Mind & Body Connection

Do you find stress impacts your pain? Read this to find out why.

This post is a summary of a discussion with Simone Saunders of The Cognitive Corner.

We discussed all things mind & body – particularly stress and physical symptoms I encounter in clinic.

What are some common stress related issues I see in my physiotherapy appointments?

• Headaches – tension and cerviogenic headaches are extremely common
• Upper traps, neck and shoulder tightness
• Jaw tension and pain
• Pelvic floor OVER-activity
• Slower recovery from injury

How can physio be helpful in managing stress?

• Exercise dosing – figuring out the dose and type of exericse that will help an individual, as exercise can be fulfilling and energizing, but it can also be draining and a source of stress
• Strategies for breaks during stressful activities, particuarly work
• Having someone to make a movement plan with and ongoing accountability

Do you see stress manifest as pain and injury?

The body is in a heightened state of awareness and is often in a protective mode. This can manifest as:

• Slower recovery
• Positive nerve tension tests
• Stiffness and fear of movement
• Pain flare ups that occur during an increase in stress

Should someone deal with the mental or physical symptoms first?

• This comes down to the individual! As a physio, I usually start with the physical, but I’ll often bring up other factors in the person’s life to get a bigger picture of what they may be going through
• I like to bring exercise and movement in as a positive stressor, or stress reliever. We make goals and aim for changes that are sustainable
• If things don’t change, we re-evaluate and decide what the next best step is