvV to access Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course

Looking forward to embarking on this next learning adventure once more. 🌟

12/01/2026

Migraine and Manual Therapy: A Systematic Blind Spot

Follow Watson and colleague as they discuss and question the role of manual therapy in the headache and migraine.

If migraine is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, why are manual therapists still sitting on the sidelines of care?

Migraine remains one of the most disabling conditions worldwide, yet the potential contribution of manual therapy continues to be underestimated and under-utilised.

Emerging understanding of the trigemino-cervical complex, cervical afferent input, and central sensitisation challenges the long-held belief that migraine sits solely within a medical domain.

For Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and Chiropractors regularly encountering patients with neck pain, jaw symptoms, and sensitised nervous systems, this represents not a boundary, but an opportunity.

Bridging this knowledge gap through education, clinical reasoning, and interdisciplinary collaboration may not only expand our role in migraine care, but meaningfully improve patient outcomes.

Click the link https://bit.ly/4pBBxQm to go to OC3 in Headache Matters to read Edition 40 - "Migraine and Manual Therapy: A Systematic Blind Spot" [3 minute read time].

11/01/2026

The C3-4 Accomplice - A Global Discussion 🌍 after 'miking up'.

It was great to see such a large turnout; Canada 🇨🇦, US 🇺🇸, New Zealand 🇳🇿, Australia 🇦🇺 practitioners, especially given the time of year. As always, it was a stimulating session, focusing primarily on the role of C3–4 and its influence on a (recalcitrant) C2–3 segment. Thank you also to those who contributed interesting case studies demonstrating several critical concepts. These are always invaluable, patient presentations and lived experiences remain irreplaceable in our ongoing learning.

10/10/2025

Thank you for the Welcome Manualmente - Formazione in Movimento Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course with consecutive translation - a day of ongoing collaboration, teaching and learning underway today.

We will love every moment!

05/10/2025

As we move into October, our Q & A session is the first Wednesday of the month only this month.

We’re excited to continue offering enriching learning opportunities in Italy.

This season is the perfect time to expand knowledge, connect with peers, and experience the unique blend of culture and education our courses provide.

Thank you to registrants who will travel from across Italy to join us, along with those who will travel from further a field: Canada, Australia, USA, The Netherlands, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Brazil and Bulgaria.

Watson Headache Institute and Manualmente - Formazione in Movimento are looking forward to meeting you all.

04/10/2025

🌍✈️ From Australia to Italy, bridging knowledge and care for people living with headache and migraine.

Since 2017, Simone and Dean have been collaborating across borders – working both in-person and online – to deliver education on headache and migraine to healthcare professionals and communities in Italy via Watson Headache Institute and Manualmente - Formazione in Movimento.
What began as a shared vision to improve understanding of headache disorders has grown into a sustained connection, combining international expertise, local engagement, and a strong commitment to making evidence-based and evidence-informed education more accessible.

Over the years, their work has helped clinicians, patients, and families gain tools to better manage migraine and headache conditions, while also fostering cross-cultural dialogue between Australian and Italian health communities.

This collaboration is a great example of how global connections and modern technology can support better health outcomes, no matter the distance. 🌐💡

Here’s to many more years of impact and collaboration!

03/10/2025

September came and went quickly as we took a break apart form Q & A's, some filming, reviewing of literature and research planning. Now we have stepped into October. New opportunities ahead with courses in Italy.

10/09/2025

Have you booked to join us in Italy for our upcoming Level 1, Level 2 & Level 3 Headache Courses?

Courses are being offered in both consecutive English translation, and also in English without translation.

Places are filling fast. Please contact to secure your place on the course.

08/09/2025

"Ah! Mastering the finesse of C0-C1 palpation" - Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course: 29th, 20th & 31st August 2025.

'Cervicogenic Headache & The Role Of C1-C3 Cervical Afferents In Primary Headache'

3 Days Of Continuing Professional Development For Manual Therapists Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths And Manual Medicine Doctors

50% Theory & 50% Practicum

14th, 15th & 16th November 2025 - Fully Subscribed.

NEW DATES: 28th, 29th & 30th November 2025 - 10 of 12 Places Remain.

For more information please go to bit.ly/3AwnAvV.

05/09/2025

✨ Extra November Course Date Released!
28th November - 30th November 2025✨

Our early November Level 1 Foundation Course has filled - thank you for the amazing response!

Due to high demand, we’re excited to announce a second course running this November. Don’t miss your chance to secure a spot!

📅 Register Now before places fill again.

https://watsonheadache.com/book-a-course/

Address

Level 2, 70 Hindmarsh Square
Adelaide, SA
5000

Telephone

+61290091555

Website

http://www.WatsonHeadacheInstitute.com/

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