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Tension-type headache study

Headache Image

Evaluating the potential benefits of acupuncture and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Invitation to participate in a research project

Acupuncture, CBT and tension-type headaches

Almost one in ten Australians use acupuncture as an option for improved healthcare, and this statistic includes many people who suffer headaches.

A tension-type headache is a headache that feels like pressure or tension in and around the head. It is the most common type of headache, with two in three people having at least one tension headache in their lifetime.

Tension-type headaches occur when neck and scalp muscles become tense, or contract. The muscle contractions can be a response to stress, depression, a head injury, or anxiety.

The National Health and Medical Research Council Funded Study

RMIT researchers are undertaking a new study into the treatment of tension headaches by using acupuncture and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This research aims to determine if using a combination of both treatments will provide better and longer lasting relief from tension headaches.

The project is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

The Research Team

RMIT Psychology and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy expert, Professor Greenwood explained that the project explores the potential effects of combining the two treatments.

“When acupuncture and CBT treatments are used separately they can provide relief for tension headache sufferers. This research will evaluate the effectiveness of using these two treatments together, to see if it provides better and longer lasting relief from tension headaches,” Professor Greenwood said.

The collaborative research involves RMIT acupuncture and pain researchers, psychologists, pain specialists and neurologists from Victorian hospitals and universities.

The study will recruit volunteers aged between 18 and 65, who have suffered from tension-type headache for more than a day a month during the last 12 months.

Participants will be offered acupuncture, Cognitive Behavioural therapy or a combined treatment for 12 - 16 (30 - 50 minute) sessions over a 12 week period.

Research clinics are located in the City, Bundoora Campus, Box Hill, Mt Waverley and Geelong.

Invitation to participate in research project

  • Do you suffer from headaches?
  • Have you noticed any accompanying symptoms with your headaches such as tight or sore shoulders and neck, fatigue or insomnia?

From a Chinese Medicine point of view we try to understand all your headache and non headache symptoms. The aim of this research project is to expand our current understanding of tension-type headache by investigating the nature of individuals’ presentation because each sufferer could have different symptoms. This survey is designed to gather such information from you.

If you are aged 18 years or older and suffering from tension-type headache, we invite you to complete this survey for us. Your contribution is valuable for all people who suffer from tension-type headache.

Interested in participating or want to know more about the study?

For more information, please contact:

Dr YanYi Wang
Trial coordinator

Ph: + (61 3) 9925 7396
Email: headache@rmit.edu.au