Emotional strain is an equally important aspect of dealing with a chronic physical condition. While the physical strain will restrict movement and inhibit functionality, the emotional strain will translate into a loss of will and hopelessness.
The emotional trauma of suffering from a physically-restrictive condition is largely understated. Lack of emotional wellbeing induces stress, which further weakens the immune system. Its ability to guard against antigens suffers and we become more susceptible to infections. This is why it’s necessary that we replace cortisol–the stress hormone–with the pleasure hormones: endorphins.
Physical therapy offers numerous emotional benefits that are essential for a full physical and mental recovery from pain and associated trauma.
It Reduces Stress
Stress is the root cause of many physical conditions and continues to be the primary reason why people fail to see improvements despite medical treatments.
There are countless stressors in our daily lives. Domestic chores, workplace duties, career demands, and family problems, all count as stress-inducers.
Practitioners at our clinic help patients perform simple exercises to mobilize their joints and also offer some physical activity.
This naturally releases endorphins in the system and contributes toward emotional wellbeing. In most cases, it can also regulate sleep and diet, for a healthier recovery.
It helps with Depression
Being unable to perform tasks, due to a physical condition, that other people of the same age are performing, can give way to depressive episodes. It induces feeling of helplessness and self-loathing which trigger a vicious cycle of negative thoughts.
This not only worsens their physical condition but also affects their sleep cycle and eating routine. In the long-run, these can turn into major causes of debilitating pain and weakness.
With the help of pain management exercises and therapy, practitioners can relieve painful symptoms and increase vitality. This automatically addresses both physical as well as emotional consequences of the condition.
It reduces Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the many challenges that people with physical conditions face. Not only does their physical illness disrupt their daily routine, but also triggers stress responses. If left to fate, these negative thoughts and responses can take a turn for the worst and aggravate into full-blown anxiety.
Scholarly evidence reveals that physical activity is an effective treatment for anxiety as the involvement ittakes your mind off your condition. Physical therapy has a two-pronged approach: it offers physical rehabilitation for pain management, and also caters to anxiety-triggers in the process.
We’re a physical therapy clinic based in Bethesda. Operating under the supervision of Dr. Michelle Finnegan, our practitioners are offering the best therapy in the region. Contact us today.