Addressing Pediatric Headaches

Massage therapy is one of the techniques utilized at a new outpatient clinic devoted to easing the pain of children's headaches.

Penn State Children's Hospital's Pediatric Headache Clinic, in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, is a specialized clinic for children up to 16 years old who have been diagnosed with headaches or migraines.

The clinic uses a combination of traditional medication and other methods such as lifestyle changes, diet, relaxation and breathing techniques, biofeedback, physical therapy and massage, acupressure and acupuncture.

"Migraine is common in children, frequently under-diagnosed and under treated," says Vivian C. Faircloth, assistant professor of pediatrics, in a press release. "Headaches cause significant impact on school attendance and social activities. We can really make a difference in the quality of life for children who suffer from migraines."