Did you know that stress precedes pain? It’s believed that there is always a physical or emotional stressor that arises before pain comes on. Stress can lead to muscle tension or spasms, which in turn can exacerbate an injury.
Stress and anxiety are becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s fast-paced society. Many people struggle to cope with the demands of work and family, leading to mental and physical health issues. While there are methods to manage stress and anxiety, physiotherapy is a useful approach that is often overlooked.
Physiotherapy involves the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of physical impairments, disabilities, and pain. While physiotherapy is commonly associated with the rehabilitation of physical injuries, it is also effective in treating mental health conditions such as stress and anxiety.
Here are some ways physiotherapy can help you manage stress and anxiety:
Exercise Prescription
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage stress and anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Physiotherapists can prescribe an exercise program tailored to your needs and abilities, whether it is cardiovascular exercise, strength training, or stretching.
Breathing Techniques
Physiotherapists can teach you how to breathe correctly to manage stress and anxiety. Breathing techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, can help regulate your breathing and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed. These techniques can be practised both in and out of the clinic to help you manage stress and anxiety in daily life.
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness can help reduce tension in the body and calm the mind. A physiotherapist can teach you these techniques and incorporate them into your treatment plan.
Posture Correction
There is no such thing as “one correct posture” – the differences between people make it impossible for there to be one right way to sit or stand. The differences can also arise from muscles getting out of balance. Some muscles are lengthened, and some are shortened which change the forces on your joints. A physiotherapist can assess your posture and provide guidance on how to correct it, and get your muscles into optimal position with help return to your natural posture.
Physiotherapy is an effective and holistic approach to manage stress and anxiety. By prescribing exercise, teaching breathing and relaxation techniques, and correcting posture, physiotherapists can help reduce the physical and mental effects of stress and anxiety.
Book an appointment
If you believe that physiotherapy can help manage your stress and anxiety, call the Vitalis Physiotherapy team on 0410 559 856 to book an appointment with our highly experienced team.
For more information, please see our FAQs or contact the clinic.
