Coping with Stress through Physiotherapy

The demands of an everyday, fast-paced life can burn us out, with work pressures and family responsibilities taking a toll on mind and physical health. The more stressful your environment, the harder it is to find time to relax. As a result, the body may starts to respond negatively.

Stress is a silent killer. Studies link stress chronic ailments to stress, which is often the instigator for depression, anxiety, insomnia, hypertension, and a weakened immune system.

While over-the-counter pills and prescription drugs may provide some relief, the solution is usually temporary — and potentially addictive.  The human body has an amazing coping mechanism, when properly coaxed. Advances in physiotherapy can reduce stress. Here are some of the remarkable approaches used by licensed physiotherapists to reduce the negative affects of tension:

Massage or Acupressure

Working long hours, you may begin to feel throbbing pain through the base of the neck, shoulders, and down to the lower back. Very little soothes tired, aching muscles like a good massage. Registered massage therapists (RMTs) use a variety of techniques to alleviate discomfort.

• Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage that applies finger pressure on focal points in the body to stimulate blood flow, relieve tension, and ease movement.
• Swedish body massage uses a combination of oil or lotion and massage strokes to soften muscular tension.
• Deep tissue massage applies firm pressure and slow strokes, reaching deep layers of fascia and muscle tissue.
• Essential oils or aromatheraphy stimulates smell receptors in your nose to trigger the brain, creating an feeling of well-being. Music sets a relaxing mode and creates positive energy.

Acupuncture

The Chinese have been using acupuncture for thousands of years to treat a variety of pains and illnesses. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles at certain points in the body (called meridians) to balance the flow of energy (or “chi”) and restore health. Modern acupuncture focuses on the nerves, muscles, and connective tissues to release the body’s natural painkillers. Acupuncture is known to reduce chronic and stress-related pain, such as muscle spasms, back pain and headaches.

Exercises

A good dose of healthy exercise eases pain or tension from sitting long hours and/or bad posture. In many cases, pain is the result of improper movement or lack of activity in the affected muscles. Physiotherapists recommend exercises and stretching to reduce pain and its frequency.  

Exercise increases oxygen supply in the blood and releases endorphins, a natural painkiller to elevate your mood and tone down pain.  There are a number of comfortable moves that you can do at your own pace whenever pain strikes. Maintaining a good work/life balance is essential to eliminate stress. Lifestyle, diet, and habits can contribute to successful stress management.

The Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centers of Ontario have a team of physiotherapists, massage therapists, and acupuncture practitioners to help you manage pain due to stress. Schedule an appointment with us at any of our centers.