The Connection Between Physical Therapy & Mental Health

-Written By: Megan Rigby, PTA, LMT employee of CPR Physical Therapy + Performance

In today's fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become common companions for many. While it's well-known that physical therapy (PT) aids in recovering from injuries and improving mobility and function, its significant impact on mental health is often overlooked. Let's explore how PT can be a benefit in enhancing both physical and mental well-being.

Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

Our mental and physical health are very closely connected. When we're stressed, our bodies can react in two ways:

These physical manifestations can, in turn, amplify mental distress, creating a cycle that's challenging to break. However, there are several steps we can take to promote both physical and mental well-being (“Exercising to Relax”).

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Stress control can, and should, involve the body. Physical therapy offers a holistic approach to health, addressing both the body and the mind. Here are a few ways PT can positively influence mental health:

• Improved Function: Chronic pain or loss of physical function due to injury, surgery, or overuse can lead to feelings of discouragement and depression. Physical therapy aims to reduce pain and restore mobility and function, enabling individuals to engage in activities they once enjoyed. This restoration of function can lead to a more positive outlook on life and improved mental health.
• Stimulating Endorphin Release: Participating in regular physical activity and movement triggers the production of endorphins, often referred to as the body's natural mood lifters and “feel-good” chemical. This increase in endorphins can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety while boosting self-confidence. Additionally, exercise contributes to relaxation by reducing levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
• Social Interaction: PT sessions often provide opportunities for social engagement, whether with therapists or in group settings. This interaction can alleviate feelings of isolation and contribute to improved mental well-being.

What Are Endorphins?

Endorphins, combining the words 'endogenous' (originating within the body) and 'morphine' (a pain reliever), act as natural painkillers. These “natural painkillers” bind to brain receptors to help decrease pain perception and encourage positive emotions—giving us the feeling of a 'runner's high'.  However, you can achieve this effect with many other activities such as walking, cycling, yoga, resistance training, stretching, and dancing. Beyond alleviating pain, endorphins help reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and regulate appetite. Regular physical activity, including exercises from physical therapy, can elevate endorphin levels, decreasing pain, and enhancing mood and overall well-being ("Endorphins: What They Are and How to Boost Them").

Techniques to Help Improve Mental Health

Educating patients about their body's functions and symptom management is an essential aspect of physical therapy. By understanding the root causes of their discomfort and learning effective maintenance strategies, individuals can feel more in control of their health, leading to reduced stress and anxiety, and thereby enhancing mental well-being. A few strategies include:

• Personalized Exercise Programs: Tailored exercises not only improve physical function and strength but also help create awareness of how the body is feeling and what it needs. It is encouraged to participate in a home exercise plan, given by the PT, to help boost function and maintain progress.
• Deep Breathing Exercises: Controlled breathing techniques can help to slow the heart rate and bring the body out of the fight or flight mode, which promotes relaxation and reduced anxiety. Slow, deep breaths can be beneficial as they can be practiced anywhere. Additionally, deep breathing can help facilitate better posture and muscle function.
• Conscious Muscle Relaxation: As stress and anxiety build, muscles can get stuck in a chronic tightened position, resulting in muscle imbalance, poor mechanics, pain, and decreased range of motion. Physical therapy techniques may help you learn to relax these muscles after activating them. This not only helps with improved function but also helps individuals become more aware of physical tension that is often accompanied by stress. This increased body awareness can assist with your ability to relax and provide the rest your body needs (“Exercising to Relax”).
• Manual Therapy: Manual therapy methods, including soft tissue manipulation and joint mobilization, can help relieve muscle tension, diminish pain, enhance blood flow, improve flexibility and posture, and stimulate endorphin release, contributing to overall well-being and relaxation.

Incorporating Physical Therapy into Daily Life

To maximize the mental health benefits of PT, consider the following:

Conclusion

Physical therapy extends beyond facilitating physical recovery; it can also play an important role in enhancing mental health. By recognizing and treating the interconnectedness of body and mind, PT provides a comprehensive approach to overall well-being. Although important in helping to manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, physical therapy is not a “fix-all” for every condition. If you struggle with chronic mental health issues, you may benefit from the additional care of other medical providers or mental health specialist as part of your holistic treatment plan.

Sources:

1. "Endorphins: What They Are and How to Boost Them." Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23040-endorphins.
2. "Exercising to Relax." Harvard Health Publishing, 7 July 2020, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax.