Float Therapy

FLOAT THERAPY FOR MIGRAINES

Float therapy (also referred to as flotation therapy, float-away therapy and sensory deprivation flotation therapy) utilizes a man-made tank filled with a water/epsom salt solution that enables patients to float and experience weightlessness. Combined with temperate water temperature and calming music, patients are able to achieve a state of relaxation so intense, sensory elements are screened out, tension is released and the body’s ability to heal naturally is rejuvenated.

HOW DOES FLOAT THERAPY WORK?

The water/epsom salt solution creates an aquatic environment similar to that of the Dead Sea. When individuals are submerged in the solution, they effortlessly float, which eliminates the need for any postural effort. Additionally, the temperature of the water/epsom salt solution is set to a degree that does not require muscular action to maintain body temperature (about 95-degrees Fahrenheit). The combination of weightlessness and temperature enables patients to achieve a supreme state of relaxation.

While the body gives in to this elusive state of zen, it releases an elevated level of endorphins, which encourage the feeling of well being. Blood flow also increases as muscles unwind. It is believed that while in this state of zen-like relaxation, the brainwaves also shift into a mode that accelerates healing, essentially recalibrating the body’s chemical and metabolic levels and recharging its opposition to stress, injury or illness.

HOW IS FLOAT THERAPY USED FOR MIGRAINES?

For migraine treatment, patients will schedule sessions as frequently as they please. The standard session length is one hour, but some patients prefer shorter or longer sessions. Migraines are thought to be caused by restricted blood flow due to dilated blood vessels. Float therapy may increase blood flow, thereby alleviating a migraine attack or preventing one from starting.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

There are no serious side effects associated with float therapy.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR FLOAT THERAPY?

Float therapy may not be a viable option for individuals suffering from mental illness including clinical depression, severe hypertension or patients with epilepsy that is not currently being controlled by medication. Patients with open wounds, infectious diseases or suicidal tendencies also do not make ideal candidates.

Chiropractic Massage

CHIROPRACTIC MASSAGE

The practice of chiropractic therapy is based on the idea that bodily afflictions like migraines could be due to misalignments in the vertebral column that create stress, tension and nerve disturbances. Contrary to what many assume, a chiropractor’s expertise goes beyond just that of the spinal region. They have extensive knowledge of the entire musculoskeletal system and nervous system and can identify how spinal column discrepancies can influence other parts of the body. Once misalignments are recognized, a properly trained and qualified chiropractor uses a ‘hands on’ approach to correct problem areas and alleviate stress and tension.

CHIROPRACTIC MASSAGE STATISTICS

Countless studies that have been conducted to measure the effects of chiropractic therapy on migraine symptoms. Here are just a few:

Dr. Peter Tuchin, a chiropractor with over 25 years of experience conducted a study for his thesis at Macquarie University. 123 migraine sufferers that had been conflicted with episodes for an average of 18 years were divided into two groups; one received chiropractic therapy and the other did not. Of the patients that received chiropractic therapy:

  • 22% experienced more than a 60% reduction of their symptoms.
  • 50% reported notable improvements including decreased duration, frequency and medication usage.

A recent clinical study funded by the Australian Government also turned out some interesting results. 127 patients who experience at least one migraine per month were the subjects of this study. Once again, the participants were divided into two groups, one receiving chiropractic therapy and the other receiving none. Of the patients that received therapy:

  • 1 out of every 5 patients experienced 90% reduction in migraine frequency, severity, duration and medication use.
  • 50% reported substantial improvements in pain severity.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS WITH CHIROPRACTIC MASSAGE?

Chiropractic therapy is a generally safe method for treatment. However, some side effects may be experienced, including:

  • Fatigue
  • Tenderness or physical discomfort in targeted areas
  • Stiffness
  • Temporary headache
  • Increased pain

In rare instances, patients have been know to develop blood vessel traumas like bleeding between the brain and skull or artery damage. Harm to the spinal cord is also a risk.

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR CHIROPRACTIC THERAPY?

Chiropractic care can negatively interact with some medications, so be sure to disclose all medications before undergoing treatment. Chiropractic therapy is not a good choice for individuals with:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Nerve damage
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Loss of strength in the extremities

Discuss chiropractic therapy with your doctor or migraine specialist before making any decisions. They will be able to closely assess your medical history to determine if chiropractic therapy is a safe alternative for you. If you do decide to move forward with this treatment, check the credentials of your chiropractor. Be sure that you are receiving care from a licensed professional with experience and proven success. It’s important to discuss your condition with the chiropractor so that treatment can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Your chiropractor may also give advice on lifestyle and diet changes that could positively influence your migraine symptoms.

Cefaly

WHAT IS THE CEFALY DEVICE?

The Cefaly device is a thin, lightweight, electrode-emitting device that is worn across the forehead to treat and prevent migraines.

HOW DOES THE CEFALY DEVICE WORK?

The device delivers specific micro-impulses that stimulate the trigeminal nerve endings (a network of nerves that branch out across the head, face and neck). Stimulating these nerves on a regular basis will sedated them, reducing the frequency of symptoms experienced with chronic migraines and possibly reducing the need for medication.

HOW IS THE CEFALY DEVICE USED FOR MIGRAINES?

