subject: Ease Stress And Headaches With Physical Therapy [print this page] Physical therapy is a healthcare discipline that evaluates and treats disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The goal is to use a carefully constructed personalized program of physical therapy to restore the individual to health and independence. But it may be used in treating ailments other than muscle trauma. This article discloses the less familiar health advantages to this terrific therapy.
Joint pain often encourages people with arthritis to avoid almost any kind of exercise. A group of exercises called "isometrics" is used in physical therapy to help strengthen muscles without involving painful joints. Isometrics require no joint movement and instead alternates the flexing and relaxing of isolated muscles or groups of muscles in order to build strength. Isotonic exercises involve joint mobility. But these exercises develop strength by employing increased repetitions, often with the introduction of lightweight dumbbells or resistance bands. A physical therapist will guide you through isometric and isotonic exercises, demonstrating how to do each one safely and to the optimum benefit.
Everyone experiences some degree of stress. Stress can result in emotional distress and physical pain, and subsequently become even more destructive. There is clinical evidence to support the fact that humans are more susceptible to disease during periods of great stress. When muscles are given the opportunity to expend lots of energy or allowed to completely relax, stress decreases. Physical therapy techniques are an excellent way to enhance relaxation. Aquatic therapy, for example, is a great way to build physical strength and to enhance relaxation. For those who don't swim, jogging in the pool, treading water, swinging the arms against the resistance of the water and floating, encourage the muscles to relax. Patients report sounder sleep, improved moods, and even weight loss after engaging in this type of exercise.
The onset of headaches, especially migraines, is quick and debilitating. Therapy can address the root cause of chronic headaches, thus decreasing their frequency and intensity. A physical therapist puts together a program that targets joints and muscles in the peripheral nervous system. The hope for these patients is that with adequate treatment, the migraines will be greatly reduced and eventually eliminated. In other words, the manner in which a migraine sufferer responds to treatment depends largely upon the muscles and joints that play a part in the headaches.
Physical therapy rehabilitation is proven effective in the treatment of a broad variety of disease and illness. But prior to starting physical therapy, discuss it with your physician to ensure that it's safe for you. Therapy isn't intended as a substitute for medical care, yet the combination can alleviate symptoms.
