Stress No More: Discover Turku’s Best Manual Therapy for Stress Relief!
How manual therapy can be your ally when it comes to dealing with stress.
Key takeaways
Manual therapy can be beneficial for stress management, mainly by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system. Certain pain can be attributed to high level of unmanaged stress.
Common structures to address for reducing stress are the diaphragm, the small intestine, the base of the cranium, and the occipitomastoid suture.
There are plenty of other tools when it comes to stress management, such as breathing techniques, social connections, and personal self-care habits.
If you're reading this, chances are you've been experiencing the impact of stress on your daily life, and you are looking for alternative ways to manage it. Whether it's the demands of a high-pressure job, juggling family responsibilities, or just the fast pace of modern life, stress can creep up on us and take a toll on our well-being. As much as stress management is based on a unique approach for each one of us, there is one way you might not have thought of yet: manual therapy.
Chronic Stress: The Silent Struggle
As a health care professional, I've seen firsthand how chronic stress can manifest physically, from tension headaches to digestive issues and everything in between. Our body and mind are connected, and symptoms of unmanaged stress will ripple on both sides.
Personal Experience:
I remember a client, who came to me at first for a hip pain. As the treatment went by, I understood that her pain was in fact probably a physical representation of her body telling her: “it’s time to stop”. She worked long hours in a demanding job and was starting to feel the effects of burnout. Needless to say, the first treatments were aiming at reducing her stress level. We were able to release the tension in her body and teach her relaxation techniques that made a world of difference.
Manual therapy: A Holistic Solution
So, how can my approach help with stress relief? Think of it as a holistic approach to wellness that focuses on the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. I always try to look for the root cause of issues and aims to restore balance and harmony within the body. For stress management, this has a lot to do with engaging the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which allows the system to switch into a relaxing state.
How It Works:
My approach utilizes hands-on techniques such as manipulation, massage, and stretching to improve the function of the body systems (musculoskeletal, visceral, nervous, liquid, endocrine, pressure, etc.), enhance circulation, and reduce tension. But it's not just about physical manipulation; osteopaths also consider factors like diet, lifestyle, and emotional well-being when designing a treatment plan.
For a treatment aimed specifically at reducing stress, here are key structures I want to address to make sure their mobility, position and function are optimal:
1. Diaphragm: a more engaged diaphragm will allow better abdominal breathing, relaxing the nervous system.
2. Occipitomastoid suture: helpful to stimulate the vagus nerve, key player in the PNS.
3. Mesentery: a lot of stress is accumulated while digesting food (chemical stress). Also, the small intestine has a straight connection to the brain. In other words, relaxing the gut will relax the brain, which will relax the entire body.
4. C0-C1 (joint between the skull and the first cervical vertebrae): small muscles under the occiput control micro movement of the head, adapting our eyes’ movement. When stressed, we tend to focus our vision, leading to an excitement of the nervous system. Relaxing the base of the cranium will help reverse this effect.
Of course, each case is unique, and my treatment plan is always tailored to each client, at this moment in time.
What to Expect During Your Session
So, you've booked your first appointment—now what? Don't worry; it's perfectly natural to feel a bit apprehensive if you've never tried it before. Here's a rundown of what you can expect during your session:
Initial Assessment:
I will start by asking you about your medical history, lifestyle habits, and any specific concerns or goals you have for treatment. This information will help them tailor a plan that's customized just for you. We will go through how you understand your stress situation.
Treatment Techniques:
Depending on your needs, I might use a combination of techniques to address muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and promote relaxation. You might experience gentle manipulation, soft tissue work, or craniosacral therapy, all aimed at releasing stress and restoring balance to your body.
Post-Treatment Care:
Your session doesn't end when you walk out the door. I will likely recommend exercises, stretches, or lifestyle modifications to support your healing between appointments. It's essential to follow those advices and take an active role in your self-care.
For more information on how a session goes with me, please refer to this article.
Tips for Stress Management
In addition to seeking professional help, there are plenty of things you can do on your own to manage stress and support your well-being:
Prioritize Self-Care & Set Boundaries:
Carve out time in your schedule for activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul, whether it's exercise, meditation, or simply spending time in nature. Learn to say no to commitments that drain your energy and prioritize the things that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Use breathing techniques:
Breathing with long exhales, such as the 4-4-8 method (4s inhale, 4s hold and 8 second exhale), will engage the PNS and bring your physiology back to a more peaceful state in times of anxiety.
Connect with Others:
Don't underestimate the power of social support. Reach out to friends, family, or a support group who can offer a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on during tough times.
Conclusion: A Stress-Free Future Awaits
Chronic stress may be a fact of life, but it doesn't have to rule your life. By exploring holistic approaches like manual therapy and making self-care a priority, you can reclaim your health, happiness, and vitality. So why wait? Take the first step on your journey to stress relief today—you deserve it!
With a little help from the right professional, you can change your perception of stress and say hello to a more relax lifestyle in Turku.
