The Role Between Physical Therapy and Mental Health

Physical therapy is often thought of as being related specifically to the functions of the body, including muscles and skeletal bones. Yet, physical therapy can also help with mental health, improving the function of your body and your overall mental well-being through each session. Consider how physical therapy and mental health relate and what it may mean to your quality of life to invest in care.

How Physical Therapy Impacts Mental Well-Being

The connection between physical therapy and mental health is not always obvious, but it is impactful. Physical health issues directly impact your mental health. Aches and pains can turn any day into a stressful one. Physical trauma can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder as well. Many people who suffer from structural and functional challenges in their bodies and experience chronic pain also suffer from structural changes in the brain. That makes controlling emotions hard.

By incorporating healthy physical therapy strategies, it’s possible to break down some of that pain and discomfort and work through the mental health challenges they are often linked to, providing you with resounding improvement in your quality of life. If you are facing injury recovery, disease improvement, or mental health therapy, physical therapy can support your long-term improvement.

The Connection Between Chronic Pain and Mental Health

Individuals living with chronic pain consistently face risks to mental health. Chronic pain impacts every facet of your life, including:

• Ability to sleep
• Increased stress levels
• Increased risk of depression

Additionally, people who are living with chronic pain are often faced with a higher risk of developing health problems related to managing that pain, such as the onset of substance use disorders or anxiety. One report indicates that 35 to 45% of people with chronic pain are more likely to experience depression.

Physical therapy may help to reduce that pain, therefore contributing to improved mental health. As a result, it can help improve overall well-being.

Stress Reduction Through Physical Activity

Another way in which physical therapy and mental health link is with stress management. Stress is a naturally occurring process that involves the release of a hormone to heighten senses and prepare the body to take quick action to navigate some level of perceived risk. That hormone is only meant to be in the body for a short time, providing a boost of ability to respond, such as a quickened heart rate and improved focus. Today, stress hormones linger much longer, impacting the quality of health and mental well-being.

However, physical movement can burn the stress hormone from the bloodstream, helping to regulate its presence again. Consider how you feel after a good workout after a long day at work. You feel energized and more at ease. Going for a walk is another example. Physical activity helps to burn through the intense stress you feel.

Physical activity from physical therapy contributes in the same way. It helps to improve mood, reduce aches and pains, and increase your energy. For many people, managing stress like this can also reduce anxiety and depression symptoms while improving focus. You feel better, and that directly contributes to your mental health.

It’s important to note that physical therapy can provide short-term improvement of mental health complications like this. It cannot cure depression or resolve all stress. Yet, it can be a catalyst to seeing significant improvement in your quality of life.

Boosting Confidence and Mood with Physical Therapy

Another way physical therapy can enhance your well-being and mental health is by improving your confidence. If you’re struggling with limited mobility or worried you may drop something because of your weak arm muscles, physical therapy can offer a confidence boost. You will work closely with your physical therapist to devise a strategy that is specifically beneficial to your specific needs.

Once your therapist creates a plan and begins working those muscles and ligaments, your strength, function, and form improve. As that happens, it can give you more confidence to engage in activities that you may have put off due to fear before. As you move through your therapy sessions, you may notice that not only is your confidence improving, but so is your mood and overall desire to keep progressing.

For those with chronic mobility concerns or recovery after a long injury or illness, physical therapy is hard work. It takes time and consistency to improve and get results. Yet, with each appointment, you may notice your health and well-being improving, and with that comes your confidence and mood.

Physical Therapy’s Role in Managing Anxiety and Depression

As noted, physical therapy is a core driver of stress reduction, which also facilitates improved dopamine (the feel-good hormone) release in the body. From a scientific perspective, physical therapy helps to align hormones and encourage proper function of the brain and body. But how does that transfer into improved anxiety and depression symptoms?

Physical therapy and mental health are a natural fit. When you move easily and have confidence, you simply are in a better mood. Yet, it is important to remember that both anxiety and depression are mental health disorders that may take additional treatment and support. Just going to the gym is not going to balance hormones that often cause depression or help you navigate trauma that’s brought on your anxiety. However, with physical therapy, you can begin to see improvements that are nothing short of remarkable.

Why a Holistic Approach to Health Matters

The key to physical therapy and mental health is to utilize a provider that understands all of your needs. For those with mental health complications, including anxiety, high stress levels, and post-traumatic stress disorder, working with a physical therapist can be beneficial if your physical health is contributing to those feelings.

In these situations, it’s critical to find help that you can feel confident in. At Rock Valley Physical Therapy, you’ll gain the confidence you need to engage in ongoing physical therapy to improve all components of your health in a holistic manner. Contact us today for a consultation.