PHYSIO FAC T
NO HEALTH WITHOUT
MENTAL HEALTH
At the mention of the term “physiotherapy”, what is the first image that comes to your mind? Maybe the term conjures thoughts of people engaging in exercise? Perhaps it crafts images of individuals plagued with complaints looking for pain management? Indisputably, physiotherapy is in the front-line answer to these physical health scenarios. However, what may be not so generally known is the benefits of physiotherapy in the realm of mental health. The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being1. But the relationship between mental health and physical health is often misunderstood. The disconnection between “mind” and “body” creates the misconception that mental health is not connected with physical ailments and on the flip side, that a physical disease is not connected with mental health related symptoms. The reality is that both are intricately woven. An investigation of published statistics validates this statement. In fact: • Canadians who report symptoms of depression also report experiencing three times as many chronic physical conditions as the general population.2 • Canadians with chronic physical conditions have twice the likelihood of also experiencing a mood or anxiety disorder when compared to those without a chronic physical condition.3 • One out of every two Canadians with major depression and a co-existing chronic physical condition report limitation in their day-to-day activities.4 So, if the relationship exists – what role does physiotherapy play?
PHYSIOTHERAPY ENCOURAGES MOVEMENT. Studies have shown that people with diminished mental health are more susceptible to inactivity and are at risk of a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, prescribed medications to treat different mental health conditions can have side effects which result in the development of metabolic syndrome, obesity, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease5. Engagement in movement can help reduce these effects! With physiotherapy being a profession rooted in the encouragement of activity – it is a brilliant fit!
PHYSIOTHERAPY CAN ASSIST IN THE REDUCTION OF PAIN. Researchers once thought pain, anxiety and depression resulted from psychological rather than biological factors. The experience of pain is depressing and likewise depression may feel physically painful. But researchers have learned more about how the brain works and how the nervous system interacts with other parts of the body. They have discovered that pain shares some common biological mechanisms with anxiety and depression. The positive news is physiotherapy can greatly reduce or eliminate physical pain, which in turn can decrease emotional duress. PHYSIOTHERAPY CAN INCREASE CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM. Low self-confidence is often closely tied to reduced mental health. Therefore, building this is crucial. Physiotherapists can assist by creating plans that set achievable goals, helping and encouraging the reaching of these goals and aiding in seeing results. The research has shown that this formula has been proven to boost morale and self-esteem! As outlined above, physiotherapy can be used as an integral part of a healthcare plan designed to heal the whole person. It has been said – there is ‘no health without mental health’. So, take a step forward. Consider adding a physiotherapist to your team of healthcare providers; these professionals will treat you holistically, body and mind. References: 1. World Health Organization. Promoting mental health: concepts, emerging evidence, practice: a report of the World Health Organization, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse in collaboration with the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation and the University of Melbourne. World Health Organization, 2005. 2. Canadian Institute for Health Information, A Framework for Health Outcomes Analysis: Diabetes and Depression Case Studies. Ottawa: CIHI, 2008. 3. Evans, Dwight L., Dennis S. Charney, Lydia Lewis, Robert N. Golden, Jack M. Gorman, K. Ranga Rama Krishnan, Charles B. Nemeroff et al. “Mood disorders in the medically ill: scientific review and recommendations.” Biological psychiatry 58, no. 3 (2005): 175-189. 4. Patten, Scott B. “Long-term medical conditions and major depression in the Canadian population.” The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 44, no. 2 (1999): 151-157. 5. Probst, Michel. “Physiotherapy and mental health.” Clinical physical therapy 230 (2017).
Stacey Braun (Physiotherapist, MPT, B.Sc, ASc)
PHYSIOTHERAPY CAN IMPROVE MOOD AND STRESS MANAGEMENT.
The physical activity associated with physiotherapy releases mood-regulating chemicals. What do these chemicals do? Endorphins are chemicals which act as the body’s natural pain reliever. Serotonin is a “feel-good” chemical that helps regulate mood and enhance feelings of happiness and positivity. Norepinephrine helps regulate stress and provides the brain with motivation during and after engaging in physical activity! What an amazing recipe physiotherapy can help facilitate!
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