30 May The Emotional Cost of Injury/Mobility & Movement Issues – And One Treatment Method
Although May is coming to an end, the need for Mental Health Awareness is not. We’ve looked at how physical activity can have a positive effect on mental health; however, what about forced inactivity or mobility problems? As it turns out, that can have a negative effect on mental health and that’s one area we know a lot about…
Inactivity, Movement & Mobility Problems Effect on Mood
It only stands to reason if being active can help improve mood and have a positive effect on mental health, that inactivity and movement and mobility problems will have the opposite effect. There are plenty of people, in fact, who suffer twice: once with an injury and then with the emotional effects of a lengthy recovery. From athletes to average Joes and Janes, people facing recovery from musculoskeletal injury often face emotional pain in addition to physical pain. For active individuals, it may mean a serious change in lifestyle, inability to participate in normal sports/fitness activities, giving up fitness goals, etc. Depending on the nature of the injury, this may be a serious, and unexpected emotional blow. People may face sadness, anxiety about the injury and recovery, and even depression depending on the situation.
For those suffering from movement and mobility problems, possible discomfort or chronic pain can play a role which also affects mood. Those who are unable to participate in the life they wish to lead due to these mobility issues can find themselves feeling sad, hopeless about improvement, frustrated, angry, etc. Since some mobility issues may also coexist with other health problems, these people may already deal with mood or mental health issues.
Offering Hope & Healing
The ideal resource for people dealing with injuries of the musculoskeletal system, movement and mobility problems, and more is a physical therapist. A physical therapist is typically a doctor in one of several disciplines; s/he will assess the person’s condition, educate him/her, and design a custom treatment plan consisting often of both hands-on manual therapy, as well as at-home exercises to help strengthen and heal damaged or weak areas. A physical therapist is highly-educated and specializes in the musculoskeletal system.
S/he will be able to offer guidance during recovery, and provide both instruction and encouragement – and also clearly track and show progress. For both people suffering emotionally from an injury preventing normal activities, as well as those unable to live an active life due to mobility/movement issues and the resulting emotional effects, a physical therapist can provide a realistic sense of what recovery looks like. A physical therapist will be part of the person’s recovery journey, cheering them on and offering expert help and guidance when needed. Physical therapists understand how mood and mental health can be impacted by injury, mobility, etc and are very well equipped to help the patient through education, exercise, hands-on help, and the compassion inherent to the field.
Are you trapped by pain, injury, movement/mobility problems, or more? Body One Physical Therapy is ready and waiting to be your partner in recovery. We’re locally-owned and operated, with three locations serving Central Indiana: North Indianapolis, Fishers, and Zionsville. Our team of physical therapists is ready to help you, too – we help clients of all ages and activity levels. Don’t accept pain and limitations on your life: Call Body One today!
