How stress affects muscles and how therapy can help manage muscle pain and prevent further complications:
Stress itself can’t kill you, but over time, it can cause damage that leads to premature death. This damage can be anything from cardiovascular issues to encouraging unhealthy habits, like smoking and alcohol misuse. Studies have shown that stress is one of the major causes of death and is linked to all six of the most common causes of death. Stress is responsible for almost half of the death rate in people that are under 65 and causes numerous other illnesses.
Stress can have a significant impact on the musculoskeletal system. When we experience stress, our body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to muscle tension and tightness. This prolonged muscle tension can cause pain, stiffness, and even spasms.
Stress can cause an imbalance of neural circuitry subserving cognition, decision making, anxiety and mood that can increase or decrease expression of those behaviors and behavioral states. This imbalance, in turn, affects systemic physiology via neuroendocrine, autonomic, immune and metabolic mediators.
Additionally, stress can disrupt the body's natural recovery processes, making it more difficult for muscles to heal and recover from injury or overuse. This can lead to chronic pain and increased risk of further injury. as well as make the body more prone to (chronic) sickness and diseases.
Stress Hormones can inhibit a process called ‘ANOIKIS’ which kills diseases cells and prevent them from spreading. Chronic stress also inccreases the production of certain growth factors that increase your blood supply. This can speed the development of cancerous tumors.
Therapy has been proven be effective in alleviating muscle pain and preventing further complications. Some of the ways therapy can help include:
1. Reducing muscle tension and improving flexibility: Techniques like massage, stretching, and myofascial release can help relax and lengthen the muscles, reducing tension and improving range of motion.
2. Improving blood flow and circulation: Increased blood flow can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, promoting healing and recovery.
3. Strengthening and stabilizing muscles: Targeted exercises and movements can help strengthen the muscles, improving their ability to support the body and reducing the risk of injury.
4. Addressing the root causes of pain: Therapists may work to identify and address the underlying factors contributing to the muscle pain, such as poor posture, muscle imbalances, or stress-related factors.
5. Providing education and strategies for self-management: Therapists can teach patients techniques and exercises they can do at home to help manage their pain and prevent further complications.
By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of muscle pain, a comprehensive therapy approach like the one offered at watapana Wellness, helps patients achieve sustainable improvements in their overall health and well-being.
Watapana Welness's unique approach and specific services provides detailed or tailored therapeutic care.
We encourage you to consult with the professionals at watapana Wellness to learn more about how their services can benefit you.