Everywhere we turn at the minute it’s Coronavirus this, Coronavirus that; which can be quite overwhelming as no-one seems to know what’s best. Here at WDC Physiotherapy we are keen to help you fight against it and advise people to control the controllable.
With another lockdown looming it brings with it so much uncertainty and with that being said it’s only natural for an element of stress to creep in. One of the ways in which stress can affect the body is tension/stiffness in our joints and muscles. Sub-consciously our body will hold this tension which can have subsequent side effects such as generally feeling achy, headaches and can sometimes even lead to joint/muscle pain. What’s worse than Coronavirus.. Coronavirus and back pain!! 😉
This will a lot of the time be down to the shallow altered breathing pattern you won’t even realise you’re doing. When we breathe the diaphragm (muscle responsible for expanding and compressing the ribcage) plays a big part in taking your body into that ‘rest and digest’ from ‘fight or flight’. If recently you’ve found, you’re struggling to sleep I bet your bottom dollar the diaphragm has got something to answer for!
Not sure what I mean by this well let me explain…
Think back to a time when you’ve been scared, what happens to you breathe? That’s right it’s shortens and quickens – that’s fight or flight! Would you be able to get into bed and get a good restful night sleep feeling like that? No way jose!
Weakened immunity is also related to a period of stress and none of us want our firewall down at this time. The levels of the stress hormone Cortisol being released will reduce the amount of pathogen fighting cells from being made and therefore leaving ourselves open to picking up coughs and colds. Now more than ever we all need to be firing on all cylinders!
Stress plays a big part in your mental health too. Feelings of irritability from not feeling productive enough or cabin fever if you’ve been told to work from home and it’s not your cup of tea could have already crept in or be creeping in – after all we are social animals so need human interaction.
Our usual ways of relieving stress and/or socialising are being shut down more and more – whether that be going down the pub, to the gym for your legs, bums and tums class or going for a kick about with your mates but it’s important you work around the barriers and keep yourself active, your body and your co-habitants will enjoy your company a lot better with a positive mindset J
Don’t let the stress of this situation take control of the body and do what you can to fight against it – why don’t you view this time positively and try to find a new exercise or new hobby that you enjoy? A lot of my clients are getting outside running but if you don’t see yourself ever enjoying running then why not get in touch with us and come and try one of our online classes. We have Pilates Classes 5 days a week, Dance Fit Classes (Ballet and Cardio Dance) and to keep your older family fit and well we have Beth one of our Senior Physiotherapists leading a weekly Balance and Falls Prevention Class done to some old time classic tunes!
There are no excuses that are going to wash with us for not staying healthy and well 😉
It’s so important to keep moving and active because when we exercise, we release a hormone called Endorphins which act as a natural high for the body. This will relieve any stress and can even act as a painkiller. The blood flow will increase, and you’ll feel much more productive and happier.
This all will feed into a clearer headspace, better sleep and no stiffness/aching in the joints.
Keep it moving people…. Keep it moving! 😉
Yours in health
Aaron
WDC – Sports Injury Specialist