03/08/2026
Here is how a practitioner typically approaches these conditions:
1. The Strategy for Tension Headaches
A practitioner doesn't just massage the head; they look for the "anchor points" in the neck and shoulders that are pulling on the scalp.
• Suboccipital Release: This is the "gold standard." The practitioner places their fingertips at the very base of your skull (the occiput) and lets the weight of your head sink into their fingers. This releases the tiny muscles that often cause "behind-the-eye" pain.
• Trigger Point Work (Trapezius): They search for knots in the upper shoulders. A "active" trigger point here can actually send referred pain straight up the side of the neck to the temple.
• Intra-oral or Jaw Work: If the headache is related to grinding teeth (TMJ), a therapist might work on the masseter (jaw muscle) to reduce the tension radiating upward.
• Chest Opening: Counter-intuitively, they often massage the pectoral muscles. If the chest is tight, it pulls the shoulders forward, forcing the neck muscles to overwork just to hold your head up.
~RMT Mayeth Galera
