Gabriela Ferreira Carvalho1, Annika Schwarz2, Tibor Maximilian Szikszay3, Waclaw Marceli Adamczyk4, Débora Bevilaqua-Grossi2, Kerstin Luedtke5. 1. Medical Section, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Academic Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany; Department of Systems Neuroscience, University of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Health Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. 2. Department of Health Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. 3. Medical Section, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Academic Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany. 4. Medical Section, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Academic Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany; Laboratory of Pain Research, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland. 5. Medical Section, Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Academic Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany; Laboratory of Pain Research, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland. Electronic address: kerstin.luedtke@uni-luebeck.de.
Abstract
Migraine is a primary headache with high levels of associated disability that can be related to a variety of symptoms and comorbidities. The role of physical therapy in the management of migraine is largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight and critically discuss the current literature and evidence for physical therapy interventions in individuals with migraines. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was performed. Results: Physical therapists assessing and treating patients with migraine should focus on two primary aspects: (1) musculoskeletal dysfunctions, and (2) vestibular symptoms/postural control impairment. Signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal and/or vestibular dysfunctions are prevalent among individuals with migraines and different disability levels can be observed depending on the presence of aura or increment of the migraine attacks. A proper physical examination and interview of the patients will lead to a tailored treatment plan. The primary aim regarding musculoskeletal dysfunctions is to reduce pain and sensitization, and physical therapy interventions may include a combination of manual therapy, exercise therapy, and education. The aim regarding postural control impairment is to optimize function and reduce vestibular symptoms, and interventions should include balance exercises and vestibular rehabilitation. However, consistent evidence of benefits is still lacking due to the lack of and therefore need for tailored and pragmatic clinical trials with high methodological quality.
Migraine is a primary headache with high levels of associated disability that can be related to a variety of symptoms and comorbidities. The role of physical therapy in the management of migraine is largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight and critically discuss the current literature and evidence for physical therapy interventions in individuals with migraines. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was performed. Results: Physical therapists assessing and treating patients with migraine should focus on two primary aspects: (1) musculoskeletal dysfunctions, and (2) vestibular symptoms/postural control impairment. Signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal and/or vestibular dysfunctions are prevalent among individuals with migraines and different disability levels can be observed depending on the presence of aura or increment of the migraine attacks. A proper physical examination and interview of the patients will lead to a tailored treatment plan. The primary aim regarding musculoskeletal dysfunctions is to reduce pain and sensitization, and physical therapy interventions may include a combination of manual therapy, exercise therapy, and education. The aim regarding postural control impairment is to optimize function and reduce vestibular symptoms, and interventions should include balance exercises and vestibular rehabilitation. However, consistent evidence of benefits is still lacking due to the lack of and therefore need for tailored and pragmatic clinical trials with high methodological quality.
Authors: Elena Muñoz-Gómez; Pilar Serra-Añó; Sara Mollà-Casanova; Núria Sempere-Rubio; Marta Aguilar-Rodríguez; Gemma V Espí-López; Marta Inglés Journal: J Clin Med Date: 2022-08-11 Impact factor: 4.964