In this episode of Modern Medicine, Sam sits down with myotherapist Arielle to break down one of the most common issues people come in with headaches.

Arielle shares her journey into myotherapy, why she chose the profession, and what she finds most rewarding about helping people walk out feeling different to how they walked in.

Together, they explore • The three main headaches seen in clinic – Tension type headaches – Cervicogenic headaches that come from neck dysfunction – Migraines and how they differ from muscular headaches

• The real-life factors that trigger headaches Stress, dehydration, sleep, posture, screens, sustained positions and daily habits. How the neck and upper back influence pain felt in the head.

• How myotherapists assess a headache Range of motion, movement restrictions, trigger points, referral patterns, strength and posture. How Arielle determines whether a headache is tension-based, neck-driven or migraine-related.

• Treatment approaches that help Hands-on myotherapy Dry needling or cupping Trigger point work Joint mobilisation Education and lifestyle strategies for long-term relief

• Simple things people can do at home Box breathing for stress regulation Neck strengthening and stretching Hydration and electrolytes Desk and screen set up Sleep and recovery habits

• When headaches need referral Red flags, lack of response, and when to involve GPs, exercise physiologists, dietitians or psychologists.

Arielle explains why every headache is different and why a personalised assessment is the key to understanding what’s actually causing the pain.

If you’re dealing with ongoing headaches and want a clear plan, you can book with our myotherapy team at Modern Medicine.