Injuries Impact More Than Just the Body Part
Injuries aren’t just about physical pain—they affect every part of our lives. They can make it harder to work, strain relationships, and take away the things we love to do. When life feels out of balance, it’s natural for mental health to take a hit.
If you’ve ever felt like your injury is bigger than the physical pain, you’re not imagining it. This study suggests mental health challenges like depression and anxiety after an injury can significantly impact how well someone recovers—even a year later. As a result, embracing the mental health side of rehab is vital to helping you bounce back. The good news is that many of the modalities used in Physical Therapy have also been shown to improve mental health, helping you heal in more ways than one.
The Mind-Body Connection
Physical therapy isn’t just about exercises and stretches; it’s about giving you tools to take back control of your life. Movement plays a powerful role in mental health.
- Stretching with Slow Breathing: The combo is good for more than improving flexibility. It also calms your nervous system, reduces stress, and promotes relaxation. They can provide you with a sense of peace for where you are in your rehab process!
- Strengthening: Strength training releases endorphins, lifts your mood, and boosts confidence as you see improvements.
By completing a thorough examination, your physical therapist can prescribe movements that help you recover physically and mentally. Recovery is more than just healing your injury—it’s about helping you feel like yourself again.
Supporting Mental Health During Recovery
Recovering from an injury is about more than just physical progress. Here are a few additional ways to support your mental health:
- Feel What You Feel: Frustration, sadness, and anxiety are normal when you’re injured. Acknowledge these feelings, but don’t let them take over.
- Lean on Others: Connection is key, whether it’s asking for help or just talking about how you feel. Friends and family can be an invaluable resource as you recover.
- Celebrate Progress: We often focus on the negatives of life and forget about the positives. Recovery is full of small victories—try not to overlook them.
Let’s Tackle This Together—Starting the New Year Right
The new year is the perfect time to reset and start fresh. If you’re recovering from an injury, it’s a great opportunity to prioritize both your physical and mental health. At STAR Physical Therapy, we’re here to support you—mind and body—every step of the way. Whether you're coming in with a new injury or dealing with lingering pain, together we’ll focus on what’s within your control. This year, let’s focus on small steps forward, celebrate progress, and work together to help you not only heal but thrive.
-Sam Lemaire DPT