A woman using a Wahl handheld massager on her shoulders and neck.

How to Use Massage to Relieve Head Pain

Massage is one way to deliver relief or recession of headaches and migraines.

How to Massage Away Headaches Step-by-Step

  • 1

    With your hands and fingers, start at the top of the scalp. Using circular strokes, work down over the scalp, across the temples, and the back of the head.

    You can use a handheld massager very gently, but only if it is a massager specifically designed for the head or a massager with a head/facial massage attachment .

  • 2

    If a facial massage is desired, start at the bridge of the nose and, using circular motions, work your way outward toward the side of the head. Be careful to stay away from the eyes. To treat the forehead, start near the bridge of the nose and work your way outward over the eyebrows.

  • 3

    Then move from the outer corner of the eye, working in an up and down motion toward the middle of the forehead. Repeat this process from the opposite side.

What to use

Heated Neck & Back Massager

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Deep-Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Massager

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All-Body Therapeutic Massager

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Deep Rolling Shiatsu Massager

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Need help deciding what you need?

Where you hurt and why you’re hurting are two key factors in deciding which massager is best for your specific pain relief.

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Tips for Using Handheld Massagers

Prioritize Recovery

A woman using a Wahl handheld deep rolling shiatsu massager on her upper leg and thigh.

Rest and/or active recovery: First of all, ease into workouts. If you haven’t been working out on a regular basis, going full throttle right away, particularly with consecutive-day workouts, is going to result and aching muscles.

Hydration is Key

A man drinking water to keep hydrated during a workout.

Hydrate: Drinking water during and after exercise helps the body rid itself of toxins, while fighting off dehydration, which can result in painful muscles and excruciating muscle cramps.

Eating Properly

A man using a Wahl handheld massager on his quad or upper thigh.

Proper nutrition: Protein sources are necessary to rebuild muscle tissue and fuel the function of various cells, tissues and enzymes. Carbohydrates are vital, as well.

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