How To Be Active When Exercise Triggers Your Migraine

Day 1 (2026)

Key Questions

What has your personal experience with migraine taught you about exercise, and how has it shaped your work?
What are the key physical and mental health benefits of exercise for people with migraine disease?
Can people train their bodies and brains to tolerate exercise over time, or will physical activity always carry risk?
What strategy is recommended for someone interested in starting exercise but fearful of triggering attacks?
Are certain types of exercise more likely to trigger attacks than others?
Is it common to begin exercising with pain and experience relief or reduced pain by the end?
How can someone determine what pain is safe to move through and when to stop?
What are the key principles for post-exercise recovery to prevent attacks?
What constitutes “aerobic exercise” for reducing migraine burden, and what does research suggest about frequency and duration?
How should exercise plans be adapted for individuals whose attacks are triggered by physical activity?
Should people with chronic pain warm up differently or modify intensity?
Have you seen success with clients increasing their ability to exercise over time?

Interview Notes

Treatments Mentioned

Chair yoga
Exercise
Pain reprocessing therapy (PRT)
Pilates
Tai chi
Walking
Yoga

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Disclaimer: The Migraine World Summit aims to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, free from bias or judgment. Alternative theories presented in this video have not been medically reviewed. Views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Migraine World Summit. Please always consult your health care professional and do your own research before making changes to your treatment plan.

Expert

Emily Cordes

Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Movement With Migraine

Emily Cordes is an accredited exercise physiologist who helps people manage chronic conditions through movement. She works with clients living with autoimmune conditions, mental health challenges, osteopenia, diabetes, and more.

With a special interest in chronic pain, migraine, and cancer, Emily has completed additional study to deepen her expertise in these areas. She works one-on-one with clients and teaches chair yoga at Conveniently Active Exercise Physiology in Erina on the beautiful NSW Central Coast in Australia.

In 2018, Emily created Movement with Migraine, an Instagram community exploring the connection between migraine and exercise. Diagnosed with chronic migraine herself, she’s passionate about raising awareness and supporting others to stay active despite the challenges of migraine. Starting in early 2026, she will offer one-on-one coaching sessions globally for clients with migraine who are ready to begin a regular exercise program.

When she’s not at work, you’ll find Emily spending time with her two daughters, making pottery, walking along the beach with her husband, or skiing whenever she can get to the snow.