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Head & Neck Pain: Conditions
We Treat

Head and neck pain can significantly affect your daily life. At Calmmile, we specialize in relieving discomfort caused by conditions like migraines, TMJ disorders, and neck stiffness using gentle Myofascial Release techniques to restore mobility and reduce pain.

Headaches & Migraines

Headaches and migraines are among the most common chronic pain conditions, often stemming from a variety of triggers, including muscle imbalances, postural strain, and stress. Research suggests that myofascial restrictions in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can contribute to increased tension and pain in the head. These restrictions can lead to a feedback loop of persistent discomfort and reduced mobility.

Myofascial Release for Headaches & Migraines

Myofascial release offers a non-invasive approach to reducing headache frequency and intensity. By applying gentle, sustained pressure to areas of fascial restriction, this technique promotes better circulation, releases tension, and restores the functional alignment of the head, neck, and shoulders. Studies have shown that addressing myofascial dysfunction can significantly improve pain management and enhance quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic headaches and migraines.

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Reference:

  1. Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., Alonso-Blanco, C., Cuadrado, M. L., Gerwin, R. D., & Pareja, J. A. (2011). Myofascial trigger points and their relationship to headache clinical parameters in chronic tension-type headache. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 15(4), 431-435.

  2. Ajimsha, M. S. (2011). Effectiveness of direct vs indirect technique myofascial release in the management of tension-type headache. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 15(4), 431-435.

  3. Rezaeian, T., Ahmadi, M., Mosallanezhad, Z., & Nourbakhsh, M. R. (2021). The impact of myofascial release and stretching techniques on the clinical outcomes of migraine headache: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 26, 45.

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Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

TMJ disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, leading to symptoms such as jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and limited mouth opening. A significant contributor to TMJ disorders is myofascial pain, characterized by the presence of trigger points—hyperirritable spots in the fascia surrounding muscle tissue—that can refer pain to the jaw and facial regions. Factors such as stress, bruxism (teeth grinding), and poor posture can exacerbate these conditions.

Myofascial Release for TMJ Disorders

Myofascial release (MFR) is a manual therapy technique aimed at relieving pain by easing tension in the myofascial tissues. In the context of TMJ disorders, MFR focuses on identifying and deactivating trigger points in the masticatory muscles, thereby reducing referred pain and improving jaw function. Studies have demonstrated that incorporating MFR into treatment plans can lead to significant improvements in pain levels and mouth opening range in individuals with TMJ-related myofascial pain..

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Reference:

  1. The Application of Manual Techniques in Masticatory Muscles Relaxation as Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(24), 12970.

  2. Comparison of Muscle Energy Technique and Myofascial Release Technique on Pain and Range of Motion in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Study, International Journal of Physiotherapy and Research, 4(6), 1788-1792.

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neckstiffnesspain

Neck Stiffness & Pain

Neck stiffness and pain are prevalent issues that can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. These symptoms often result from muscle tension, poor posture, or underlying conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome, characterized by the presence of trigger points—hyperirritable spots in the fascia surrounding muscle tissue—that can refer pain to the neck and shoulder regions.

Myofascial Release for Neck Stiffness and Pain

 

Myofascial Release (MFR) is a manual therapy technique aimed at relieving pain by easing tension in the myofascial tissues. In the context of neck stiffness and pain, MFR focuses on identifying and deactivating trigger points in the cervical and upper back muscles, thereby reducing referred pain and improving neck function.

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Studies have demonstrated that incorporating MFR into treatment plans can lead to significant improvements in pain levels and range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain. For instance, a meta-analysis published in Physiotherapy evaluated the effect of myofascial release on pain and range of motion in patients with chronic neck pain, concluding that MFR showed a significant difference in pain reduction and improvements in neck mobility compared to other treatment methods. (1)

Another randomized clinical trial compared the effects of Bowen's technique and Myofascial Release Technique on neck pain and disability in patients with trapezitis. The study found that both techniques were effective in reducing neck pain and disability, with MFR showing slightly superior results in improving cervical range of motion.(2)

These findings support the incorporation of Myofascial Release techniques into treatment plans for individuals experiencing neck stiffness and pain, offering a non-invasive approach to alleviate discomfort and enhance mobility.

