Boulder Sports Clinic

Physical Therapy for Headaches and Neck Pain in Boulder, CO

Targeted, Movement-Based Treatment for Lasting Relief

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Headaches and Neck pain

Physical Therapy for Headaches & Neck Pain
in Boulder, CO

If you’re dealing with recurring headaches, neck pain, or stiffness, physical therapy can be one of the most effective ways to get relief — especially when the root cause is poor posture, muscle imbalance, weakness, or limited mobility.

At Boulder Sports Clinic, our physical therapists treat headaches and neck pain by restoring strength, movement, and control, not just reducing symptoms. This approach helps patients in Boulder feel better and stay better.

📍 Serving Boulder, Colorado and surrounding area
📅 Appointments available — book online or call today

Quick Answer: Can Physical Therapy Help Headaches and Neck Pain?

Yes. Physical therapy can help headaches and neck pain by improving neck mobility, strengthening supportive muscles, correcting posture, and reducing strain on irritated nerves. Headaches that originate from the neck — often called cervicogenic headaches — respond especially well to targeted physical therapy.

What Causes Headaches and Neck Pain?

Many headaches and neck pain episodes are not random — they’re the result of how your body moves (or doesn’t move) over time.
Common causes we see include:

  • Tight or restricted neck and shoulder muscles
  • Joint stiffness or weak neck stabilizer muscles
  • Poor posture from desk work or phone use
  • Stress and muscle tension
  • Old injuries (car accidents, concussions, sports injuries)
  • Repetitive activities like cycling, running, or lifting

When muscles fatigue or joints stop moving well, stress accumulates — often referring pain into the head, temples, or behind the eyes.

Headaches & Neck Conditions Physical Therapy Can Help


Our physical therapists in Boulder commonly treat:

Tension Headaches

Often described as a tight band or pressure around the head. These are frequently caused by muscle tension and joint restriction in the neck and upper back. Commonly linked to muscle tension, stress, and postural overload.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Headaches that start in the neck and travel upward. Often worsened by posture or neck movement.

Headaches from Desk Work & Poor Posture

Headaches associated with prolonged sitting, screen time, and forward head posture.

To learn more about the specific types of headaches and identify which one you may have, click here to read our headaches section.

Neck Pain & Stiffness

Loss of range of motion, soreness, or pain that limits driving, training, or sleep. Headaches associated with prolonged sitting, screen time, and forward head posture.

Post-Concussion or Whiplash-Related Neck Pain

Lingering symptoms after accidents or sports injuries.

How Physical Therapy Treats Headaches and Neck Pain

Physical therapy focuses on fixing the underlying mechanics, not just calming symptoms.
Your treatment may include:
  • Manual therapy (cupping or dry needling) to improve muscle tension
  • Targeted strengthening of deep neck and scapular stabilizers
  • Postural retraining and ergonomic education
  • Neuromuscular control and movement re-education
  • Mobility work for the thoracic spine and shoulders
  • A clear home program to reinforce progress
  • Coordination with massage therapy or physical therapy when appropriate
Our goal isn’t just temporary relief—it’s helping you fix the underlying movement and strength issues causing the problem.

What Makes Our Physical Therapy Different?

Patients are always 1-on-1 with a physical therapist for your entire appointment. There are no assistants giving advice or other patients competing for your time. Many clinics only offer pain relief with focus on the symptoms.
  • We focus on active care, not endless passive treatment
  • We identify why your headaches or neck pain keep returning
  • We treat athletes, desk workers, and active adults alike
We take a team-based, whole-body approach. At Boulder Sports Clinic, your care may involve any of the following, if appropriate:
This approach helps patients get better results—often faster—and reduces the chance that headaches return. To learn more about how chiropractic can help headaches, click here.

What to Expect at Your First Physical Therapy Visit

Your first visit includes:
  • A detailed history of your headaches and neck symptoms
  • Assessment of posture, movement, strength, and mobility
  • Identification of contributing movement patterns
  • A clear explanation of findings and a treatment plan
Treatment often begins on the first visit.

How Long Does Physical Therapy Take to Help?

Some patients notice improvement within a few sessions, especially when headaches are posture-related. Chronic or long-standing symptoms may require a short plan of care focused on rebuilding strength and control.
Our focus is always on:
  • Fewer headaches
  • Less neck pain
  • Better movement confidence
  • Long-term independence

Who We Help

We commonly work with people who:
  • Sit at a desk or work on a computer most of the day
  • Experience headaches after long workdays
  • Wake up with neck stiffness or pain
  • Have headaches that start at the base of the skull
  • Feel limited when turning their head (driving, cycling)
  • Want a long-term solution, not just temporary relief

Physical Therapy for Headaches and Neck Pain in Boulder, CO — Schedule Today

You don’t have to live with constant headaches.
If you’re searching for:
  • “Physical therapy for headaches near me”
  • “Neck pain treatment Boulder”
  • “Neck pain and headaches physical therapist”
Our team is here to help.
Book your appointment online Or call Boulder Sports Clinic today

Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy for Headaches & Neck Pain

Can a physical therapist really help with headaches?

Yes. Physical therapy is especially effective for tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches caused by neck dysfunction, posture, or muscle imbalance.

How many physical therapy visits will I need?

This depends on symptom duration, frequency, and contributing factors. Most people start to see improvement in 6-8 visits, while chronic cases may take longer.

Is physical therapy safe for neck pain and headaches?

Yes. Treatment is personalized based on your history, exam findings, and comfort level.

Will exercises make my headaches worse?

Exercises are chosen carefully and progressed gradually. Most patients find that headaches improve as strength and control increase.

Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Boulder?

Colorado allows direct access to physical therapy — no referral required. We are happy to communicate with your PCP about what we find in our exam or communicate with your trainer/coach if prefered.
We can help

Boulder Sports Clinic
Fix Your Headaches and Neck Pain

Why continue to live with neck pain and headaches when there is a solution? Call Boulder Sports Clinic at 303-444-5105 or complete our easy online contact form for headache relief near me. So, banish that nagging pain and get back to living your life.

Neck Pain and Headaches CTA