Melissa Macdonald is a physiotherapist with almost 30 years of clinical experience, specialising in the treatment of migraine, tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, neck pain and jaw-related conditions (TMJ disorders).
She works with people who feel stuck — those who have tried multiple treatments, are frustrated by recurring symptoms, or are searching for an explanation behind their pain. Her approach is structured, evidence-informed and combines hands-on physiotherapy, movement therapy and lifestyle strategies.
Melissa co-founded Pottsville & Cabarita Physiotherapy in 2006 and continues to treat from the Pottsville clinic.
Melissa’s treatment is based on the understanding that migraine and headaches are rarely caused by a single factor. She assesses across multiple systems — the cervical spine, jaw, nervous system, breathing patterns, sleep, and lifestyle — to identify what is genuinely driving a patient’s symptoms.
Her Watson Headache® training enables precise assessment and treatment of the upper cervical spine, which research shows is a key contributor in the majority of headache presentations, including many cases diagnosed as migraine.
Beyond the physical, Melissa integrates nervous system regulation strategies and patient education — helping people build long-term control over their condition rather than relying on short-term relief.
Most patients start with 2–4 sessions over the first few weeks to address neck mechanics and begin lifestyle changes. The full plan varies depending on complexity and how long symptoms have been present.