The Role of Physiotherapy in Mental Health
About one in five Canadians experiences a mental disorder at some point in life. Anxiety, depression, and addictions are the most common complaints. The good news is that you can naturally prevent and treat mental illnesses with physiotherapy.
Most people associate physical therapy with pain relief or injury rehab. However, its benefits are much greater. This healing practice improves your mood and well-being, wards off depression symptoms, and relieves anxiety.
The Mental Benefits of Physiotherapy
Whether you’re struggling with depression, chronic stress, or mood disorders, physiotherapy can help. Those who work in this field have the skills and knowledge needed to help you overcome these issues. Besides treating pain and injuries, they can recommend exercises and prevention techniques that address mental health.
Therapeutic exercises have been found effective in the treatment of mood disorders. They not only energize your body but also increase oxygen flow to the brain, improve circulation, and relieve emotional distress. Moreover, certain exercise can help you get a better night’s sleep and ward off fatigue.
According to science, physiotherapy plays a key role in mental health. Regular sessions can help with addiction symptoms, boost cognitive function, and improve the physiological response to stress. In the long run, they lead to a better quality of life and greater self-esteem.
What Is Neurological Physiotherapy?
There are different types of physiotherapy, and each has unique benefits. Neurological physiotherapy appeals to those suffering from Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, and other mental illnesses. These disorders affect the body’s nervous and neuromuscular system, causing loss of function, tremors, muscle spasms, pain, and tingling.
A neurological physiotherapist can recommend acupuncture, balance and coordination exercises, or mobility aids to improve your quality of life. These techniques are an integral part of rehab programs in mental health care.
For instance, some exercises boost serotonin levels in the brain and increase pain threshold. Others help restore muscle function and slow the progression of mental diseases.
As you see, physiotherapy can improve all aspects of your health. It keeps your brain sharp, relieves anxiety, and supports mental function. Most patients experience positive after just a few sessions.
