College Knowledge Exchange - What does individualised physiotherapy management for migraine look like?
The College Knowledge Exchange is a series of presentations delivered by Fellows of the Australian College of Physiotherapists (the College) exclusively for members of the College. Including a presentation followed by the opportunity for Q&A and peer-to-peer interaction, the College Knowledge Exchange is a great opportunity to connect with the College network and learn from the experience of your esteemed College peers.
Zhiqi Liang - What does individualised physiotherapy management for migraine look like?
Migraine is a complex neurological condition where a one-size-fits-all physiotherapy approach is unlikely to be optimal. This session explores how to tailor physiotherapy management to the individual by understanding the mechanisms underlying neck pain in migraine — particularly the roles of cervical sensitisation and cervical musculoskeletal disorder — and how these findings should drive clinical decision-making. Participants will be guided through a structured assessment framework, from patient interview to physical examination, and learn how to interpret findings to determine whether neck treatments, patient education, aerobic exercise, or other strategies such as sleep and stress management should be prioritised. The session emphasises that individualised management is not just about the neck — it is about understanding each person's unique constellation of contributors to migraine and working alongside pharmacological care to reduce disability and improve quality of life.
Learning outcomes: Participants will be able to:
1. Distinguish between cervical sensitisation driven by migraine and neck pain arising from a true cervical musculoskeletal disorder (CMD), and understand the clinical implications of each.
2. Apply a clinical reasoning framework to integrate patient interview and physical examination findings to determine the presence and relevance of CMD.
3. Select and prioritise physiotherapy interventions — including manual therapy, neck exercises, aerobic exercise prescription, patient education, and sleep and stress strategies — according to each patient's underlying mechanisms, migraine phase, and individual needs and preferences.
• VIC, TAS, NSW, ACT, QLD – 7.00pm AEST
• SA, NT – 6.30pm
• WA – 5.00pm
As part of your registration to this event, you will be given free access to the recording of this presentation. The recording will be available on your cdp4physio dashboard within 4 weeks of the live session
Please note: This is a live webinar. Login instructions including link details will be sent to registrants on the day of the event. If login instructions are not received by midday on the day of the lecture to contact us onkaren.ide@australian.physio
