Living with Chronic Headaches and Migraines
“For over ten years, I suffered from migraines that turned chronic in the last two years. Most days, I’d endure hours of daily headaches and neck pain, with debilitating migraines 2-3 times a week. They robbed me of my ability to work, concentrate, or even enjoy life. On my worst days, I’d be confined to a dark room, unable to do anything. I stopped seeing friends, struggled to manage my job, and felt my mental health deteriorating.”
Priya’s journey to relief began with a Google search for clinical massage in Milton Keynes.
I discovered Pavol’s clinic and was drawn to his personal experience with headaches, which helped me feel confident that he understood my pain. After years of trying various treatments — from medications and Botox to chiropractic care and acupuncture — I felt hopeful that this approach could be different.
Building a Personalised Treatment Plan
When Priya first came to see me, she described her severe symptoms, including nausea and vomiting that often accompanied her migraines. After carefully listening to her story, I created a tailored treatment plan focusing on:
- Myofascial Release (MFR): To address tension in her shoulders, neck, and abdomen.
- Trigger Point Therapy (TrP): To release tight muscles contributing to her headaches and migraines.
- Relaxation and Nervous System Reset: Each session included techniques to calm her nervous system for a more effective treatment outcome.
- Self-Care Guidance: After her first session, I provided a self-care video with stretches and exercises to ease tension between treatments.
The treatment started to address the tension in her neck and upper back muscles, as these areas often refer to pain that triggers headaches. In later sessions, we targeted her abdominal area and diaphragm using MFR, which brought significant relief from her nausea and vomiting.
A Transformation After Each Session
“What I loved most was having an hour to fully relax and let go, knowing I was in the hands of someone who truly understood my condition. Pavol tailored each session to my symptoms — when I mentioned nausea, he worked on my abdomen, and the relief was instant. After the first session, I felt a release of tension I hadn’t experienced in years. This relief lasted for days, and each follow up session, build up on previous and started to bring lasting improvements”
“By the third session, I noticed a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of my migraines. I began to experience fewer headaches and milder migraines. My symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, were less frequent and intense. Keeping a headache diary for my neurologist, I saw my pain levels drop from an 8-10 to a manageable 4-5, and my weekly migraines reduced to less than once a week.”
Challenges and Breakthroughs
Priya’s symptoms occasionally flared, but by adjusting her treatment plan, we navigated these setbacks. Adding shoulder and neck mobilisation techniques and focusing on long-term management strategies helped her maintain progress.
Regaining Balance and Joy
“I no longer have headaches every day. I’m down to one or two mild headaches a week, and my migraines are rare. Beyond the physical relief, I feel like I’ve regained control of my life. My energy, mental wellbeing, and ability to concentrate have all improved. Out of the dozens of interventions I have tried, this was the most effective for me.”
Ongoing Care for Long-Term Relief
Priya is keen to follow her treatment plan, incorporating regular massage sessions and self-care routines to prevent future flare-ups. She describes her experience as life-changing and recommends anyone struggling with chronic pain to take the first step.
“Try at least one session, and if it feels right for you commit to a full treatment plan as, for me, that was how I got the most long standing and effective results.”
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Priya’s journey is a testament to the power of a personalised, targeted approach to treating chronic pain. If you’re facing similar struggles, let’s work together to help you reclaim your life.