The device is worn by the migraine patient in 20-minute increments. To wear the device, users apply an electrode conducting adhesive strip horizontally between their eyebrows. The Cefaly device is then placed around the head so the arms rest over their ears like a pair of glasses and the bridge section connects to the adhesive strip over the forehead. To activate the electrode impulses, users press the power button and adjust intensity levels according to preference. During the 20-minute session, users may relax or continue with their daily activity.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

The Cefaly device is FDA approved for the treatment of chronic migraines. It is considered a safe therapy with no serious side effects. However, some patients did experience:

  • Discomfort while wearing the device
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Skin irritation on the forehead

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR THE CEFALY DEVICE?

Ideal candidates have been diagnosed with chronic migraines and have been suffering from migraine pain for six months or longer with little or no reprieve from medications.

Biofeedback

BIOFEEDBACK THERAPY FOR MIGRAINES

Biofeedback (also referred to ask biofeedback training) is a therapeutic technique that implements various bodily sensors to measure stress-related body functions. Via a display monitor, patients can observe how stress affects their body and implement different exercises to control stress-inducing bodily reactions, thus relieving tension and enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal.

HOW DOES BIOFEEDBACK WORK?

Biofeedback works by encouraging relaxation. During a biofeedback session, tiny electrodes are placed on the surface of your skin. Finger sensors may also be used. Each electrode or sensor will collect data regarding your body’s realtime function and relay that data to a monitor, which will communicate findings to the patient via sound, flashing light or imagery that represents heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature and muscle activity.

HOW IS BIOFEEDBACK USED FOR MIGRAINES?

Muscle tension and stress can contribute to the onset of a migraine attack. As stress elevates, body functions change. Heart rate may increase, muscles may become tense, blood pressure becomes elevated and breathing may quicken – the likes of which, the patient will be able to see during a biofeedback session.

To combat the cascade of changes that occur as stress develops, a trained biofeedback therapist will teach the patient different stress reduction exercises. The patient will practice these exercises while connected to a biofeedback monitor, and will receive immediate feedback on whether efforts are successful, thus training the patient to become more aware of their ability to over-ride the body functions that contribute to stress, tension and eventually migraine pain.

Biofeedback therapy is scheduled in 30-minutes sessions and may require 10 to 20 sessions before experiencing the benefits of the training.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Because biofeedback doesn’t actually alter anything about the body, it is considered a safe treatment option with almost no serious side effects. However, one type of biofeedback called electroencephalogram (EEG) has been known to cause headaches, tiredness and dizziness in some patients.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR BIOFEEDBACK?

Individuals interested in being an active participant in their pain relief make ideal candidates for biofeedback therapy, as the technique requires commitment and practice to achieve results.

Acupuncture

ACUPUNCTURE FOR MIGRAINES

Acupuncture is believed to have originated from China, dating back to as early as 6000 BCE. The practice is based on the belief that we possess a life energy that flows throughout our body. This energy flow takes place within channels called meridians that connect all of our major organs. Throughout these meridians, there are specific points, sometimes referred to as ‘acupoints’, which can influence the flow of this energy. When energy flow blockages occur, the body is believed to be susceptible to pain and illness.

Acupuncture works to restore energy flow by stimulating specific acupoints (associated with the blockages) using ultra-fine needles that are inserted just beyond the surface of the skin and gently manipulated to create a desired effect.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

When tiny needles are inserted at acupoints, a chain reaction occurs within the body. First, sensory receptors are excited, which leads to the stimulation of nerves that convey impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system, which is located at the base of the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands located within this system are responsible for emitting neurotransmitters and endorphins (the body’s natural pain-fighting hormone).

Overall, acupuncture has the following affects:
• Decreased inflammation
• Release of tension in the body
• Increased circulation
• Pain relief
• Regulates serotonin levels

All of which, are contributors to migraine pain.

HOW IS ACUPUNCTURE USED FOR MIGRAINES?

Acupuncture is used in two different ways for the treatment of migraines.
For care during a migraine attack: In this approach, the goal is to minimize activity of the blood vessels in the head and neck (so as not to progress migraine symptoms). To achieve this, acupoints are only stimulated in the arms and legs and patients are usually placed in a sitting position, rather than the traditional laying down position for greater blood vessel control in the head. More studies are required of this treatment to determine it’s true value.
As a preventative therapy: Stress and tension can contribute to the onset of a migraine episode. As a preventative, acupuncture targets specific acupoints to restore balance in the central nervous system, which controls how the body deals with stress and can influence the onset of a migraine attack. Many studies support the success of this treatment approach.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE?

The side effects of acupuncture therapy are minimal compared to other forms of migraine treatment and may include:

  • Soreness, bleeding or bruising near needle insertion sites.
  • Injury to internal organs (If needles are inserted too deeply).
  • The development of an infection at insertion sites.
  • The sensation of heaviness, tingling or numbness.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY?

Am I a Candidate for Acupuncture Therapy?
Acupuncture therapy isn’t for everyone. Migraine sufferers with certain pre-existing conditions like blood related disorders are not suitable candidates for this treatment. Additionally, acupuncture therapy may use mild electrical pulses in addition to the needles to further induce stimulation. These electrical pulses can interfere with pacemakers or other surgically implanted mechanical devices.

Talk to your doctor about acupuncture therapy for migraine treatment. They are most familiar with your medical history and will be able to help determine if this method could be helpful for you. If you decide to move forward with acupuncture, only schedule with a licensed and experienced acupuncturist. Failure to do so could increase your risk for infection, transmitted diseases and other serious side effects.