The chronic presence of stress hormones inhibits healing. Our thoughts and emotions can even exacerbate physical pain. Do you recognize when stress is adding to your physical pain? Being attentive to your body is essential for optimal wellbeing. We offer two suggestions to help reduce pain, tension, and stress. 

1. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is being aware. It's in the present moment. Autopilot is the opposite of mindfulness. To practice mindfulness, pay attention to your senses during a routine task like brushing your teeth, showering, or eating lunch. Notice what you see, hear, smell, and taste. Stop and do a body scan from head to toe. Do you need to relax your shoulders or unclench your jaw? Mindfulness can help reduce stress, leaving room for the body to focus more on healing. 
2. Breathe: Breathing can help you relax and is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. When you breathe deeply, it sends a message to your brain to calm down. The brain then messages the body. Take a deep breath in through your nose. Breathe out through pursed lips. Repeat 3-10 times and notice how you feel at the end of the exercise. 

We know that pain is real and frustrating, and the stresses of life compound that. If you are experiencing pain and need help finding ways to decrease it, contact us at 540-459-1386.

​Tensions are high, and turmoil is surrounding us. The American Psychological Association recently reported that stress levels are significantly higher compared to previous years. While some stress is good, chronic stress can be detrimental to our bodies. Stress can lead to fatigue, inflammation, headaches, muscle tightness, neck, back, and shoulder pain.

Many wait to turn to physical therapy as a follow-up after a surgery, accident, or injury, but did you know that you can turn to physical therapy for stress now?

Working with a physical therapist can help you manage your stress and its symptoms. We reduce tension in the neck and back through powerful interventions and educate you on how to perform these at home. Let us use our very own virtual reality relaxation program and heart rate variability training to provide that feeling of much-needed rest. Breathing can significantly decrease overall stress. Allow us the opportunity to teach you breathing techniques and tips you can use daily for the rest of your life!

If you have a hard time coping with stress and its impact on your body, schedule an appointment, and we will help you on your journey to well-being.