Massage & Reflexology for Headaches and Migraines | ACM Edmonton

Headaches and migraines are among the most common — and most undertreated — conditions massage and reflexology work with. For tension headaches, the driver is usually muscular: tight cervical muscles and suboccipitals that respond directly to targeted massage. For migraines, reflexology offers a complementary approach that many clients find meaningfully reduces both frequency and intensity. This page covers both.

When a headache needs urgent care

Most headaches are safe to treat with massage or reflexology. But some require medical attention first. Seek emergency care for: a headache described as “the worst of your life” or of sudden thunderclap onset (possible aneurysm), headache with fever and stiff neck (possible meningitis), headache following a head injury, or headache with vision changes, confusion, weakness, or difficulty speaking. These are not massage situations — go to emergency.

Tension headaches: the cervical muscle connection

Tension headaches — the most common type — are pressure or tightening pain, typically bilateral, that build through the day. Despite being called “tension headaches,” most people don’t realise how directly they’re driven by specific cervical muscles:

Suboccipital muscles

The four suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull are responsible for a disproportionate share of tension headaches. When chronically tight — from forward head posture, screen use, or jaw clenching — they create the classic dull, pressure headache that builds toward the end of the day. Direct release of these muscles is one of the most effective treatments available for tension headaches, and it’s rarely addressed in general massage.

Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)

The SCM runs from behind the ear to the collarbone. When tight, it refers pain into the temple, forehead, and eye — mimicking migraine symptoms in some clients. SCM-driven headaches often come with a feeling of eye pressure or pain behind one eye. Releasing the SCM is frequently a revelation for clients who’ve been managing “migraines” that were actually cervicogenic in origin.

Upper trapezius and cervical muscles

Prolonged desk posture and stress load the upper traps and posterior cervical muscles, which refer pain into the base of the skull and across the top of the head. This pattern is the textbook tension headache — and it responds consistently to therapeutic massage addressing the neck and upper back.

Reflexology for migraines

Reflexology — the application of specific pressure to points on the feet and hands that correspond to different body systems — is one of the most common approaches clients seek for migraine management. While the mechanism isn’t fully understood, many clients report meaningful reductions in migraine frequency and intensity with regular reflexology sessions.

The reflexology points most commonly associated with headache and migraine relief are located along the toes (corresponding to the head and brain), the base of the big toe (cervical spine), and the ball of the foot (thoracic and shoulder girdle). A trained reflexologist works these areas systematically, usually as part of a full-foot treatment.

Reflexology is particularly well-suited to clients whose migraines have a stress, hormonal, or systemic trigger component — where the goal is reducing overall nervous system load rather than treating a specific structural driver. It also works well for clients who can’t tolerate neck massage during or immediately after a migraine episode.

ACM offers reflexology at our Edmonton-area locations. It’s covered under most Alberta extended health plans that include massage therapy.

Massage vs. reflexology: which is right for your headaches?

The two approaches aren’t mutually exclusive — many clients use both. A general guide:

• Tension headaches with neck and shoulder tightness → cervical massage targeting suboccipitals, SCM, and upper traps
• Migraines with systemic or stress triggers → reflexology, often alongside cervical massage between episodes
• Cervicogenic headaches (neck movement aggravates) → neck-focused massage as the primary approach
• Headaches co-presenting with jaw pain → TMJ massage addresses both simultaneously

Your RMT or reflexologist will help identify the most appropriate approach at your first visit based on your headache pattern, triggers, and history.

What to expect at Athlete’s Choice Massage

For tension headache treatment, sessions are typically 45–60 minutes targeting the neck, suboccipitals, upper back, and jaw if indicated. Most clients notice relief during or immediately after the session. For chronic tension headache patterns, a course of 4–6 sessions followed by monthly maintenance is typical.

Reflexology sessions run 45–60 minutes. If you’re booking for migraines specifically, let us know when you book — your reflexologist will focus the session on the relevant reflex zones and provide home-care recommendations for between visits.

---

Book headache and migraine treatment in Edmonton

ACM has four Edmonton-area locations offering both massage therapy and reflexology. Direct billing is available to most major insurance providers.

• West Edmonton — Near West Edmonton Mall and Stony Plain Road — Book online
• Old Strathcona — Near Whyte Ave and the U of A — Book online
• Downtown Edmonton — Central business district — Book online
• Sherwood Park — Strathcona County, east of Edmonton — Book online

ACM also offers a dedicated headache and migraine treatment page for Sherwood Park with location-specific information.

---

Frequently asked questions

Can massage cause a headache?

Some clients experience a mild headache in the 24 hours following a deep neck or suboccipital massage — this is a normal tissue response, not a sign that something went wrong. Staying well-hydrated after your session and avoiding intense activity immediately afterward minimises this. If headaches consistently follow your sessions, let your RMT know so they can adjust pressure or technique.

How many sessions does it take to reduce tension headaches?

Most clients with regular tension headaches notice a meaningful reduction in frequency within 4–6 sessions. Monthly maintenance typically sustains the improvement. The home-care component — addressing posture and screen habits — is a significant part of the long-term result.

Is reflexology for migraines covered by Alberta insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Many Alberta extended health plans cover reflexology under the massage therapy or alternative therapy benefit. ACM offers direct billing — we’ll check your coverage at the time of booking.

What’s the difference between a tension headache and a cervicogenic headache?

Tension headaches are typically bilateral (both sides), pressure-like, and not aggravated by neck movement. Cervicogenic headaches originate in the neck structures — they often feel one-sided, worsen with specific neck positions, and are accompanied by neck stiffness or restricted movement. Both respond well to cervical massage, but the treatment emphasis differs. Your RMT will assess which pattern you’re presenting with.