Effects of Stress on the Body

As a massage therapist I want to tell you how important it is to be aware of what your body is trying to tell you. When there is pain, tension, or stress in the body it is not okay to dismiss it. Stress comes in many different forms physical, mental, emotional, etc. , and usually has one effect on the body -- PAIN. When the body is stressed there is muscle tension and where there is muscle tension there is pain. In the presence of pain muscles become fatigued and oxygen is depleted therefore, circulation is at a minimum. With circulation at a minumum the muscles are tight because less oxygen reaches the depleted cells and PAIN is the result. This is known as the STRESS-TENSION-PAIN CYCLE. The pain from the stress-tension-pain cycle then causes more tension and more pain through the PAIN-SPASM-PAIN CYCLE. If nothing is done to interrupt the pain-spasm-pain cycle the pain may become chronic resulting in limited range of motion. By restoring circulation, releasing adhesions, rehydrating the tissues, stretching, and using joint mobilizations muscles return to their normal resting length. When muscles are at their normalresting length movement is restored and pain is relieved. Being aware of your body and therapeutic massage are vital in helping eliminate the effects of stress on the body.

Below are examples of physical, mental, and emotional effects of stress on the body.

• PHYSICAL
  Insomnia, Headaches, Fatigue, Increases Illness, Hair Loss, Ulcers, Decreased Range of Motion, Postural Distortions, Increased Blood Pressure
   
  
• MENTAL
  Depression, Impairs Concentration, Confusion, Memory Loss, Anxiety, Impatience, Negative Thinking, Decrease in Coping Skills
   
  
• Emotional
  Depression, Irritability, Frustration, Mood Swing, Decreased Tolerance, Anger, Fear