Stress and related health issues have long been a cause of concern in medical circles. Physiotherapy is a safer alternative than psycho active drugs to relieve stress. Physiotherapy deals with stress permanently instead of just keeping it at bay. Here is how stress can be dealt with by through physiotherapy.
Stress Related Symptoms
Fatigue, back and neck pain, indigestion, and anxiety attacks are all symptoms of working in a high stress environment. Patients suffering from these symptoms are often sleep deprived, depressed or asthmatic. Stress raises blood pressure and increases the chances of cardiovascular disease. Even the early onset of Alzheimer’s can be attributed to high stress.
Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain
The most common side effects of working in a high stress environment chronic neck and back pains. This is because our muscles constrict for long periods and become sore. The physiotherapist will instruct the patient to perform exercises that will release the tense muscles. This allows the body to relax. Patients are also instructed in proper postural movements while sitting, standing or moving around at the workplace.
Physiotherapy for Indigestion
Patients suffering from stress often suffer from gastrointestinal problems. While I won’t get into the specifics, stress slows digestion promoting weight gain. That’s why stress related overeating isn’t a good idea. Physiotherapy exercises increase the metabolism in your body and boost your digestion.
Physiotherapy for Anxiety
Anxiety attacks and respiratory problems are also associated with stress. This is because stress hormones activate the body’s flight or fight response. Thus, we breathe heavily putting more pressure on our lungs. A physiotherapist can instruct you in respiratory exercises that calm you down. You can prevent future attacks through these breathing exercises.
Physiotherapy for Fatigue
Patients who are unable to relax naturally experience difficulty getting proper sleep. The lack of sleep causes fatigue and they are unable to concentrate. They are also susceptible to Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Since exercise therapy is not an option, the physiotherapist applies massage therapy to rejuvenate the patient. Massage therapy has the additional benefit of lowering your blood pressure.
Physiotherapy for Mental Illness
There is a positive correlation between regular exercise and susceptibility to mental illness. Physical therapy exercises are safe enough to perform that even the elderly can enjoy its benefits. Depression can also be stabilized using physical therapy as it releases endorphins in our body. Endorphins stimulate a feeling similar to laughter in our body.
Physiotherapy for Heart Disease
High stress increases the risk of heart disease. Leading a sedentary lifestyle also causes heart diseases. Physiotherapy exercises open up your blood vessels, so that the heart can pump blood easily.
Stress is a medical condition and should be treated seriously. The benefits of incorporating physiotherapy sessions into your daily work life can do wonders for your health. Get in touch with physical therapy Edmonton for professional physiotherapy sessions.