About
The Watson Headache® Approach is a manual therapy methodology and protocol for examining and managing the upper cervical spine in all headache.
The specific techniques of the Watson Headache Approach are supported by, and coupled with, an unprecedented clinical reasoning process born from Dr Dean Watson’s (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist) observation of a previously unrecognized clinical pattern. Essentially the Approach is a method of examining the movements of, and managing, the top three spinal segments of the neck.
The Watson Headache Approach:
- aims to identify relevancy of afferent information from the C1-3 spinal nerves to headache and migraine conditions, and also other symptoms potentially arising from the upper 3 cervical afferents, for example dizziness or vertigo, cyclic vomiting, idiopathic eye pain etc.
- comprises a series of techniques, which, when applied in a systematic way, accurately identifies the upper cervical spinal segments responsible for symptoms of headache or migraine
- confirms relevancy when reproduction of symptoms, most commonly head pain, occurs, and then, as the examination technique is sustained, head pain resolves
- with its unique, fundamental and powerful feature i.e., ‘reproduction and resolution’ of typical head pain in migraineurs was the subject of recent research which demonstrated DE-sensitization of sensitized brainstems. Note: the underlying disorder in headache and migraine is a ‘sensitized brainstem’
- uses the same assessment techniques within unprecedented clinical reasoning to treat and restore function to the involved segments responsible for symptoms of headache or migraine
- is recognized internationally, now practiced and taught in over 25 countries, for its unparalleled diagnostic accuracy and is unequaled in manual therapy approaches for headache and migraine conditions
Watch the short videos below to find out more:
Video 1
What is the Watson Headache Approach and What Does This Mean for You and Your Wellbeing?
Click the play button to find out.
Video 2
How Can I Tell if the Watson Headache Approach Could Help Me? One feature will tell you.
Click the play button to discover the feature.
Video 3
The Watson Headache Approach and the Medical Model of Headache.
Click the play button to learn more.
Video 4
Watson Headache Advocating for the Neck to be Routinely Assessed.
Click the play button to discover how.
