5 ways physiotherapy can improve mental health 

The ultimate goal of physiotherapy is to enhance people’s everyday lives – whether that’s through increasing sporting performance, or managing rehab, recovery and pain relief. Because when we’re not moving as well as we’d like, it can have a negative effect on our mental health. It’s no surprise then, that physiotherapy and improved mental health are closely intertwined. Here’s how…  

Mental health and pain management  

Did you know that putting up with chronic pain and/or continued discomfort can lead to low mood and mental conditions such as anxiety and depression? Physiotherapists will work with you to identify the source of the pain, and put a treatment plan in place to reduce and prevent it. At Bodyset, we also use a variety of hands-on techniques to reduce pain during clinic sessions and throughout your treatment plan. These include joint mobilisation, soft tissue manipulation, massage, and ultrasound. Pain management can have an enormous effect on your mental health – relieving pain and getting you back to doing more of what you love.  

Mental health and sleep  

Sleep and mental health are closely related. When you can’t sleep you feel the effects physically and mentally the next day. Lack of sufficient sleep can lead to anxiety, headaches, or fatigue. In fact, according to recent research, sleep deprivation can also increase our sensitivity to pain. Thus, a good night’s sleep can help to reduce pain, enhance recovery, and reduce the risk of further injury. As part of your treatment plan, physiotherapists will work with you to improve your sleep patterns through pain-relieving exercises and lifestyle changes.  

Mental health and accountability  

When we have limited movement, experience frequent pain, or suffer from an injury, we may often feel defeated or helpless. Particularly when it’s a pain that we’ve put up with for a long time. Embarking on a physiotherapy treatment programme is the first step towards taking back control of your body and mind. Accountability like this encourages self-confidence and positivity as you work towards a pain-free future.  

Mental health and rehabilitation  

Sometimes, and only when necessary, physiotherapists will ask you to moderate some of your daily activities in order to speed up recovery. This might not be what you want to hear but our Bodyset physiotherapists will work with you to keep you focused on the end goal and help you with new ways to manage your time.  

“Due to a hip injury, I had to stop my favourite sports for a little while. At first, I felt panicked by the idea of not being able to do the things I love most. But Bodyset helped me through this. I got involved in other activities that I hadn’t done for years, while remaining focused on my recovery goals. I stayed positive and the time flew by!” Laura, Bodyset client.  

Mental health and performance  

At Bodyset, physiotherapy is so much more than pain relief and injury recovery. We strive to enhance performance and everyday lives too. So, we’ll work with you to reach new goals, whether that’s running, cycling, hiking or any other active goals that are important to you.  

Setting challenges, achieving new goals, and exercising regularly can have a profoundly positive impact on mental health. It can relieve stress, improve memory, help you sleep better, and boost your overall mood. It’s a powerful tool for helping you improve your outlook and get more out of life. And we’re here to support you every step of the way.