Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried—it’s a persistent state of unease that can affect your daily life, productivity, and overall well-being. While it is often associated with mental health, anxiety also has significant physical manifestations, such as muscle tension, headaches, poor posture, digestive issues, and chronic pain. At Movement Therapy, we believe in a holistic approach to healing, integrating our multidisciplinary services to help manage and alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. However, it is important to note that while we can help ease physical symptoms associated with anxiety, we are not mental health professionals.
How Anxiety Affects the Body
Anxiety triggers the body’s stress response, releasing cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare you for a “fight or flight” reaction. While this response is useful in dangerous situations, chronic stress keeps the nervous system in a heightened state, leading to:
- Muscle Tension & Pain – Chronic stress can cause tightness in the neck, shoulders, and back.
- Poor Posture – Anxiety often leads to a hunched posture, exacerbating discomfort and restricting breathing.
- Shallow Breathing – Stress impacts diaphragm function, reducing oxygen intake and increasing feelings of panic.
- Digestive Issues – The gut-brain connection means anxiety can contribute to stomach discomfort and bloating.
- Fatigue & Sleep Disruptions – Constant tension makes relaxation and rest difficult, leading to exhaustion.
How Movement Therapy Can Support You
At Movement Therapy, our team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and mobility specialists work together to provide comprehensive care to address both the physical and neurological effects of anxiety. Here’s how we can help:
1. Physiotherapy for Postural & Movement Optimization
Our physiotherapists assess and correct movement patterns that may be contributing to tension and discomfort. Through guided exercises, hands-on techniques, and breathwork training, we help you restore balance in your body, easing muscle tension and promoting relaxation.
2. Chiropractic Care for Nervous System Regulation
Chiropractic adjustments can improve spinal alignment, enhance nervous system function, and reduce the physical stress stored in the body. By addressing spinal restrictions, we support your body’s ability to manage stress more effectively.
3. Massage Therapy for Muscle Release & Circulation
Massage therapy is a powerful tool for relaxation. Our registered massage therapists (RMTs) target areas of built-up tension, promoting circulation, easing muscle tightness, and activating the parasympathetic nervous system to encourage deep relaxation.
4.Neurofunctional Acupuncture for Nervous System Reset
Electro-acupuncture (neurofunctional acupuncture) is a specialized technique that stimulates nerves and muscles, helping to regulate the nervous system and promote a sense of calm. This treatment is highly effective in addressing chronic stress and anxiety-related symptoms.
5. Pelvic Floor Therapy for Deep Core & Breath Connection
For individuals experiencing stress-related tension in the pelvic region, pelvic floor therapy can be a game-changer. By working on deep core and diaphragm activation, we improve breathing efficiency and reduce tension stored in the body.
6. Personal Training & Mobility Work for Endorphin Release
Movement is one of the best natural remedies for anxiety. Our personal trainers and mobility specialists guide you through exercises that release endorphins, improve mobility, and boost overall mood while helping you regain confidence in your body’s abilities.
A Holistic Approach to Well-being
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Movement Therapy, we prioritize a multidisciplinary approach to help you manage both the mental and physical effects of stress and anxiety. While we can support your physical well-being, we encourage you to seek guidance from a mental health professional for comprehensive care.
If anxiety has been affecting your physical health, book an appointment today to explore how our team can support you. Let’s work together to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, so you can move, feel, and live better.
