Effectiveness of Manual Therapy with Home Exercises in the Management of Cervicogenic Headache: A Single Case Study

A single case study design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of manual therapy with home exercises in a 35-year-old woman with a two year history of cervicogenic headache. The study involved three six-week phases. The subject recorded details of all headaches and physical measures were taken every two weeks throughout the 18 weeks. During the six-week baseline phase the subject did not receive physiotherapy management and his headache pattern and signs of articular and muscle dysfunctions were stable. Following manual therapy there was a decrease in the frequency of cervicogenic headaches. Active range of movement, muscle lengths and endurance of stabilizing muscles all improved. These improvements were maintained over the final six-week phase, during which time the subject continued a home exercise programme only. The single case study design limits generalization but this work supports the appropriateness of a comprehensive manual therapy programme in the management of cervicogenic headache.