Watson Headache Institute

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Watson Headache Institute

Watson Headache® Institute is an advocate for the causative role of Upper Cervical Dysfunction (nec

Watson Headache® Institute is the Research and Education arm of Watson Headache®. It is an international voice of Upper Cervical Dysfunction (neck disorders) in Primary Headache and delivers educational programmes and resources to Health Practitioners - training in the unrivalled Watson Headache® Approach; the Public - so that those affected by Headache and Migraine can make informed decisions based on up-to-date, balanced information for improved outcomes; and the Watson Headache® Clinics.

08/07/2025

OC3 in Headache Matters: Balancing Evidence, Expertise and Empathy in Clinical Decision-Making

In our latest blog, Watson and a colleague converse about what it really means to make patient-centred decisions. Together, they unpack the nuance between Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and Evidence-Informed Practice (EIP).

☕ Join the conversation. 👉 Just click on the link http://bit.ly/3ZggA3h, OC3 in Headache Matters to read Edition 39 – “Balancing Evidence, Expertise and Empathy in Clinical Decision-Making” (a 3 minute read).

What’s your take on it Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) versus Evidence-Informed Practice (EIP)?

BasedPractice

04/07/2025

Exploring Dysautonomia: A Global Discussion 🌍

Last Wednesday, we hosted an incredible Q&A session on 'Happy Canada Day' with 24 physiotherapists from across the globe - United States 🇺🇸, New Zealand 🇳🇿, Canada 🇨🇦, and Australia 🇦🇺!

The highlight? A deep dive into 'Dysautonomia' and the pivotal role of the 'C2/3 joint' in influencing the brainstem.

This discussion emphasised the critical connection between the cervical spine and autonomic function, particularly in the context of complex headache and migraine presentations.

💡 Key Takeaway: Understanding these intricate connections is essential for effective assessment and management, whether patients are referred by medical practitioners or self-referred.

The session was filled with engaging discussion, thought-provoking questions, and practical insights.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to this vibrant conversation. 🌟

02/07/2025

What's On In July 2025?

Past course attendees have received an email with Q & A update for 2nd July 2025 8a.m. - 9a.m. (Adelaide time) and 16th July 2025 7p.m. - 8p.m. (Adelaide time).

Upcoming Courses: July (Australia), August (Australia), October (Italy) and November (Australia) 2025.

Level 2 Consolidation In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia 25th - 27th July 2025 (Fully Subscribed)

Level 3 Certification In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia 8th - 11th August 2025 (Fully Subscribed)

Level 2 Consolidation In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia 15th - 17th August 2025 (2 of 9 Places Remain)

Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia 29th- 31st August 2025 (Fully Subscribed).

Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course Varese, Italy 10th - 12th October 2025
(Consecutive English Translation)

Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course Varese, Italy 14th - 16th October 2025
(Consecutive English Translation)

Level 2 Consolidation In-Person Course Varese, Italy 17 - 19th October 2025
(Consecutive English Translation)

Level 2 Consolidation In-Person Course Varese, Italy 20th - 22nd October 2025 (English)

Level 3 Certification In-Person Course Varese, Italy 23 - 26th October 2025 (English)

Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia 14th- 16th November 2025 (Registration Opening Soon).

07/06/2025

🧠 Migraine sufferer? Migraineur? Person living with migraine?

Words matter — especially when they shape how we see ourselves and others.

In our latest blog, Watson sits down with a wordsmith, a clinician, and someone who lives with migraine to unpack the impact of the words we use. Is there a more respectful, empowering way to talk about migraine?

☕ Join the conversation — one that challenges labels, questions convention, and aims to foster empathy through language.

👉 Click the link http://bit.ly/43SuvOr to read OC3 in Headache Matters: Edition 38 - What Term Should We Use for Someone Living With Migraine?

Let’s rethink the narrative, together.

05/06/2025

Exploring Vasovagal Syncope

Yesterday’s Q&A session brought together 29 physiotherapists from the United States, New Zealand, and Australia! 🇺🇸🇳🇿🇦🇺

The highlight of the session was an in-depth exploration of a clinical case presentation involving vasovagal syncope.

The session underscored the importance of understanding the intricate connections between the cervical spine and autonomic function in the context of a patient referral (by a medical practitioner or self referred), for assessment and management of a complex headache and migraine presentation.

This fascinating topic sparked engaging discussion, insightful questions, and practical reflections, offering attendees valuable perspectives to enhance their clinical practice.

Thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to this vibrant discussion.

We appreciate your presence each month as we continue building an international community of skilled and forward-thinking practitioners.

02/06/2025

👍 The Watson Headache® Approach

A series of specific, original and other non HVT(T) manual techniques and exercise, embedded in an innovative clinical reasoning process to correct a previously unrecognised pattern of relevant musculoskeletal misbehaviour.

31/05/2025

What's On In June 2025?

Past course attendees please look out for an email with Q & A update for 4th June 2025 8a.m. - 9a.m. (Adelaide time) and 18th June 2025 7p.m. - 8p.m. (Adelaide time).

Upcoming Courses: July, August (Australia) and October (Italy) 2025

Level 2 Consolidation In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia 25th, 26th & 27th July 2025 (Fully Subscribed)

Level 3 Certification In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia 8th, 9th, 10th & 11th August 2025 (2 of 6 Places Remain)

Level 2 Consolidation In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia 15th, 16th & 17th August 2025 (2 of 9 Places Remain)

Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia 29th, 30th & 31st August 2025 (6 of 12 Places Remain).

Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course Varese, Italy 10th, 11th & 12th October 2025
(Consecutive English Translation)

Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course Varese, Italy 14th, 15th & 16th October 2025
(Consecutive English Translation)

Level 2 Consolidation In-Person Course Varese, Italy 17th, 18th & 19th October 2025
(Consecutive English Translation)

Level 2 Consolidation In-Person Course Varese, Italy 20th, 21st & 22nd October 2025 (English)

Level 3 Certification In-Person Course Varese, Italy 23rd, 24th & 25th October 2025 (English)

29/05/2025

🌟 Elevating the Level 3 Certification In-Person Course Experience 🌟

The Level 3 Certification Course benefits from the contributions of Trina, a Physiotherapist who has completed the Level 4 Certification Programme. With her experience and understanding of the Watson Headache® Approach, Trina supports attendees throughout their learning journey.

Trina’s teaching approach emphasizes collaboration and engagement, fostering an environment where participants feel encouraged to ask questions, discuss concepts, and refine their clinical skills. Her ability to explain techniques in a practical and accessible way supports attendees in building confidence to apply their learnings in clinical practice.

Together with Dean, Trina fosters a collaborative and interactive learning environment. Their combined contributions enhance the educational experience of the Level 3 Certification Course, providing manual therapists with opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills in headache and migraine management.

27/05/2025

🔎 Exploring "Cervicogenic Headache and the Role of C1-3 Afferents in Primary Headache" 🔍

Did you know that the upper cervical spine (C1-C3) plays a pivotal role in headache and migraine?

Understanding this connection is key to effective assessment, management and education.

A huge thank you to the 13 passionate Physiotherapists who joined us from across Australia and North Vancouver, Canada!

Your dedication to advancing your skills and knowledge in headache and migraine treatment is inspiring.

Over three days, 23rd - 25th May 2025, we shared in collegiate learning and conversations to deepen our understanding of the science behind headache and migraine along with related conditions.

Wonderful to hear that many of you left the course with the confidence to apply these insights in your clinical practice with people seeking your expertise.

Let’s continue to make a difference, one patient at a time!

21/05/2025

🌟 "Many thanks Dean for being such an amazing teacher and having such passion." ~ Physiotherapist, New Zealand 🌟

When it comes to continuing professional development, learning from Dr. Dean Watson, PhD Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of headache and migraine management. With over 40,000 hours of clinical experience and more than 14,000 patients treated since 1990, Dr. Watson brings extensive knowledge and expertise to the field of Cervicogenic Headache and the Role of Cervical Afferents in Primary Headache.

The Watson Headache® Approach integrates advanced clinical reasoning with manual therapy research, including Dr. Watson’s PhD work on the role of cervical afferents in migraine. These continuing professional development courses are designed for Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, and Chiropractors seeking to enhance their clinical skills and understanding of headache and migraine management along with related conditions..

Attendees gain evidence-based insights into the science behind headache and migraine, along with related conditions, and are equipped with practical skills to apply these learnings in their practice. The courses emphasize actionable steps and advanced clinical reasoning, providing manual therapists with tools to make informed decisions in patient care.

Dr. Watson’s teaching approach focuses on breaking down complex concepts into practical applications, ensuring that participants leave with a clear understanding of the material and the confidence to implement it in their clinical practice.

treatment

20/05/2025

What's On In May 2025?

Past course attendees please look out for an email with Q & A update for 21st May 2025 7p.m. - 8p.m. (Adelaide time).

We had a fabulous Q & A session 8a.m. - 9a.m. (Adelaide time) 7th May 2025.

Upcoming Courses: May, July and August 2025

Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia 23rd, 24th & 25th May 2025 (Fully Subscribed)

Level 2 Consolidation In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia 25th, 26th & 27th July 2025 (Fully Subscribed)

Level 3 Certification In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia 8th, 9th, 10th & 11th August 2025 (2 of 6 Places Remain)

NEWLY Scheduled Courses: August 2025

Level 2 Consolidation In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia 15th, 16th & 17th August 2025 (3 of 9 Places Remain)

Level 1 Foundation In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia 29th, 30th & 31st August 2025 (6 of 12 Places Remain).

19/05/2025

🌟 "One of the best courses in Advanced Manual Therapy. I loved it." ~ Physiotherapist, Australia 🌟

The next Level 3 Certification In-Person Course Adelaide, South Australia will take place on 8th, 9th, 10th & 11th August 2025 (2 of 6 Places Remain).

This course is open once or twice a year to a small group of up to 7 participants.

102 Physiotherapists and Osteopaths from Australia, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Canada, have attended this course since 2014.

Quite a commitment, this 4 day course includes Clinical Case Presentations, a Headache Journal, Reflective Practice, Theory Paper and Techniques Assessment.

A collegiate atmosphere is encouraged fostering professional bonds through problem solving and high order conversation about 'Cervicogenic Headache and the Role of Cervical Afferents in Primary Headache.'

Address

Adelaide, SA

Telephone

+61290091555

Website

http://www.WatsonHeadacheInstitute.com/

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