In our current work and social culture, stress is a common component. The perpetual problem of having to do more with less time, less resources, and less manpower puts tremendous stress on an individual to meet the demands of a constantly changing environment.
Add to this, family, economic, and personal issues, and a complex picture of stress begins to emerge.
How this plays out functionally in our bodies is that our autonomic nervous system is divided into two major divisions related to the fight or flight and relaxation systems. Suffice it to say the fight or flight system is getting far more stimulation through the rigors of life than is the relaxation system.
People need to learn a basic process for activating the relaxation system and turning off the overworked fight or flight response in the body. There are simple ways to do this which can be used under resting conditions or when going about your day so stress can be relieved.
We often incorporate these techniques into treatment with the neck and upper back, TMD, or any area that is experiencing strong pain. Pain stimulates the flight or fight response in the body and having techniques that calm the autonomic nervous system can be very helpful in the comprehensive treatment of a difficult problem.
Common Conditions our physical therapist helps:
- Non-cardiac chest pain
- Costochondritis
- Muscle tension
- Upper chest
- Over breathing habits
For more information, Contact Full Potential Physical Therapy today at our Holland, MI.
A Better Life is Only Four Steps Away
Physical therapy can be an unfamiliar experience for many. To orient new patients to the process, we have divided their rehab journey into four segments called “The Four Phases of Getting Better.” It is important to note that while there are four phases utilized over the course of your care, they are not totally separate. They move gradually toward greater strengthening and function, which is the end goal to return confidently to the life you desire to live.1
Pain Relief
The first focus in getting better is pain relief. After your evaluation, your physical therapist will use hands-on techniques or manual therapy, light therapeutic exercise, and education on how to modify your activity and posture in order to give you more control over your pain. In this stage, modalities like ice, heat, myofascial release, electric stimulation and kinesiotape may be used.
2
Improve Mobility/Flexibility
The second step in this method is to improve mobility and flexibility. Your therapist will design a progressive program of range of motion and light stretching to restore mobility and reduce pain.
3
Improve Strength/Control
In the third step of this method, muscle weakness will be addressed to help you maintain the gains and momentum you achieve through phases one and two. A thorough strengthening process is the step that gives results that last, and this will prepare you for more functional training – the final step.
4
Functional Training
Now that your pain is resolved and you have the necessary mobility and strength, your program can be advanced into functional training. Whether you are returning to work, returning to life after post-op rehabilitation, getting back into recreation or sports, or simply returning to the activities of daily life, this step helps ensure your success after graduation and empowers you to be confident in your abilities again.
Reach Your Full Potential & Live Pain-Free!
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