Physiotherapy Techniques for Managing Stress

When you feel pain in your body that’s not from injury, trauma, or a health condition, it could be the result of stress. Changes at home, demands at the workplace, and major life events are just a few of the common reasons people experience stress. Stress can elicit mental discomfort and trigger physiological pain. Many techniques, such as meditation or relaxation methods, exist to help people manage stress, and physiotherapy is also effective.

Here are some warning signs that you’re feeling stressed:

• Migraines and headaches
• Constantly feeling tired or anxious
• Having trouble sleeping
• Frequently distracted and having difficulty concentrating
• Mood swings
• Stomach pain

These conditions are usually temporary, but if you constantly feel stressed, they could lead to health problems.

Here are a few techniques a physiotherapist can use to alleviate your stress-induced pain:

1. Massage

Commonly impacted by stress and afflicted with pain are the neck, shoulders, head and back. The nerves and muscles in these parts may feel tight or throb painfully. Massage applies controlled pressure to these areas and manipulates the muscles. This relieves them of tension, increases blood flow, and facilitates movement.

Massage therapy is available in different forms. In reflexology, focus is given to massaging the ears, hands and feet. Shiatsu primarily uses the fingers to massage specific body parts.

2. Acupuncture

Originating from Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves piercing the skin at precise areas using very thin needles. Though it seems almost contradictory, using these specialized needles on particular areas of the body can improve the nervous system’s function and eliminate pain. Acupuncture treatment is known to reduce chronic and stress-related pain, such as muscle spasms, back pain and headaches.

3. Exercises

Upon assessment of your routine and habits, a physiotherapist may suggest some lifestyle changes to minimize your pain and lessen its frequency. In many cases, the pain is the result of improper movement or lack of activity in the affected muscles. The physiotherapist will then teach you exercises and stretching drills to do at work or at home. You may also learn breathing practices to slow your heart rate, relax your body and prevent your muscles from tensing.

Dealing with stress requires a combination of caring for your body, being aware of your emotions and training your mind. On the physiological side, physiotherapy can help you improve your muscle function and return your body to a state of balance.

At PARC of Ontario, we have a team of physiotherapists, massage therapists and acupuncture practitioners ready to assist you in alleviating chronic pain generated by stress. Schedule an appointment with us at any of our centres.