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Learn about tension headaches and massage therapy considerations in this 1-hour continuing education course. The course introduces common types of headaches and how to differentiate tension headaches from other headache types, along with signs, symptoms, causative factors, and assessment strategies.
You’ll learn massage techniques for tension headaches and contributing trigger points, as well as contraindications, range-of-motion testing, and client self-care strategies including stretching and strengthening.
In this course, you will learn:
Different types of headaches and how to differentiate between them
Common signs and symptoms of tension headaches
Causative factors associated with tension headaches
Contraindications and special considerations
Client assessment questions and range-of-motion testing
Massage techniques for tension headaches
Trigger points that may contribute to headache symptoms
Client self-care, including stretching and strengthening
Why take this course?
Tension headaches are a common concern that massage therapists may encounter in practice. Understanding headache types, contributing factors, assessment, and appropriate massage techniques can help therapists make informed decisions when working with clients experiencing headache symptoms.
This focused 1-hour course provides practical information on tension headaches, trigger points, massage techniques, safety considerations, and client self-care. It is a convenient choice for therapists who want to strengthen their knowledge of this common condition.
Identify common types of headaches and differentiate tension headaches from other headache types.
Describe common signs, symptoms, and contributing factors associated with tension headaches.
Identify contraindications and special considerations when working with clients experiencing tension headaches.
Describe basic client assessment questions and range-of-motion testing.
Identify massage techniques appropriate for tension headaches and contributing trigger points.
Describe stretching and strengthening strategies that may be used for client self-care.
Recognize when headache symptoms may require additional evaluation or referral.
Text: Tension Headaches, an excerpt from Condition-Specific Massage by Celia Bucci, 29 pages
Course guide with instructions
9-question multiple-choice examination
Course evaluation
Certificate of achievement upon completion
Unlimited phone and email support for any questions
The Center for Massage Therapy Continuing Education, LLC is an Approved Provider through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); Approved Provider number 409296-00.
Our massage online continuing education courses are also accepted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), and most state boards.
For more information on individual state requirements and approvals, please visit our Approvals page and click on your state.
I like that the course information is clear and to the point and that examples are provided to make it easier to understand. - Mary C.
I like being able to download the course and test online. It is convenient as I live in a rural area. I found the information helpful and pertinent. Many of my clients deal with tension headaches on a regular basis. - Jennifer R.
The information on root causes and trigger points was informative, and this served as an excellent way to get a start in learning about an area I would like to be able to help treat in the future. - Christina J.
I was grateful for all of the different conditions often confused with tension headaches. Would be very helpful and appreciated to have pictures relating to the specific massage protocols for headaches. - Samala H.
The International Headache Society classifies tension headaches as:
A. Primary headaches
B. Secondary headaches
C. Cranial neuralgias
D. Thunderclap headaches
All of the following are muscles with trigger points that refer pain into the head EXCEPT:
A. Rhomboids
B. Trapezius
C. Masseter
D. Splenius capitis and cervicis
Which of the following is a technique that may be very useful in increasing circulation and reducing tension in the scalp?
A. Effleurage to the neck
B. Feather strokes on the scalp
C. Pulling the hair very gently
D. Deep friction on the scalp
Course Author
About the Instructor
Celia Bucci, LMT
Celia graduated from the Soma Institute for Clinical Massage Therapy in 2002. Her continuing education has focused on learning what contributes to common pain complaints, methods for reducing pain and improving movement, and the research supporting both. She’s taught in entry-level massage therapy schools and continuing education programs. She wrote Condition Specific Massage Therapy for massage therapists interested in learning to apply basic techniques to address the specific symptoms of conditions such as headaches, neck, shoulder, low back, hip and knee pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, sprains, muscle strain and tendinitis. The book is used in Massage Therapy schools across the country and is available in Japanese and Korean. Celia has received the 2010 AMTA-IL Distinguished Service Award and the 2012 AMTA-IL Meritorious Award.
