Health & Safety
I built Head Rub because I needed it. I'm a designer who spends most of her day staring at screens, and I live with migraines. Head massage offered real relief that fitted into my life in a way that other options didn't. I'm not a doctor. I built this app as a practical tool for myself, and I'm sharing it because it helps me and I hope it helps you.
— Carrie, founder of Goshdang Apps
Head Rub Is a Wellness App, Not a Medical Product
Head Rub provides guided self-massage routines for general wellness purposes. Nothing in this app is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. The content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional healthcare.
If you are experiencing severe or unusual symptoms, please speak with a qualified healthcare provider before using this app.
Before You Begin
Please read the following before starting any Head Rub routine:
- Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before beginning any new physical practice, particularly if you have an existing medical condition, are pregnant, or have recently had surgery, injury, or illness.
- Do not use this app if you have been advised by a healthcare professional to avoid massage or physical pressure to the head, neck, or face.
- If you have a history of blood clots, vascular conditions, or recent head or neck injury, consult your doctor before using this app.
- If you are currently experiencing a severe migraine attack with unusual symptoms — sudden onset "thunderbolt" headache, vision changes, weakness, difficulty speaking, or fever — stop and seek emergency care immediately. These may indicate a serious medical condition.
- The routines in this app use varying levels of pressure. Do not apply force beyond what feels comfortable. Pain is a signal to stop.
During a Routine
- Stop immediately if you experience increased pain, dizziness, nausea, vision changes, or any symptom that feels unusual or worsening.
- Sit or lie in a comfortable, supported position before beginning. Do not use this app while driving or operating machinery.
- Listen to your body. The guidance in this app is general — your body's response is specific to you. You are always the authority on what feels appropriate.
- The routines in this app are designed for mild-to-moderate symptoms, not for use during a severe migraine at peak intensity. If you're in significant pain, rest first.
Who Should Be Especially Careful
Please take extra care — and consider consulting your doctor before using this app — if you:
- Have been diagnosed with a vascular condition affecting the head or neck
- Are pregnant or recently postpartum
- Have recently had any surgical procedure involving the head, neck, face, or ears
- Have skin conditions, wounds, or inflammation in the areas being massaged
- Have osteoporosis or fragile bone conditions affecting the skull or neck
- Experience neurological symptoms as part of your migraines (aura, weakness, sensory changes)
- Are taking blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding disorder
Self-Massage Is Not a Substitute for Professional Care
Regular massage with a licensed massage therapist or other qualified practitioner provides benefits that a self-guided app cannot replicate. Head Rub is designed to support your day-to-day wellness — not to replace professional care.
If your headaches are frequent, severe, or changing in character, please speak with your doctor. Migraines and chronic headaches can have many causes, and a healthcare professional can help identify the right care approach for you.
A Note on Migraine Specifically
Migraine is a neurological condition. Head Rub uses language like "may help," "some people find," and "can ease" intentionally — because individual experience with self-massage varies, and we don't want to overpromise.
Research on self-massage for migraine relief is limited but promising for some people. Many migraine sufferers — including me — find that regular head and neck massage helps reduce tension and the frequency of attacks. For others, the effect may be minimal. This is a practice, not a prescription.
Emergency Resources
Head Rub is not designed for emergencies. If you or someone near you is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
For non-emergency migraine support and information, your doctor or a qualified neurologist is the best resource.
Contact
Questions about the health and safety guidance in this app can be directed to: hello@headrub.app