At Blackberry Clinic we offer a patient centred and holistic approach to treatment and rehabilitation. This means that our practitioners and doctors are aware that the physical aspects of pain can be exacerbated by stress and other mental health issues. Our new comprehensive assessment time of 45 minutes for new patients for physio, osteopathy and chiropractic allows time for full history taking, physical assessment, discussion of treatment plan and, in some cases, a short treatment too. By addressing the root causes of a problem, it is more likely that an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can be put into action, leading to more satisfactory outcomes for our patients, in particular for those with a long history of chronic pain.
Here, Jordan Smith, one of our physio team at Blackberry Clinic Milton Keynes, explains how physical therapy treatment can benefit your mental health. Physical therapy can be from a physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor.
Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stress of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. More concrete mental health includes different components of life; for example, in terms of relationships, having a good relationship with family and having supportive friends, with the ability to talk about feelings. For leisure time, it is about having hobbies, doing exercises on a regular basis and having regular holidays. Furthermore, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes, having healthy eating habits, not smoking or drinking and not taking non‐prescribed drugs and at least being able to achieve some goals in life. Mental health is not merely the absence of a mental disorder. Exercise is an evidence-based treatment for people with mental health issues, and physiotherapists work with people who may have mental health issues alongside other long-term health issues.
● 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue of some sort during their lifetime
● 1 in 6 people are likely to have had mental health issues in the past seven days
● people with mental health issues are more at risk of having poor physical health
● 70% of premature deaths in people with mental health issues are due to poor physical health ● mental health issues are one of the main causes of the overall disease burden worldwide
Mental disorders are of major public health significance. It has been claimed that vigorous physical activity has positive effects on mental health in both clinical and non-clinical populations. Mental health problems are the leading predictor of years lived with disability worldwide. The relationship between mental health and physical activity is supported by a growing body of evidence. There is rigorous evidence now that physiotherapy improves mental and physical health in this vulnerable population.
The benefits of physical activity are twofold, as people with mental health problems are also at an increased risk of a range of physical health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, endocrine disorders and obesity. Physical activity influences cognition and cardiorespiratory fitness and reduces dropout due to a wide range of mental health problems.
The health benefits of regular exercise are:
● Improved cardiovascular fitness ● Improved sleep
● Better endurance ● A positive influence on metabolic syndrome and diabetes
● Stress relief
● Improved mood
● Increased energy and reduced tiredness.
● Exercise reduces anxiety, depression, negative mood and social isolation and improves self‐esteem, cognitive functions and quality of life
It is well illustrated in this quotation: ‘no health without mental health’. Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Physios are seen as experts in aspects of physical health care and can offer:
● Non-pharmacological management of pain
● Expertise in prescribing individualised exercise programs, which can improve mood, promote wellbeing and address co-morbidities associated with mental health diagnoses
● Interventions to address physical issues of people with mental health diagnoses which hinder social participation and recovery, eg. minimising or counteracting the side-effects some of psychotropic medications
● Expertise in motivating, where appropriate, patients and promoting self-management in the context of mental and physical health issues. ● Management of falls and mobility issues for older people and developmental issues for children and young people
● Expert advice and intervention to address impaired body awareness and reduce dissociation (disconnection from ‘thoughts, feelings, memories or sense of identity) associated with poor mental health.
● Development and delivery of individually-tailored lifestyle and weight management advice and programs
Good mental health is fundamental to the well-being of individuals, families and communities. Poor mental health is identified as one of the biggest causes of disability, poor quality of life and reduced productivity. There is also a strong association between mental health conditions and people reporting chronic pain. Several physiotherapy interventions are potentially effective in improving physical and mental health, and health-related quality of life. The most commonly used forms of exercise are aerobic and strength exercises. Aerobic exercises, such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and anaerobic exercises such as weight training have been proven to reduce anxiety and depression.
Our healthcare practitioners at the Blackberry Clinic will assess and treat you in the most holistic manner possible to ensure the best possible outcome whether it is resolving an injury or managing chronic pain
