Wellness:
the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as
the result of deliberate effort. An approach to healthcare that
emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life, as opposed to just
treating diseases.
2021 has been yet another stressful year so far. Some stress is
good, but chronic levels of stress can lead to detrimental effects on
our bodies involving the musculoskeletal system, nervous system and
cardiovascular systems. Physical therapy can help with way more than
just movement; therapists can offer techniques to assist in decreasing
chronic stress levels and add balance back to your body...and life!
Here
are 5 ways physical therapy can help bring your focus back to basic
self-care, reduce levels of stress and help get you back into a healthy
routine:
1.) Exercise
Regular aerobic exercise will bring remarkable changes to your body,
your metabolism, your heart and your mind. Whether chemical or
behavioral, it has a unique capacity to exhilarate and relax, to provide
stimulation and calm and to counter depression and dissipate stress.
Physical therapists can create a safe exercise program specifically for
you that helps not only areas of weakness or decreased mobility, but
targets the body as a whole. We can also assess you before you begin any
other exercise program.
2.) Reduce Prolonged Sitting
As some of us continue to work from home, we must be aware that the
amount of time we sit during the day is linked to a higher risk of heart
disease, diabetes, cancer and death, regardless of regular exercise.
Physical therapists can educate you on ways to avoid sedentary time and
stand up and move throughout your day in a way that won’t interrupt your
daily tasks. A tip: follow the 20-8-2 rule. Sit for 20 minutes, stand for 8 minutes and move for 2 minutes.
3.) Hands-On Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy delivered with
the hands as opposed to a device or machine. It can include
manipulation, mobilization and soft tissue work to reduce pain, relax
muscles, increase circulation, break up scar tissue, improve tissue
extensibility, reduce swelling, inflammation, or restriction, help with
flexibility and alignment and induce relaxation and decrease anxiety.
Although there is no one answer for how manual therapy specifically
works to improve overall function, studies have shown that there are
many moving parts that contribute to its effectiveness. After a PT has
performed a manual therapy treatment, you typically feel better and our
goal as physical therapists is to help people feel better, move better
and ultimately live better.
4.) Breathing Techniques
In our stressful and fast-paced society, even without a pandemic, many
people are susceptible to developing breathing dysfunctions. Breathing
is the root of all movement. Daily diaphragmatic breathing is clinically
proven to significantly lower cortisol levels (the primary stress
hormone), improve relaxation and improve concentration. Talk to your
physical therapist about properly learning this breathing technique to
lower your overall stress.
5.) Social Benefits
Most people find HD Physical Therapy to be a friendly atmosphere with
varied conversation and a sense of community. Physical therapists listen
to each person’s story, develop personalized plans and create a setting
where patients feel safe, comfortable and successful in their ability
to achieve their goals. Being in such a positive environment helps boost
your overall well being.
So, are you not taking care of yourself? Is stress taking
over, mentally and physically? Are you still off of your normal
routines? Take a deep breath and seek out physical therapy for help
today. Wellness is not a one time thing, it’s a lifestyle.
