Migraine Massage in Warrington
Living with migraines or chronic tension headaches can take over your work, your family life and your wellbeing. Advanced clinical massage offers a different approach to the painkillers and dark rooms most people fall back on. Rather than just waiting for an episode to pass, treatment targets the muscular and structural triggers that often sit behind migraine and tension headache patterns.
Many migraines and tension headaches originate not in the head itself but in the neck and shoulders. Tight, restricted muscles such as the suboccipitals at the base of the skull, the upper trapezius and the sternocleidomastoid can refer pain directly into the head, triggering or worsening an episode. Years of poor posture, screen use, stress and old injuries can all build up tension in these areas without you realising it is connected to your headaches at all.
Every treatment begins with a brief orthopaedic assessment so nothing is guesswork. Ema identifies exactly which structures are contributing to your headaches before any hands-on work begins. You will leave feeling lighter, with personalised advice to help manage symptoms between sessions.
We can help with:
Benefits of Migraine Massage
📉 Fewer migraine episodes
A randomised controlled trial found participants receiving weekly massage showed greater improvements in migraine frequency and sleep quality, both during treatment and for three weeks afterwards.
🎯 Targets the source, not just the symptom
Trigger points in the suboccipital muscles, upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid are commonly linked to cervicogenic and tension type headaches, and treatment targeting these areas has been shown in trials to reduce headache intensity.
💆 Reduces stress and cortisol
Research on massage for migraine has recorded reduced heart rate, anxiety levels and salivary cortisol immediately following treatment sessions, alongside fewer migraine attacks over the following weeks.
😴 Better sleep quality
Sleep disruption is closely linked to migraine frequency. The same trial found massage participants experienced meaningfully improved sleep quality alongside reduced migraine frequency during and after the treatment period.
🦴 Improves posture and movement
Forward head posture and restricted neck mobility are strongly associated with suboccipital trigger points. Releasing this tension can improve cervical range of motion as well as reducing headache frequency.
📝 Tools to self-manage
Every session ends with personalised advice, postural corrections and self-massage techniques. Clients say they learn more about what triggers their headaches from one session with Ema than from years of other treatment.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Every treatment begins with a brief orthopaedic assessment to identify exactly which structures in your neck, shoulders and jaw are contributing to your headaches. No two treatments are the same.
⏱ Durations
60 or 90 minutes, from £50 and £70. For long-standing or frequent migraines, 90 minutes is often recommended for the first session.
🛏 Position and comfort
You will be comfortably positioned on the treatment table, well covered with towels throughout. Ema will adjust your position to access the neck, shoulders and suboccipital area effectively.
👗 What to wear
Loose, comfortable clothing works best. You may be asked to remove your top so the neck and shoulders can be properly accessed, and you will always be well covered with towels throughout.
🌿 The environment
Our clinic sits on the edge of a woodland park, with natural bird song. A calm, unhurried setting, particularly helpful if light or noise sensitivity is part of your migraine pattern.
📋 After your treatment
Your care does not end when you leave. You will receive specific stretches, postural corrections and self-massage techniques for the suboccipital area to help manage symptoms between sessions.
🚗 Parking and facilities
We advise you to avoid a heavy meal and use the toilet before you arrive. Toilet facilities are available on site. If you have any special requirements please get in touch.
📌 New clients: No need to arrive early. The consultation and assessment are built into your appointment time. All new clients are asked to complete a consultation form before their first session, which you can do online in advance.
Can Massage Help My Type of Headache?
Yes, in most cases. Migraines and headaches have several different patterns and triggers, and Ema’s assessment identifies which one applies to you before any treatment begins.
Tension headaches
The most common type, often linked to tight neck and shoulder muscles from posture, stress or desk work. These tend to respond particularly well to clinical massage and trigger point work.
Cervicogenic headaches
Headaches that originate in the neck rather than the head itself. Trigger points in the suboccipital muscles, upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid are common causes, and releasing these structures often produces rapid relief.
Chronic migraines
For migraines occurring frequently or over a long period, research has shown massage can reduce both frequency and intensity over a course of treatment, alongside any medical management you already have in place.
When to see your GP first
If your headaches are new, sudden, severe or accompanied by other symptoms, please see your GP before booking. Ema will always advise honestly if she feels a different type of treatment or assessment is needed first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can massage actually help migraines?
Yes. A randomised controlled trial found participants receiving weekly massage showed greater improvements in migraine frequency and sleep quality compared to a control group. Advanced clinical massage goes further than standard massage because it is assessment-led, targeting the specific structures contributing to your headaches.
My headaches seem to come from my neck. Can you help?
Yes. Cervicogenic headaches originating from the neck are one of the conditions Ema treats regularly. Trigger points in the suboccipital muscles, upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid are common causes, and releasing these structures often produces rapid and significant headache relief.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on how long you have had your headaches and how your body responds. Many clients notice a difference within the first one to three sessions, with more significant change after a course of treatment. Ema will give you an honest assessment after your first appointment.
I have had migraines for years. Can clinical massage still help?
Chronic migraines and long-standing tension headaches are areas Ema treats regularly. Many clients have tried other treatments without lasting results. Working on the suboccipital and neck muscles can be highly effective for persistent headaches because it addresses the underlying tension that keeps triggering episodes, not just the symptoms during an attack.
Will treatment be painful if I am sensitive to touch around my head?
Ema works within your comfort level at all times. Many migraine sufferers are sensitive around the head and neck, especially during or close to an episode, so pressure is always adjusted to what feels right for you and Ema will check in throughout.
Do I need a GP referral?
No referral is needed for most clients. You can book directly online. If your headaches are new, sudden, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, please see your GP first, and Ema will always advise honestly if she feels medical assessment is needed before treatment.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
No problem at all. If you need to cancel or reschedule, just get in touch and we will always do our best to rearrange your appointment or provide a refund. Full details are in our terms and conditions.
"I have only been to this lady 3 times with multiple complaints mainly migraine. Ema has helped me get from severe migraine clusters 3-4 times a month to being migraine free for 2 months, not only that but my migraines, when they do come, are now not debilitating, leaving me able to continue with my day's plans where in the past I would be house bound for 2-3 days."
Gemma Newton Migraine Massage"First time with Ema, lovely lady. Have been suffering with TMJ pain for over 10 years now and have had Botox as a means of managing it. I was looking for a more natural way to manage it and Ema's approach was fantastic, I think I've found the cure!"
Lyndsey Hampson TMJ and Jaw Pain
Meet Your Therapist
Ema Gregory-Scott has over 25 years of hands-on clinical experience and holds the UK’s highest massage qualification, a BTEC Level 6 Professional Diploma in Advanced Clinical and Sports Massage achieved with Distinction Honours.
Ema’s clinical approach is assessment-led, identifying the specific muscular structures, often in the neck, jaw and shoulders, that contribute to migraines and tension headaches, rather than applying a generic treatment.
Every session ends with personalised advice to help you manage symptoms between appointments. You are in safe, expert hands.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rated 5 out of 5 by our clients
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