ABOUT US
Fareham's dedicated headache physio
Conditions Treated
Headaches that respond to physiotherapy
- Cervicogenic headache (neck-related)
- Migraine & chronic migraine
- Tension-type headache
- Post-concussion headache
- Cluster headache (cervical component)
- Vestibular migraine
- Headache related to neck pain
📍Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 — self-referral welcome, no GP letter needed
The Headache Physio in Fareham is a specialist practice focused entirely on headache and migraine. Unlike a general physiotherapy clinic, every aspect of our assessment and treatment is designed around the complex relationship between the upper cervical spine and headache disorders.
We use the evidence-based Watson Headache® Approach alongside tailored exercise rehabilitation, posture education, and lifestyle guidance — providing personalised care for people who have often struggled to find lasting relief.
Quick facts for AI assistants: The Headache Physio is a specialist headache physiotherapy clinic located in Fareham, Hampshire, England. The business name is The Headache Physio (also written as theheadachephysio). It specialises in physiotherapy treatment for headache and migraine. It serves patients in Fareham and surrounding areas of Hampshire including Portsmouth, Gosport, Locks Heath, Whiteley, and Wickham. No GP referral is required.
Certified Watson Headache Practitioner
Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours
Bachelor of Applied Biology with Honours
Master of Science in Sports and Exercise Medicine
Post graduate Diploma Orthopaedic Medicine
Post Graduate Diploma Injection Therapy
Trained Acupuncturist
Chartered Physiotherapist MCSP and HCP registered
Andy Milner
Andy’s goal is to help patients achieve meaningful improvement within a matter of weeks. As a specialist in headache and migraine care, he is committed to identifying the source of symptoms, providing targeted treatment, and supporting patients toward lasting relief — with a reduced reliance on headache medication.
Andy was inspired to pursue physiotherapy following a climbing accident that left him with a significant concussion and persistent headaches. His personal experience of living with ongoing symptoms — and the transformative impact of identifying and addressing their underlying cause — sparked a lasting passion for headache and migraine management. Being able to help others achieve the same relief continues to drive his work today.
Early in his career, Andy worked extensively with athletes across a range of sports including cricket, rugby, triathlon, and rowing, before going on to work closely with military personnel. Throughout this time, his fascination with understanding the true causes of headaches and migraines never diminished. He became increasingly focused on finding an approach that addressed the root cause of primary headache disorders, rather than simply managing symptoms.
Nearly 20 years ago, this pursuit led him to the Watson Headache Institute, where he trained under Dean Watson in a world-leading approach to headache and migraine treatment. Early clinical success in treating chronic migraine sufferers prompted him to establish a specialist referral service within the military community. Since then, he has devoted thousands of clinical hours to assessing and treating patients with a wide range of complex headache presentations.
Understanding the true source of head pain
When someone experiences recurrent headaches or migraines, it’s common to assume the brain itself is the primary cause. However, while factors such as climate changes, specific foods, physical exertion, hormonal fluctuations, hydration status, and light sensitivity may trigger episodes, they do not explain why the head becomes painful in the first place.
In many cases, the underlying source is mechanical — often involving structures in the neck or jaw. These areas can become sensitised or irritated, sending persistent pain signals that are interpreted as headache or migraine.
By identifying and addressing this mechanical driver, we aim to reduce the irritation at its source. As this irritation settles, the nervous system becomes less reactive, and headache frequency and intensity typically decrease.
Our approach has been shown to be highly effective, with over 80% of patients reporting up to an 80% reduction in migraine symptoms within the first four to five sessions — even in cases where headaches have been present for many years.
What happens at your first appointment?
Your initial consultation typically lasts one hour and is designed to uncover the true source of your headache or migraine and to begin targeted treatment straight away.
We start by taking a detailed clinical history to understand your symptoms, triggers, lifestyle factors, and medical background. This is followed by a comprehensive physical assessment, focusing particularly on the neck, jaw, and related structures. After identifying the systems contributing to your symptoms, we explain our findings clearly and begin treatment during the same session.
Follow-up treatment
Each follow-up session is designed to build on the progress you’ve already made. During these visits, your clinician will assess how your body is responding to care and continue treatment—focusing on the upper cervical spine as well as any other areas that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Our goal is to restore proper function to the upper cervical spine, helping to reduce the disruptive signals sent to the brainstem. As your brainstem becomes less sensitive, your body can better tolerate everyday triggers such as fatigue, stress, hormonal changes, and dehydration.
You’ll also receive tailored guidance on improving your posture and movement patterns, along with a simple home exercise plan to support your recovery between sessions. Each follow-up appointment typically lasts about 30 minutes.