Over the past decade, self-care has become a topic of interest to millions. Articles, quotes, and resources related to self-care are pinned thousands of times a day on Pinterest, and shared on Facebook. Self-care is discussed not just on social media, but also in doctor’s offices and counseling rooms. This thing called self-care began as a trend but has become a movement, and for good reason: It promotes wellness on multiple levels.
What Self-Care Is, and What It Isn’t
According to Christine Meinecke Ph.D., contributor to Psychology Today, self-care may not be what you think it is. In her article Self-Care in a Toxic World, she explains that most people think self-care is self-pampering, but that is not the case. She wrote,
“Self-care is not self-pampering – not that there’s anything wrong with self-pampering – pedicures, dark chocolates, and other luxuries. Self-care is not self-indulgence. Self-care means choosing behaviors that balance the effects of emotional and physical stressors: exercising, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, practicing yoga or meditation or relaxation techniques, abstaining from substance abuse, pursuing creative outlets, engaging in psychotherapy. Also essential to self-care is learning to self-soothe or calm our physical and emotional distress.”
Self-care means choosing behaviors that balance the effects of emotional and physical stressors. With this in mind, take a moment to make a list of a few self-care activities that are essential to your wellbeing.
Physiotherapy Reduces Mental Stress and Physical Illness Simultaneously
“Physiotherapy” is probably not something you wrote down on your self-care essentials list. But, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be a vital aspect of your self-care routine. In fact, physiotherapy is one of the most powerful self-care activities a person can participate in. This is because it reduces mental stress and physical illness simultaneously.
Did you know that physiotherapy, a type of therapy that is exercise-based, is an effective treatment for stress? As reported by the Australian Physiotherapy Association, physiotherapy not only reduces muscle tension, but also…
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces fatigue
- Improves concentration
- Promotes feelings of wellbeing
- Boosts mood
In addition to reducing mental stress, physiotherapy also treats physical maladies. Most forms of bodily pain, sports-related injuries, arthritis, respiratory problems, and even the symptoms of cancer and other illnesses often respond favorably to physiotherapy.
Judging from this information, would you agree that engaging in physiotherapy is a potent type of self-care?
Is Physiotherapy Missing from Your Self-Care Routine?
People are hungry for information about how they can best support wellness in their lives. Share this article to raise awareness of the role physiotherapy plays in self-care.
If physiotherapy is missing from your self-care routine, contact a physiotherapy clinic near you to schedule an evaluation. If you live near Winnipeg, reach out to the team at Elite Sports Injury Clinics.