Can the Integrated Systems Model (ISM) Help with Headaches?

Discover how a unique physiotherapy approach in Singapore may bring you relief.

Headaches in Singapore: More Common Than You Think

If you live or work in Singapore, chances are you’ve had your fair share of headaches. Whether it’s the mid-afternoon tension behind your eyes, a pounding migraine after a stressful week, or a stubborn ache that shows up after hours at your desk, headaches are part of life for many here.

The numbers tell a clear story:

• Tension-type headaches are the most common worldwide — and Singapore’s busy work culture, long hours, and screen-heavy routines make them a frequent complaint.

• Migraines affect an estimated 1 in 10 Singaporeans, costing the nation over S$1 billion annually in lost productivity.

• Less common but incredibly painful cluster headaches affect a smaller group, but cause intense suffering.

When the pain keeps coming back, people start looking for answers beyond quick fixes. That’s where the Integrated Systems Model (ISM) comes in.

What Is the Integrated Systems Model?

The Integrated Systems Model is an advanced physiotherapy framework that looks at the body as a whole. Instead of just treating the spot where you feel pain, ISM asks:

“What’s driving this pain in the first place?”

That might sound obvious, but many treatments stop at symptom relief.

ISM goes further by:

1. Assessing multiple regions — spine, pelvis, ribs, neck, jaw, feet — to find hidden connections.

2. Identifying the “driver” — the area of your body whose poor alignment or control is creating extra load somewhere else.

3. Restoring optimal function — retraining movement, posture, and muscle balance so the body works as a connected system.

At Physionique, we’re currently one of the few clinics offering ISM — and that means we can apply it to headache care in a way most physiotherapy clinics can’t.

How Can ISM Help with Headaches?

Not all headaches are the same, and ISM doesn’t claim to cure every type. But many headaches have a mechanical or postural component, and that’s where ISM can make a difference.

1. Tension-Type Headaches

These are often caused by tightness in the muscles around your head, neck, and shoulders — commonly from poor posture, stress, and prolonged screen use.

How ISM helps:

• Detects if your neck muscles are working overtime because your upper back, shoulder blades, or ribs aren’t moving well.

• Restores balance so the neck isn’t under constant strain.

• Provides exercises to maintain healthy posture without forcing you to “sit up straight” all day.

  
  

2. Migraines with Physical Triggers

While migraines have neurological roots, physical tension can trigger or worsen attacks for some people.

How ISM helps:

• Reduces neck and jaw tension that may be setting off migraines.

• Identifies movement or breathing patterns that increase strain on the nervous system.

• Works alongside medical care to help lower the frequency and severity of attacks.

  
  

3. Secondary Neck-Related Headaches (Cervicogenic Headaches)

These headaches actually start in the neck but are felt in the head.

How ISM helps:

• Finds exactly which joints or muscles in the neck are misbehaving.

• Addresses the original cause — which could be poor pelvic alignment affecting spinal movement or old injuries changing your posture.

  
  

What to Expect in an ISM Headache Session at Physionique

1. A thorough conversation about your headache history — when they happen, what makes them worse, and any patterns you’ve noticed.

2. A head-to-toe movement assessment — you might be surprised that we look at your hips or feet to solve your head pain.

3. Finding your “driver” — this could be something as unexpected as a stiff rib cage making your neck muscles overwork.

4. Hands-on treatment — gentle manual therapy to improve mobility where it’s lacking.

5. Personalised exercises — to help you keep your improvements between sessions.

6. Lifestyle tips — from desk setup changes to stress-reduction strategies.

   
   

A Quick Case Example

A patient came to Physionique with constant headaches at the base of her skull. She assumed it was “just neck tension.” ISM assessment showed her right shoulder blade wasn’t moving properly, which was forcing the muscles at the top of her neck to overwork.

By restoring proper shoulder blade movement and improving upper back control, her neck strain reduced — and so did her headaches.

Why Choose Physionique for ISM Headache Care?

• One of the few ISM-trained clinics in Singapore — giving you access to a rare and highly specialised approach.

• Holistic, personalised care — we look at your whole body, not just the sore spot.

• Decades of combined physiotherapy experience — so we can integrate ISM with proven headache treatments.

  
  

When ISM Might Not Be the Answer

If your headaches are due to underlying medical issues like high blood pressure, sinus infections, or certain neurological conditions, ISM isn’t a replacement for medical care. However, it can still be part of a supportive plan to reduce mechanical stress on your body.

Always consult your doctor first if you have:

• Sudden, severe headaches

• Headaches with vision loss, slurred speech, or weakness

• Headaches after injury or illness

  
  

The Takeaway

The Integrated Systems Model can be a powerful tool for addressing headaches — especially those with a mechanical, postural, or movement-related cause.

In Singapore’s fast-paced, screen-heavy lifestyle, it’s easy to overlook how your neck, shoulders, back, and even hips might be contributing to head pain. By finding and fixing the root cause, ISM doesn’t just aim to stop the current headache — it helps you move, work, and live without the constant worry of the next one.