As stress levels rise and our well-being starts to deplete, finding ways to tend to our mental health is becoming a top priority. When prioritizing your mental health, we typically lean towards more traditional methods like mental health therapy and medication. While these methods are widely accepted, another tool that can be used is physical therapy because of the mind body connection and how even the smallest aches and pains or chronic injuries can impact your mental well-being.
The connection between physical and mental health is interesting as the two are often linked more than we realize. We will explore how physical therapy can play a role in positively impacting your physical and mental well-being.
While physical therapy is intended to supplement professional mental health care by addressing the musculoskeletal issues that may contribute to feeling down or depressed, it does not replace the expertise needed to adequately address your current needs and you should always consult with a qualified healthcare professional. If you are ever experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free and confidential support by dialing 988.
Learn more about how addressing those aches and pains you’ve been dealing with can help promote a healthier and happier mind body connection.
The mind-body connection is a fundamental aspect of human health, with our physical and mental states intricately intertwined. When we engage in regular exercise, it can improve our physical fitness and also assist in lowering our chances of experiencing mental strains.
During physical activity, our bodies can release endorphins, which can be useful in alleviating underlying stress or anxiety. Exercise and physical activity can help to combat stress by reducing levels of cortisol which can play a role in heightened levels of anxiety or depression. Completing a workout can provide a boost to your self-esteem and confidence as you consistently set and achieve fitness goals.
Common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression can manifest as a side effect of poor physical health. Engaging in unhealthy eating habits and chronic lack of sleep can be examples of other factors that can contribute to these conditions as well. Without proper intervention, this can weigh negatively on your mental well-being by creating a cycle of physical and emotional distress. By addressing these underlying physical issues through physical therapy, you can implement the changes necessary to improve your mental health and overall wellness.
Physical therapy offers an approach that aims to improve mental health by addressing the physical and psychological aspects of one’s health. Let’s dive into some of the ways in which physical therapy can positively impact mental health:
It can help to achieve lower levels of stress and anxiety. Engaging in physical activity during PT sessions can help to release tension and reduce stress levels. PT can provide helpful techniques to incorporate into your daily routine, from high-impact activities like running to more low-impact exercises like yoga. These daily exercises and changes to your routine can help you channel your nervous energy into more productive activities and help you reduce the amount of time your brain wanders towards negative thoughts.
PT can help improve one’s sleep patterns in a plethora of ways, like enabling you to implement exercise into your daily routine and suggesting sleep positions to alleviate discomfort or pain from an underlying injury. Regular exercise can improve sleep quality and duration, which is essential for maintaining mental health as it pertains to one’s mood.
Achieving goals and milestones through PT as you progress through your rehabilitation can increase your self-esteem and cultivate a positive body image. Physical therapy can assist you in recovering from injuries that once shook your confidence. Doing so can help you to regain the strength and mobility you had prior to being injured. Feeling confident in your physical capabilities and ability to perform everyday tasks can also translate into having greater confidence in other areas of life, like your career, relationships, or home life.
Aches, pains, and injuries can have a drastic effect on your mental health. If you’re struggling to perform everyday activities because of an injury or you don’t have as much energy or motivation to do things because you’re hampered by pain, it can really play tricks on your mind. Even the smallest aches and pains can sap your confidence or cause you to feel down. Physical therapy can be an effective treatment method for addressing those aches and injuries by focusing on the underlying issue to alleviate pain, restore function, improve mobility, and get you back to feeling confident.
Physical therapy encompasses a wide range of techniques and exercises that can be tailored to individual needs and goals. Here are some specific PT techniques that have been shown to have mental health benefits:
Activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming are excellent for reducing stress and improving mood. These exercises increase heart rate and circulation, which can lead to the release of endorphins and the promotion of relaxation.
Simple breathing techniques can be a powerful way to calm both your body and mind. By focusing on slow, steady breaths, you activate the body’s natural ‘rest and digest’ system, which helps lower stress levels, ease pain, and create a sense of relaxation. Therapists may also pair breathing with gentle movements or guided imagery, which can make it easier to move comfortably during the day and even help you fall asleep more easily at night.
Just like breathing helps quiet the nervous system, stretching and mobility exercises also help relax the body. These exercises loosen tight muscles, improve posture, and reduce the physical tension that often comes with stress and anxiety. Engaging in these exercises can also improve posture and reduce the risk of injury.
Physical therapy can be a powerful tool for promoting mental health and well-being because it offers a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of your wellness. By implementing physical therapy into your routine, you can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and enhance overall quality of life by getting those aches and pains addressed which may have been impacting your mental wellness.
PT can be a valuable ally on your journey to better health. We encourage you to take care of your mental health and make it a priority just as much as you take care of your physical health. Prioritizing both can create a solid foundation for a happier, healthier life.
Are you ready to prioritize and enhance your physical and mental well-being by getting those aches and pains addressed?
Look no further than one of our nationwide clinics. We have a team of experienced physical therapists who are dedicated to helping you meet your goals and improve your overall well-being. We work with you to create a treatment plan that prioritizes your unique needs and goals.
Take that first step by scheduling an appointment with us.