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Reference:

  1. Effectiveness of myofascial release for adults with chronic neck pain: a meta-analysis, Physiotherapy, 2024..

  2. Comparison of Bowen’s Technique and Myofascial Release Technique on Pain and Neck Disability in Patients with Trapezitis, Journal of Physical Therapy and Clinical Practice, 2024.

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whiplash

Whiplash

Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) result from sudden acceleration-deceleration forces, commonly during rear-end vehicle collisions, leading to neck pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. A significant contributor to persistent pain in WAD is the presence of myofascial trigger points—hyperirritable spots within the fascia surrounding muscle tissue—that can refer pain to various regions, exacerbating discomfort and functional limitations.

Myofascial Release for Neck Stiffness and Pain
 

Myofascial Release (MFR) is a manual therapy technique aimed at alleviating pain by releasing tension in the myofascial tissues. In the context of WAD, MFR focuses on identifying and deactivating trigger points in the cervical and upper back muscles, thereby reducing referred pain and improving neck function.

Studies have demonstrated that MFR can be effective in managing symptoms associated with WAD. For instance, a pilot study published in the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine found that patients receiving MFR showed significant improvements in cervical range of motion compared to those undergoing conventional therapy.

Incorporating Myofascial Release into treatment plans for individuals experiencing whiplash-associated disorders offers a non-invasive approach to alleviate discomfort, enhance mobility, and address the myofascial components contributing to persistent pain.

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Reference:

  1. Myofascial Trigger Points in Patients with Whiplash-Associated Disorders and Mechanical Neck Pain Pain Medicine, 15(5), 842–849. https://doi.org/10.1111/pme.12429

  2. Effects of myofascial technique in patients with subacute whiplash associated disorders: a pilot study, European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 47(4), 2011.

  3. Manual treatment of post-whiplash injury, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 49-53.

  4. Whiplash as a total-body injury, Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 94(2), 1994, Pages 145-149.

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torticollis

Torticollis (Wry neck)

Torticollis, commonly known as "wry neck," is characterized by an abnormal, asymmetrical head or neck position, often due to muscle contractions. This condition can result from various factors, including muscle spasms, congenital issues, or neurological disorders, leading to pain and restricted neck movement.


Myofascial Release for Torticollis

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Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of MFR in treating torticollis, especially in pediatric populations. A study published in the Journal of Korean Society of Physical Therapy examined the impact of MFR on newborns and infants with congenital torticollis. The findings indicated significant improvements in neck mobility and a reduction in muscle tightness following MFR treatment.

Additionally, case reports have highlighted the benefits of conservative care, including MFR, in managing pediatric acquired torticollis. For instance, a report detailed two cases where children under three years of age received chiropractic care consisting of light myofascial release, resulting in immediate improvements in pain and range of motion.

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Myofascial Release (MFR) is a manual therapy technique designed to alleviate pain and improve mobility by targeting the myofascial tissues—connective tissues that surround and support muscles throughout the body. In the treatment of torticollis, MFR focuses on releasing tension in the affected neck muscles to restore normal head posture and enhance range of motion.

​Clinical practice suggests that MFR can be effective in managing acquired acute torticollis. Therapeutic interventions often involve working on the muscles and soft tissues of the neck, shoulders, and back, incorporating passive stretching techniques. Patients are also encouraged to perform self-stretching exercises between sessions to maintain flexibility and support recovery.

 

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Reference:

  1. Effect of Myofascial Release Therapy on Newborns and Infants with Congenital Torticollis, Journal of Korean Society of Physical Therapy, 18(5), 2006.

  2. Conservative Care of Pediatric Acquired Torticollis: A Report of 2 Cases
    Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 16(3), 2017, Pages 252-256.

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