Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Benefits Beyond the Body

There are many reasons physical therapy and rehabilitation can benefit the body – recovering from an injury, preventing future injuries and improving independence, to name a few. But, did you know physical therapy can also benefit your mental health and wellbeing.

Dealing with injuries or chronic pain can often lead to mental frustrations, depression and anxiety. Physical therapy and rehabilitation not only helps to deal with the physical impact on a person from an injury or illness but also the emotional stress of having the person’s quality of life altered, sometimes dramatically from the related restrictions.  Such a situation can understandably result in the person feeling depressed.

Pain Linked to Mental Health Problems

Pain is one of the leading causes of depression. When pain and symptoms of depression occur at the same time, they can result in long-lasting problems. Whether it’s is due to a sudden on-the-job injury that halts life’s normalities or chronic arthritis inflammation that limits day-to-day activities, a person suffering from depression due to pain can feel depleted of motivation and energy.

Many studies show a connection, linking pain to feelings of decreased quality of life and mental health problems. Recently published in the American Geriatrics Society, researchers examined the effects of knee pain on depression and how it relates to depression. They found that knee pain from OA can make it harder to take care of yourself, which can damage your quality of life. In turn, that can lead to depression.

Another study, published in the Journal of Public Health, indicates that adolescents who experience back pain more frequently are also more likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, and report problems like anxiety and depression.

And, in a survey of adults with anxiety or a mood disorder, such as depression, about half reported experiencing chronic pain. Results such as this sheds light on the health impact of physical pain and mental health problems.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Can Help Improve Mental Health

Physical therapy and rehabilitation focuses on treating muscular or joint injuries to decrease pain and improve function; however, some patients will also experience an ease of depressed feelings.

One study, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, evaluated the change in feelings or thoughts of depression during physical therapy and how it relates to a person’s work status one year later. “In this report, 106 patients with work-related injuries involving the back or neck were studied during physical therapy, after physical therapy, and 1 year later. Interestingly, feelings and thoughts of depression eased in approximately 40% of the patients following physical therapy treatment to address pain and functional limitations from back or neck pain. Patients whose depressed feelings improved were more likely to have returned to work and to report less pain intensity 1 year after treatment. Patients whose depressed feelings did not improve were less likely to have returned to work. These results indicate that feelings and thoughts of depression may subside for certain people when they receive physical therapy to treat their back or neck pain.”

Twin Boro Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Voted Readers’ Choice Best of New Jersey

The mind has a powerful influence on the body, resulting in remarkable curative effects. From helping patients rehabilitate faster to decreasing chronic pain, the mental benefits of physical therapy are clear. Attain goals you once thought impossible…through the mental benefits of physical therapy and rehabilitation.

As one of the best physical therapy centers in NJ, Twin Boro utilizes a unique One2Four approach to help patients improve quality of life and recover faster. Contact the skilled experts at1-732-444-3578 or schedule an appointment to learn more about Twin Boro Physical Therapy in NJ and a treatment plan for your goals.

Why Choose Twin Boro Physical Therapy

Voted Readers’ Choice Best of New Jersey, Twin Boro has provided NJ residents with high quality physical therapy and rehab for over 38 years! It’s our award-winning approach, proven results and reputation that sets us apart. By incorporating the One2Four program into each patient’s program, the latest and most reliable scientific research and techniques are incorporated into effective evidence-based practice. We deliver only the highest standard of care with the unique One2Four approach.

It’s no surprise that Twin Boro Physical Therapy has also been voted the best physical therapy practice in New Jersey by the readers of mycentraljersey.com.