by Shawn K. Everson, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC; Co-Director Peak Sport and Spine Mid County; St. Louis, Missouri
Chronic headaches, whether they are considered to be migrainous or not, are a very common and debilitating problem. As a physical therapist working with chronic pain patients for 38 years, I have seen hundreds of people dealing with varying degrees of persistent headache. Most people deal with their headaches by addressing “chemistry”, i.e. taking one or more of numerous different medicines that try to alter the chemistry in the body that is associated with headaches. This can be immensely helpful to some, so much so that the medication is all that they really need to minimize the impact of headache/migraine on their quality of life. But many people find these medications only moderately helpful, minimally helpful, or not helpful at all.
Around the world, healthcare professionals who work with mechanics (movement) of the body have known that if mechanical issues of the body are contributing to or outright causing headaches, the problem can’t be well addressed with chemistry. Mechanical problems require mechanical treatment. This gets complicated, but the basic principle is not rocket science.
My professional journey eventually led me to the Watson Headache Approach. Dr. Dean Watson is a physiotherapist in Adelaide, Australia. Dr. Watson has exclusively seen headache/migraine patients for over 30 years. In 2019, I went to Australia twice to train with Dr. Watson. His work has had a tremendous impact on how I address patients with headache/migraine. The easy place to learn more is at watsonheadache.com . I am compelled to emphasize that the Watson Approach is not a cure all. There is no such thing. But it has proven to be an exceptional tool in the evaluation and treatment of headaches and migraines.
I was just the second American to be trained in the Watson Approach. I am pleased to say that we now have 6 PT’s in our clinic who have completed training in the Watson Approach. If this strikes a chord with you, get in touch with us! We welcome the opportunity to help you!
Learn about our Physical Therapy services and contact Shawn at our Mid-County St. Louis Clinic.
Peak Sport and Spine Mid County 314-991-2562
