Headache and Migraine Physical Therapy in Chardon, OH
Headaches are running your life, and pills only mask them.
They start at the base of your skull or behind your eyes. Your neck and shoulders are always tight. Screens, stress, or a long day make them worse. You've tried medication, massage, maybe a chiropractor. Nothing lasts, and you plan your days around the next one.
You deserve more than baseline care. You deserve a provider you can trust, and results that actually last.
We know how frustrating this is
Most of our clients come to us after other treatments didn't work. We know how discouraging it is to hurt, feel stuck, and not know who to trust. That's why the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Chardon Performance Therapy start by listening, until we understand your story and your goals.
We've helped thousands of active people regain confidence, strength, and control, even after other treatments didn't work.
Headaches we help with
Headaches that start in the neck (cervicogenic headaches)
Tension headaches
Migraines triggered by neck and shoulder tension
Jaw pain and TMJ problems
Headaches from desk work, screens, and posture
Headaches after whiplash or a concussion
How it works
1. Share your story. Your initial assessment is a 75-minute, one-on-one visit with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We listen to your goals, your history, and what you've already tried, so we understand what truly matters to you.
2. Get a comprehensive care plan. We check your neck, upper back, jaw, and posture to find what's driving your headaches, then explain it in clear, simple language. We measure neck strength with dynamometry, so progress is tracked in real numbers.
3. Work with an accountable guide. Your follow-up sessions are a full hour, one-on-one. We use hands-on care, dry needling, and a neck and upper back strength program, so headaches come less often and you have tools to stop them early.
What to expect
Many clients notice fewer and milder headaches within the first few weeks. Our custom plans of care average about 3 months, with one goal: fewer headaches, more control, and getting back to the things you've been missing. Physical therapy works alongside your physician's care for migraines, not in place of it.
What our clients say
"Over the years I have had multiple neck and shoulder issues which have resulted in migraines… For the first time I am optimistic I will be able to get back to my workouts again without the fear of a migraine to follow."
Monica S. ★★★★★
"They have helped me with shoulder/neck/jaw pain that was causing constant debilitating migraines… now minimally reoccurring and manageable."
Melissa R. ★★★★★
"I began seeing Dave after a 30 day cycle of migraine. Dave's expertise and knowledge have given me new tools to help combat my migraines."
Trisha R. ★★★★★
Rated 5.0 stars from 253 Google reviews.
Don't stay stuck
If you wait, headaches keep stealing days: missed work, missed workouts, missed time with family. You don't have to plan your life around them.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for physical therapy in Ohio?
No. Ohio law lets you see a physical therapist directly, without a referral.
How long are the sessions?
Your initial assessment is 75 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes, always one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Can physical therapy really help headaches?
For many people, yes. Headaches that start in the neck, tension headaches, and migraines triggered by neck and shoulder tension often improve with hands-on care and targeted strengthening.
Do you take insurance?
We're out of network with all insurance companies. We accept HSA and FSA cards, and many clients are reimbursed through their out-of-network benefits. We'll walk you through your options on a quick call.
Do you treat jaw pain and TMJ?
Yes. Jaw, neck, and headache problems are often connected, so we look at all of them together.
Should I still see my doctor for migraines?
Yes. Physical therapy works best alongside your physician's care. We'll treat the neck and muscle side of the problem and keep your doctor in the loop when you'd like.
When should I see a doctor instead?
Go to the emergency room right away for a sudden, severe headache unlike any you've had, or a headache with weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, vision loss, confusion, fever with a stiff neck, or after a head injury.
More headache and neck help: Deep Cervical Flexor Training #2 (video) · Thoracic Spine Mobility for Rounded Shoulders (video) · TMJ & Neck Mobility Treatment (video)
Serving Chardon and Northeast Ohio
Our clinic is at 520 5th Ave in downtown Chardon. Clients come to us from Chesterland, Mentor, Painesville, Perry, Eastlake, Willoughby, Pepper Pike, Cleveland Heights, and across Geauga and Lake County.