Massage Therapy for Pediatric Migraine: Helping Kids Find Comfort in a Busy, Overwhelming World
Migraines in children are far more common than most parents realize. For many kids, these headaches aren’t “just from screen time” or “too much noise”—they are debilitating episodes that stop life in its tracks. We see families every week who describe school drop-offs disrupted by pain, sports abandoned, or evenings lost to dark rooms and cold cloths.
If your child is struggling, you’re not alone. And the good news is that pediatric massage therapy can be a powerful, evidence-informed support for kids living with migraine.
At Same Stars Wellness here in Calgary, our pediatric-trained RMTs work with toddlers, school-aged children, and teens—especially those who are neurodivergent, have medical complexity, or have been dismissed or misunderstood in other healthcare spaces.
Understanding Migraines in Children
Children can experience migraines for many reasons, including:
Genetics (migraines often run in families)
Nervous system hypersensitivity
Environmental triggers (light, sound, smell, overstimulation)
Stress or emotional overload
Neck, jaw, or shoulder tension
Sleep disruption
Post-concussion effects
These factors often overlap, which is why a whole-person approach works so well.
How Massage Therapy Helps Kids with Migraines
1. Reducing muscle tension in migraine-linked areas
Many pediatric migraines start with tension in:
Trapezius muscles
Suboccipitals (tiny muscles under the skull)
Jaw/masseter
Upper cervical muscles
Gentle, slow, sensory-aware techniques help release pressure without overstimulating the nervous system.
2. Supporting a calmer, more regulated nervous system
Migraines often follow periods of:
Nervous system overload
Emotional stress
Heightened sensory input
Massage increases parasympathetic (“rest + digest”) activation—helping the brain and body settle.
3. Improving sleep (a major migraine trigger)
Many families tell us that after 2–3 treatments, their child:
Falls asleep faster
Wakes with fewer headaches
Has fewer nighttime disruptions
Good rest is one of the strongest predictors of fewer migraines.
4. Reducing frequency, intensity, and duration of episodes
Massage is not a cure—but it is a powerful, consistent tool for:
Shortening episodes
Reducing pain intensity
Stretching the time between attacks
Increasing coping capacity
What Pediatric Massage Looks Like at Same Stars Wellness
We adapt everything to your child’s body, comfort, and communication style:
Shorter appointments when needed
Sensory-friendly spaces
Low lighting, quiet rooms, noise-reduction strategies
Choice of blankets, textures, positioning
No overwhelming pressure
Playful, casual, kid-first communication style
And for families juggling complex schedules or mobility challenges—we also offer mobile care throughout Calgary.
If Your Child Is Struggling With Migraines, We’re Here to Support Your Family
Our team understands pediatric pain. We work alongside medical teams, neurologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists to create a coordinated approach to comfort.
Book anytime at 403-452-6783 or info@samestarswellness.com.
Further Reading & Resources
Families can always reach out to our pediatric team—we’re here to help you navigate next steps with confidence.
