Effectiveness of recent physiotherapy interventions on migraine headache: A literature review

Background of the study:  Migraine is a common and often debilitating neurologic condition, which is associated with physical and emotional dysfunctions. The role of physical therapy in the management of migraine is largely unknown. female migraine incidence rises significantly faster than male migraine incidence beginning with puberty. Thus, women experience migraine three to four times more frequently than men do over the course of a lifetime. This study is based on reviewing the relevant literature and to improve the knowledge about the effectiveness of different treatment intervention on migraine patients. 

Methodology:  A comprehensive literature study was done using the specified search criteria ' In order to carry out a literature review, the search phrases "migraine," "physical therapy, and "manual therapy" “recent advances” were employed between the years 2015 and 2025. We have discovered 10 publications with complete text and methodologies for additional examination from diverse academic journals. 

Results:  The review of literature indicates that physiotherapy interventions have shown promising results in managing migraines. Studies consistently report a reduction in the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine attacks. Overall, the findings suggest that incorporating physiotherapy into migraine management can provide significant benefits for patients. 

Conclusion: The review of literature analysed 10 studies exploring the effectiveness of recent physiotherapy interventions for migraine management. The interventions included manual therapy, dry needling, aerobic exercises, breathing techniques, Tai Chi, neurostimulation methods (e-TNS and REN), and chiropractic care combined with usual care (EUC). Across these studies, the results consistently showed significant improvements in reducing migraine frequency, intensity, and duration. Additionally, most interventions enhanced overall quality of life, reduced medication use, and alleviated associated symptoms. The positive outcomes observed across these diverse physiotherapy approaches underscore their potential as effective, non-pharmacological strategies for managing migraines.