Physical Therapy Clinical Treatment For Anxiety
Anxiety is a complex response to real or perceived threats, which may involve cognitive, physical, and behavioral modifications. This state of heightened alertness–sometimes referred to as the fight-or-flight response–can impair an individual’s capacity for critical thought, appropriate emotional regulation, and social skillset.
Psychological therapies can be an effective remedy for anxiety disorders. They also teach individuals how to manage these conditions naturally and prevent recurrences.
Some medications can help control anxiety symptoms. These include antidepressants, benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants. While these drugs may provide temporary relief from anxiety disorders, they should not be relied upon as a long-term solution.
Other therapies for anxiety may include acupuncture, relaxation training and massage therapy. These can help reduce stress and anxiety levels in the body, improve sleep cycles, and lessen symptoms of anxiety.
Exercising can be a helpful coping mechanism for anxiety. It reduces cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress, and boosts serotonin and dopamine – chemicals responsible for positive moods and feelings of wellbeing – levels in your system. Exercise also has been known to decrease levels of cortisol, another hormone linked to stress, which decreases cortisol’s effects.
Exercise can reduce the effects of some anxiety disorders and even help those suffering from them recover from depression or other mental health issues. Exercising regularly also boosts self-confidence while improving both your mental and physical wellbeing.
As the initial step in managing an anxiety disorder, seek medical assistance. Your physician can determine the most suitable treatment plan for you and your condition, and may refer you to a mental health specialist if medication or psychological counseling don’t seem to have made any difference.
You can also try relaxation exercises, yoga, meditation and hypnosis to soothe your mind and reduce the intensity of your anxiety symptoms. Your doctor may suggest combining these treatments for maximum benefit.
Talking with your doctor about these options can be an excellent way to address symptoms and understand their effects on daily life. They may also direct you toward resources and support groups that offer empathy, understanding, and shared experiences.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness and Anxiety and Depression Association of America can provide details about local support groups. You may also learn about other options for dealing with anxiety and depression from the American Psychological Association.
Keep a journal to monitor how you feel and how it impacts your daily life. Doing this can help you and your doctor identify triggers for anxiety so that you can work to eliminate them from the equation.
Make sure you are eating nutritiously and getting plenty of rest each night. You may want to reduce coffee, energy drinks, and other caffeine-containing foods/beverages as these can exacerbate your anxiety. Furthermore, avoid recreational street drugs and alcohol which could exacerbate existing symptoms.
This study suggests physiotherapists possess skills and techniques that can assist with managing anxiety in PwMS during rehabilitation, as well as areas for further physiotherapy training. With confidence, a specialist physiotherapist can implement these interventions to help their patient conquer their anxieties and enhance quality of life.