Mental Health & Injuries: A Clinician Perspective

goPhysio Mental Health InjurySince the Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen an increase in mental health issues in the general population. From a clinician’s perspective there has been more and more psychological risk factors affecting those with injury or musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions since the pandemic. Stress or anxiety or any mental health issue can manifest themselves in a variety of ways within the body, whether that is:

  • psychological (thoughts/emotions)
  • physically or physiologically (tension within muscles/ and increased pain perception) or
  • systemically (feelings of nausea, tummy upsets & fatigue)

Personally, as a Senior Therapist I have seen patients with issues such as lower back conditions and coincidental mental health issues or a negative mindset from having this long term pain. Often this type of presentation fears the worst for their backs and think they will never get back to normal life. Treatment physically is helpful, but the key turning point of that injury is addressing the psychological risk factors (e.g. the patient seeking help from a healthcare professional) or a change of attitude/lifestyle from the patient (e.g. better management of their mental health by practicing exercise, mindfulness, talking with family/friends etc). 

The building of a rapport with each of our patients, helps us to understand them as a whole and therefore help them to believe that their injury or MSK conditions can get better. It’s a total change in their belief system. 

As clinicians here at goPhysio we want to help our patients holistically, looking at the whole individual rather than just the injury. We use the stress bucket analogy, listening to the whole picture and helping to educate on how to empty said “stress bucket” to a more “normal” threshold. Yes, on the most part we can focus on physical symptoms of an injury, but if psychological risk factors are not addressed, the injury may return or not be adequately managed. Not to mention how pain is affected by our psychological well-being – this is complicated!

We are not pledging to be able to help all psychological risk factors for injury, but we can certainly educate on self-management techniques, make you more aware when your mental health is affecting you physically and refer to counsellors, psychological therapists, or your GP, if we feel this will help your physical symptoms and general wellbeing. 

For more information see links below:

The Stress Bucket

Every Day Living (Mind)

by Sheena Davis (Sports Therapist)

Reviews

What They Say

Antonia Perez
Antonia Perez
2023-11-25
We got an appointment promptly, the appointment went smoothly. Very nice physios. 👌
Fran Helen
Fran Helen
2023-11-06
Really knowledgeable and supportive, with clear advice to help. I feel so reassured after this appointment, highly recommended, they really listened to me. Thank you.
Brenda Hinnell
Brenda Hinnell
2023-10-27
First visit and in urgent need of physio as really suffering from not being able to run. Lottie was very patient and understanding with a lovely manner. She worked wonders and I am looking forward to my next visit.
James Grierson
James Grierson
2023-10-21
Great first appointment, really listened to my problems annd thorough anssessment and have come up with a clear rehab plan to get me back on track.
Nuisha Russo
Nuisha Russo
2023-10-21
I had a really good visit to GoPhysio. I have had sciatica for two months and it wasn't showing any signs of improvement. Sophie gave me a thorough assessment and then provided acupuncture and ultra sound. After one visit my sciatica has almost gone. I am really pleased.
kay luffman
kay luffman
2023-10-08
Everyone at go physio is so helpful & friendly. I have been receiving treatment for golfers elbow from Hannah Gelder, and couldn’t be happier, I wish I had gone earlier! She explains everything well, and guides you through exercises etc. very amiable and makes you feel at ease. Highly recommend
Chris Kitchen
Chris Kitchen
2023-10-07
They are a great friendly team who always manage to sort my sports injuries out. Can recommend them highly
Mark Dewey
Mark Dewey
2023-10-05
Go Physio definitely the place to go, came away feeling better and reassured and with a plan going forward.
Christine Raw
Christine Raw
2023-10-05
Very professional service and excellent treatment. Listened and gave good advice.
Kay Horton
Kay Horton
2023-10-05
I have been attending goPhysio for about two years. As a company they are very professional and provide a very good level of service to include efficiency and courtesy and are always consistent in their approach. This very much includes the admin /reception team whom are the first people you make contact with. My Physio has excellent knowledge and has assisted me with sound advice and ongoing exercise regimes which are achievable and realistic. This has supported me well in between appointments. Although always busy I am normally able to see Roz at a mutually convenient time. Thank you to all the team