Submitted by Penrose Physical Therapy

If you live with migraines, neck pain, TMJ dysfunction, Bell’s palsy or trigeminal neuralgia, it may feel like you have tried everything. A combination of physical therapy and advanced technologies, including Stimpod pulsed radiofrequency, may offer new options for pain relief, improved movement and nerve recovery.

Penrose Physical Therapy will host a free “Head and Neck Pain Seminar” on Thursday, April 23, at 6 p.m. The event will cover practical strategies and explain how modern, noninvasive care approaches can help manage persistent symptoms.

To reserve a seat, email info@penrosept.com or call or text 360-456-1444. Seating is limited.

When Pain Takes Over

Head and neck pain can affect nearly every part of daily life. Some people wake up with stiffness and end the day with headaches. Others struggle with jaw pain that makes eating or speaking difficult. Nerve-related conditions such as Bell’s palsy or trigeminal neuralgia may create facial pain, weakness or discomfort that feels unpredictable and frustrating.

Many patients are told they must simply live with these symptoms. While medications may provide temporary relief, they often do not address underlying mechanical or nerve-related contributors.

With the right combination of movement-based therapy, hands-on care and nerve-focused technologies, many people can experience meaningful improvement and regain a sense of control.

Rethinking Chronic Headaches And Facial Pain

Migraine affects about 1 in 7 people and remains a leading cause of missed work and reduced quality of life. At the same time, headaches related to the neck or jaw are often overlooked.

Head and facial pain frequently involve a mix of factors, including irritated or sensitive nerves, stiff or overloaded muscles and joints, jaw alignment issues and daily habits that place ongoing strain on the body.

Physical therapy does not cure these conditions, but it can improve how the body and nervous system function. For many, that leads to reduced pain and better day-to-day performance.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Treatment typically begins with a detailed assessment of movement, posture and symptom patterns. Hands-on techniques may be used to improve mobility in the neck and jaw, reduce muscle tension and restore coordination between the head, neck and shoulders.

Dry needling may be introduced when appropriate to calm overactive muscles and reduce pain sensitivity.

Movement and posture retraining are also key components. Activities such as prolonged computer use, driving and phone posture can overload the neck and jaw. Patients are guided through simple adjustments that reduce strain throughout the day.

Targeted exercises help reinforce these changes. Examples include chin tucks to improve neck alignment, shoulder blade activation to support posture and controlled jaw exercises to improve TMJ function.

Advanced Neuromodulation With Stimpod

Stimpod pulsed radiofrequency is a handheld neuromodulation device designed to deliver controlled energy to targeted nerves in a noninvasive manner.

The goal is to calm irritated nerves, improve signaling and support recovery. Treatment may focus on areas such as the occipital nerves for headaches, the facial nerve for Bell’s palsy or branches of the trigeminal nerve for facial pain.

While not appropriate for every patient, this approach offers an additional option for those who have not responded to more traditional treatments.

Addressing Specific Conditions

TMJ dysfunction may improve with a focus on jaw alignment, reducing clenching habits and restoring balanced movement.

For Bell’s palsy, care may include facial retraining, neuromuscular re-education and supportive therapies aimed at improving nerve function.

Trigeminal neuralgia treatment often centers on reducing mechanical triggers and calming surrounding tissues as part of a broader, individualized plan.

Additional Technology And Integrated Care

When appropriate, care plans may also include shockwave therapy and EMTT, both of which are designed to support tissue healing and recovery. These technologies are always paired with individualized assessment, education and movement-based treatment to ensure a comprehensive approach.

What You Will Learn

The seminar is designed for individuals dealing with migraines, neck stiffness, TMJ dysfunction or facial nerve pain. Attendees will learn why pain can persist even when imaging appears normal, how the neck, jaw and nervous system interact, and simple strategies to reduce strain and improve function.

The presentation will also explain how modern physical therapy safely integrates advanced tools. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Take A Step Toward Relief

While there may not be a single quick fix, there are often more options than patients realize. Penrose Physical Therapy, a Best of South Sound award recipient from 2023 through 2025, focuses on one-on-one care and evidence-based, noninvasive treatment options.

The clinic is located at 1445 Galaxy Drive NE, Suite 301, Lacey, Washington. The seminar is free, but space is limited and RSVP is required.

This event is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Individuals should consult their health care provider regarding their specific condition.