Ariel Lee
B.Phty (Hons), APAM, Level 1 Sports Trainer
Trained Watson Headache® Practitioner
Biography
Ariel Lee is a Senior Clinician at The Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic. Ariel is a skilled clinician who brings experience and technical finesse to the table, however, Ariel is best known for her empathetic nature and ability to listen to people.
This natural aptitude makes her one of the most sought after clinicians, because it is obvious how much she cares for each of her patients.
Credibility
Ariel Lee has completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with Honours from The University of Queensland, one of the leading schools of physiotherapy worldwide. Ariel has acquired knowledge and skills in providing evidence-based practice, including working at Metropolitan hospitals in both Brisbane and Cairns, as well as in private physiotherapy clinics. This foundation has enabled her to consolidate her knowledge and skills and transfer theoretical knowledge into practice.
Since her initial studies, Ariel has attended numerous courses to continually improve herself. The core of her headache and migraine expertise is centred on her study of the Watson Headache method; which Ariel has pursued to Level II, making her one of the most expert clinicians in Australia. This knowledge is consolidated by experience treating thousands of headache and migraine patients.
In addition to these techniques, Ariel has undertaken advanced training in Western Acupuncture as well as dry needling, which is an effective adjunct in headache and migraine treatment.
Philosophy
Ariel firmly believes that patients should receive the best possible care by having individually-tailored and effective treatments. Ariel has developed a strong passion for improving her patients’ quality of life through individualised exercise programs, manual therapy and promotion of health literacy.
Ariel believes in fully understanding you, your condition and finding the root cause of your headaches and migraines before applying any treatment intervention.
Qualifications
Below is the list of her qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Physiotherapy (Honours)
- Watson Headache® Practitioner
- Level I Watson Headache® Foundation Course
- Level II Watson Headache® Consolidation Course
- Dry Needling / Western Acupuncture
- Musculoskeletal Segmental Layering and Dry Needling
- Advanced Western Acupuncture and Dry Needling for the Lower Quartile and Lumbar Spine
- Level I Sports Trainer
- Ridgway Method Trained
- Mulligans Concepts Practitioner
Fun Facts About Ariel
Before Ariel was qualified as a headache clinician, she worked as an administrator of our clinic. In her spare time she enjoys going hiking, playing badminton and indoor soccer.
On a rainy day, you might find Ariel completing jigsaw puzzles, or binge-watching movies and shows in her living room
Common Headaches Treated
The Assessment
Phase 1
Accurately diagnose your condition for effective treatment
The Treatment
Phase 2
Experience the latest treatment methods that are evidence-based
The Results
Phase 3
A life free from migraines or headaches is now proven possible
The Difference
Phase 4
A medication-free solution that treats the cause not the symptons
Call for relief 1800 HEADACHE
What are Cluster Headaches?
Cluster Headaches are a rare type of headaches that affect around 0.1% of the population, according to the International Headache Society. While they are rare, it does affect males 3-4 times more frequently than females [1].
Despite being uncommon, Cluster Headaches are regarded as being the most severe and debilitating type of headache. Research has shown Cluster Headaches frequently described as having the highest pain levels [2], out of all 300 different types of headache and migraine. Cluster Headache attacks occur in cycles, and will often wake sufferers during the night, or at regular times during the day. Attacks generally last between 15-180 minutes, and can happen multiple times per day, or once every couple of days [1, 2]. People who suffer from Cluster Headaches generally experience periods of attacks, or “cluster periods” that can last weeks or months. These periods are then followed by periods of remission lasting weeks, months or even years. The pain is often severe, on one-side of the head, and generally around the eye and/or temple region. Cluster Headaches have adopted the nickname, ‘suicide headaches’ due to their severe and debilitating nature [2].
What are the signs and symptoms?
Cluster Headaches are often severe enough that a sufferer cannot keep still during an attack. They may pace back and forth, have to take a shower, or even resort to banging their head in an attempt to reduce the pan.
Symptoms commonly associated with Cluster Headaches include [2]:
- Severe pain around one eye, that can radiate further around the face or neck
- Restlessness, shortness of breath and/or a sweaty face
- Watery/teary eyes or eye redness
- Swollen or droopy eyelids
- Runny or congested nose
- Pale or flushed skin
- Pain is unilateral, or affects only one side
What are the different types of Cluster Headache?
There are 2 types of cluster headache.
Episodic Cluster Headache
Cluster Headaches most commonly occur episodically. This is when sufferers experience bouts of “cluster periods” that can last for weeks or months, followed by an extended period in remission that can last up to years. They can occur seasonally or at set times each year. Episodic Cluster Headaches account for up to 80% of all Cluster Headaches [1, 2].
Chronic Cluster Headache
When Cluster Headaches occur without a prolonged period of remission, they are termed a Chronic Cluster headache. Sufferers often have “cluster periods” that will last over a year. While they may have days without attacks, the remissions will not last longer than a month.
What are the risk factors?
- Men are 5-6 times more likely to experience cluster headaches
- Sufferers are generally heavy smokers
- Higher alcohol consumption may be a factor
- Cluster Headaches most commonly affect people aged 20-50, but can occur at any age
- People with family members who are sufferers may be at a higher risk
What causes Cluster Headaches?
Historically, it was believed that cluster headaches, as well as migraines, were caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the head, causing pain. This was thought because medications, like triptans, are effective at relieving the pain if taking early enough in an attack. It was believed that triptans prevent this vessel dilation. However, recent research has shown that Cluster Headache and migraine sufferers do not experience blood vessel dilation at any different levels to people who do not suffer. So, how do these medications work?
Modern research has shown that Cluster Headaches and migraines arise from increased sensitivity in the central nervous system [2], more specifically, a sensitised brainstem which is located in the upper cervical spine (the upper neck). Faults in the upper neck can lead to this sensitised brainstem, which then can refer severe pain and associated symptoms into the head and face [3]. Triptan medication has also more recently been shown to de-sensitise the brainstem [4], as well as its original purpose of constricting blood vessels in the head. This would explain why they work, as well as identifying a sensitised brainstem and the cervical spine as a cause of cluster headaches.
I've tried it all, is there anything that can help me?
While Cluster Headaches are very uncommon, they are still experienced in the Gold Coast region. The severity of symptoms causes sufferers to try a range of therapies in an attempt to resolve them, with mixed results. Often, they have tried; medications, injection therapy, or even surgical interventions such as, nerve blocks or blood vessel cauterisation.
At The Headache and Migraine Clinic, we aim to use the most modern research to find the root cause of your cluster headaches. If we can determine that a sensitised brainstem is the cause of your headaches, then we can use world-leading treatment techniques to address the faults in your neck and de-sensitise the brainstem. We have seen plenty of Cluster Headache sufferers at our clinics, and have an 85-90% success rate with our treatment technique. The best part is that it is safe, non-invasive and medication-free.
