Tension Headaches and Migraine Relief with Massage Therapy in Urbandale

There are many reasons people experience headaches and migraines, and one common contributor is eyestrain from frequent computer or phone use. To understand why these headaches occur, it helps to look closely at what our bodies go through in everyday life.

Daily Stressors and Headache Triggers

Consider your own routines:

• Do you experience high stress at home or work?

• How close do you sit to your phone, computer, or television—and for how many hours each day?

• Do you tense up while driving to or from work?

• What do you do to relax?

  
  

High-stress jobs or lifestyles can lead to chronic muscle tension. The shoulders, neck, face, and even the eye muscles can tighten, contributing to headaches and migraines when the body doesn’t have enough time or space to unwind.

Eye Strain and Screen Use

Phones, computers, and televisions display tiny dots called pixels. When we focus on these pixels for long periods without rest, our eye muscles work harder and may become strained. Like any muscle, eye muscles can tighten when held in the same position for too long. This can lead to inflammation around the eyes, face, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands—adding to migraine and headache symptoms.

Do We Really Need to Stretch Our Eyes?

Yes—eye movements involve multiple muscles, along with photoreceptors (rods and cones) and sensitive nerve endings. Allowing these muscles to move naturally and rest can reduce strain.

Simple ways to reduce eye tension:

1. Horizon gazing: Step outside for 5–10 minutes and look out toward a distant horizon, ideally where your view is unobstructed. If buildings are around you, simply find the farthest point you can see. This shifts your focus from close-up pixels to long-distance viewing, giving the eye muscles a break.

2. Palming: Sit in a completely darkened room and rest your palms gently over your closed eyes. This blocks light and helps the eyes relax.

   
   

Massage for Headache and Migraine Relief

Massage can be highly effective for reducing tension headaches and certain migraine symptoms. During a massage session targeting headache relief, we typically use:

• Minimal or no music

• Low lighting (no light is ideal, though some may be needed for safety)

• No essential oils, to avoid overstimulation

• Cold stones when appropriate to help reduce inflammation

  
  

Helpful Techniques

Several massage techniques can relieve tension that contributes to headaches, including:

• Pin-and-stretch methods

• Gentle kneading along the muscles between the vertebrae to create space

• Massaging the hands, arms, and shoulders

• Focused work on the occipital area at the base of the skull

The Massage Therapists at Active Edge in Urbandale can Help

If headaches or migraines are disrupting your daily life, professional bodywork may provide the relief you’ve been searching for. At Active Edge Massage & Wellness in Urbandale, our therapists specialize in targeted headache-relief massage designed to reduce muscle tension, calm inflammation, and restore balance to your body. Whether your discomfort comes from stress, eye strain, or long hours on screens, we take a personalized approach to help you feel better—naturally. If you're ready to experience a noticeable difference in how you feel, we’d love to support your wellness journey.