The Benefits of Combining Mental and Physical Therapies

It is well documented that an individual’s mental state can profoundly affect their physical health. Depression, for example, causes changes in the brain’s functions that can result in a myriad of physical problems including (among others), chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, low libido, and an increase in physical aches and pains. Depression and anxiety may be the most common mental ailments that send individuals to Rolfers, physical therapists, or massage therapists for relief of their physical symptoms.

In addition to relieving its physical symptoms, Rolfing treats mild to moderate depression with Structural Integration Techniques, releasing fascia restrictions that negatively impact physical balance, thus correcting posture and physical alignment. Researchers report that changing one’s physical carriage to a more positive presentation helps temporarily alleviate mild depression. Clients who suffer depression due to chronic physical ailments often find their mental state improving as their pain lessens.

However, alleviating the physical symptoms of depression alone does not address the underlying cause. Depression is a complex mental health issue. It can be a temporary condition caused by trauma or grief, but depression lasting two weeks or more can indicate a serious depressive disorder. Depression can be symptomatic of serious disorders such as PTSD or bipolar.

While psychotherapy and medication are effective and necessary to treat serious depressive disorders, numerous studies have shown that across all ages, physical therapies and exercise serve to improve a patient’s self-confidence, memory, and energy as well as elevating and stabilizing their mood. Patients have also reported greatly improved sleep patterns.

Combining psychotherapy and physiotherapy, such as Rolfing, provides the most effective treatment for a patient’s physical and mental health. With full knowledge of a patient’s background, health history, and previous injuries, a Rolfing professional can treat a patient and design a personalized program for achieving and maintaining their optimal physical function. Although physiotherapy and exercise appear to help relieve depression and anxiety temporarily (approximately 24 hours), exciting new research indicates that exercise works to chemically restructure the brain positively.

Schedule your initial consultation today with Bob Alonzi Advanced Rolfer and learn more about
the benefits of Rolfing!

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