Stress and anxiety are common issues that many women face today. The pressures of work, family, and daily life can take a toll on mental and physical health. While there are many ways to manage stress and anxiety, physiotherapy is a lesser-known option that can help improve overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how physiotherapy can help women manage stress and anxiety and improve their quality of life.
Understanding Stress and Anxiety
Stress is the body’s response to a perceived threat, while anxiety is the body’s response to stress. While stress is a natural part of life, chronic stress can lead to negative health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and physical ailments such as headaches, digestive issues, and muscle tension.
Anxiety is a persistent feeling of worry or fear that can be debilitating for those who experience it. Symptoms of anxiety can include racing thoughts, feelings of restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath.
For tips on dealing with Anxiety head to the HSE website here
Self-help resources for stress
Stress Control course
For many people, stress can include or be linked to feelings of anxiety or low mood.
The HSE ‘Stress Control’ course can help you learn stress management skills.
StressControl.ie
Minding your Wellbeing Programme videos
5 videos that help you learn more about mindfulness, gratitude, self-care and resilience.
Watch the Minding Your Wellbeing Programme videos
Headspace app
A free app that teaches meditation and mindfulness skills.
Get Headspace from the App Store
Get Headspace from Google Play
Effects of Stress on the Body
According to the ISCP, when we are under stress, the body produces an increased amount of adrenalin. Unused adrenalin can build up in the system, causing muscle tension and increased blood pressure. It can also lead to disturbed sleep patterns.
Unresolved stress can also lead to emotional turmoil, which in turn can cause anxiety and depression, setting up a ‘vicious circle’ of negative emotions.
Stress causes a release of a surge of stress-related hormones. Happily, however, relaxation can cause the opposite – a surge of sedative or calming hormones. Research has shown that relaxation techniques produce chemical changes in the body and a decrease in brain wave activity.
Signs of stress may include emotional problems such as anxiety, lack of interest, an inability to concentrate, irritability and tension. Physical symptoms may include headaches, panic attacks, increased incidence of asthma attacks, and stress-related skin conditions.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy is a non-invasive approach to stress and anxiety management that can be used alongside other treatments such as medication and therapy. Physiotherapy can help women manage stress and anxiety by addressing physical symptoms, reducing tension in the body, and improving overall well-being.
Physiotherapy is a holistic approach to healthcare that takes into account the entire body and mind, rather than just focusing on specific symptoms or conditions. As such, physiotherapy can help improve overall well-being and quality of life, not just alleviate physical symptoms.
Physiotherapy can benefit women with stress and anxiety in various ways. Firstly, physiotherapy can help women identify and manage physical symptoms related to stress and anxiety. For instance, women who experience tension headaches, muscle tightness, or pain in the neck and shoulders may benefit from techniques such as massage, stretching, or trigger point release.
Physiotherapy can help women improve their mental and emotional well-being. Exercise therapy, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques are all effective ways to reduce stress and anxiety and promote feelings of calm and relaxation. Exercise therapy, in particular, can promote the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters.
Finally, physiotherapy can also help women develop coping mechanisms and strategies to manage stress and anxiety in their daily lives. By working with a physiotherapist, women can learn how to recognise triggers and signs of stress and anxiety and develop tools to manage these effectively. These tools can include breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, and self-care practices.
At Portobello Physio, our Women’s Health Physio range of services includes techniques such as exercise therapy, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Exercise Therapy
Exercise therapy is a key component of physiotherapy that can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Exercise can also help reduce muscle tension, improve sleep quality, and boost self-esteem.
At our clinic, we offer individualised exercise programs that are tailored to each woman’s needs and fitness level. Our physiotherapists can work with you to create a program that includes cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and stretching, all of which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises are another effective way to manage stress and anxiety. When we’re stressed or anxious, our breathing can become shallow and rapid, which can exacerbate physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and sweating. By practising deep breathing exercises, we can slow down our breathing and reduce tension in the body.
At Portobello Physio, our Women’s Health Physio range of services includes breathing exercises that are designed to help women manage stress and anxiety. Our physiotherapists can teach you breathing techniques that can be used in daily life to promote relaxation and reduce tension.
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques like meditation and progressive muscle relaxation can also help manage stress and anxiety. These techniques can help quiet the mind, reduce muscle tension, and promote a sense of calm.
At our clinic, we offer relaxation techniques as part of our Women’s Health Physio range of services. Our physiotherapists can guide you through techniques like guided imagery and mindfulness meditation, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Useful Links and Resources
At Portobello Physio, we offer a comprehensive range of Women’s Health Physio services that cater to the needs of women facing stress and anxiety. Our services are designed to promote mental and physical well-being and include exercise therapy, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques that have been shown to be effective in managing stress and anxiety. We would love to help you in your journey towards better health and encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists today.
