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Headache Therapy

Headache therapy helps the patient gain control over the musculoskeletal and autonomic nervous system, which significantly contributes to the elimination of headaches and a mastery over one’s self and environment.

Biofeedback therapy is most effective when incorporated in a stress-reduction program with counseling, if needed.

The goal of headache therapy is to:

Enable the patient to enter a deeply relaxed *alpha" state with the aid of the
Electomyograph, which monitors the degree of relaxation achieved at each visit.

Learn to warm one’s hands to as close to 95 degrees as possible. This activates
the conditioned adaptation-relaxation reflex, this preventing a migraine headache.
This is achieved with the use of thermisters, which monitor hand temperature.

Learn specific pressure points that can eliminate tension headaches.

Learn specific breathing techniques to reduce and/or modify daily stress factors
operating in one’s life. This is accomplished through the use of a headache diary
and discussion.

Identify possible dietary stress triggers (e.g., chocolate, alcohol, etc.) with a
two-week elimination diet.

All patients are seen by the Biofeedback therapist and Dr. Remington on their first visit to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan. The sessions are a full 60 minutes occurring one to two times per week. Usually after eight to 10 sessions patients begin to develop mastery over the autonomic nervous system at which time the sessions are tapered-off. Most patients are finished in 12 to 14 sessions.

Patient responsibility

While the Biofeedback Therapist and electronic instruments are necessary for treatment, each patient is responsible for the successful relief of symptoms. To become a good swimmer, one needs a pool and an instructor. One’s attitudes and efforts determine success or failure. In other words, if one is willing to do their homework and be open to the information obtained, there is no reason why success cannot be achieved. When therapy is complete, satisfaction has been gained through the knowledge that success was achieved by the person’s own actions, resulting in a greater sense of self-control in relation to the person’s surrounding environment.