Role of Physical Therapists in Overcoming Depression

Role of Physical Therapists in Overcoming Depression

Physical therapists are increasingly relied on in mental health environments as part of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary strategy to achieve overall wellness.

Physical therapists are well-suited to address the symptoms of fatigue, sleeplessness, and pain related to depression, anxiety or traumatic stress. Family PT MN can help manage symptoms through low-intensity exercise and wellness interventions. We provide people with a more holistic and integrated approach to excercise training that emphasizes preventive care, early intervention, overall wellness, and patient-centered care.

Can a physical therapist help in treating depression?

Yes. Physical therapists can be important for treating depression because they can create a holistic treatment plan that combines physical activity with psychological support. Physical therapy can be a valuable complementary treatment, particularly when depression is linked to physical symptoms or inactivity.

Let’s take a look at how your Savage, MN physical therapy services can help you.

You can benefit from a PT healthcare professional’s support if experiencing depression. Talk to your physical therapist for suggestions and support to establish an at-home exercise program or physical activity routine. It should be one that fits into your overall treatment plan and that you can maintain. Sometimes, we “know” that we need to exercise, but lack focus, direction, encouragement, and accountability to maintain the long-term commitment that is needed.

Your PT professional incorporates enhanced interventions into treatment plans that not only help you regain function but also supports your emotional resilience. By addressing the whole person — brain and body — PTs can provide more comprehensive care that promotes long-term health and well-being.

What are the Direct Benefits of Physical Therapy for Depression?

Direct benefits of physical therapy, specifically therapeutic exercise, for people with depression:

• Release of Endorphins: Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which have mood-boosting and pain-relieving effects. Endorphins interact with brain receptors, reducing the perception of pain and producing feelings of euphoria and well-being.
• Suppression of Cortisol: Physical therapy helps suppress the production of cortisol, a hormone that is often found in elevated levels in individuals with depression. By reducing cortisol levels, physical therapy can contribute to improved mood regulation and stress management.
• Increased Availability of Neurotransmitters: Exercise increases the availability of essential neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are often depleted during depressive episodes. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating mood, motivation, and feelings of pleasure and well-being.
• Improved Physical Functioning: Depression can lead to decreased physical activity and overall deconditioning. Physical therapy interventions, including therapeutic exercises and activities, can improve strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular health, counteracting these negative effects. These improvements in physical functioning can lead to increased energy levels, improved sleep, and a greater sense of vitality, all contributing to improved mood and overall well-being.
• Reduced Anxiety Sensitivity: Physical therapy can help people with depression and anxiety become less sensitive to physical sensations that trigger anxiety, such as increased heart rate or shortness of breath. By gradually exposing them to these sensations in a safe and controlled environment, physical therapists can help them reinterpret these sensations as normal physiological responses to exercise rather than signs of impending danger.

Indirect Benefits of Physical Therapy for Depression

You may be aware of how physical therapy and exercise can directly reduce stress and depression. Physical therapy can offer you non-pharmacological interventions for managing pain and chronic conditions, potentially reducing healthcare expenditures, helping you overcome times when you feel low, and improve your energy level.

Here are potential indirect benefits of physical therapy for depression:

• Reduces functional declines associated with aging.
• Improves cardiovascular function.
• Aids in weight loss and weight control.
• Improves the function of hormonal, metabolic, neurologic, respiratory, and hemodynamic systems.
• Alteration of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism increases favorable high-density lipoproteins.
• Sports trength training that helps to maintain muscle mass and strength.
• Reduces age-related bone loss thereby causing a reduction in risk for osteoporosis.
• Improves flexibility, postural stability, and balance; reduction in risk of falling and associated injuries.
• Psychological benefits such as preserving cognitive function, alleviating symptoms and behaviors of depression, improving self-awareness and promoting a sense of well-being.
• Reduces disease risk factors.
• Improves a sense of faith, in yourself and others.
• Improves immune function.
• Reduces age-related insulin resistance.
• Reduces the incidence of some cancers.
• Contributes to social integration.
• Improves sleep patterns and quality.

Physical Therapist’s Role In Recovering from Depression

1. Screening: Physical therapists may elect to use screening tools to identify patients who may be struggling with depression or other mental health issues. (OMIT ? Some examples of these tools include the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, and the Orebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire.) Additionally, their consistent contact over the course of an episode of care will help them to gain a strong position to detect changes in mood or behavior.
2. Education: They can educate patients on the link between physical activity and mental well-being and provide information on how exercise can benefit their mental health.
3. Collaboration: When beneficial to the patient, a PT can refer patients back to their referring provider or to a mental health professional for specialized treatment. Early detection and treatment are important for mitigating the negative consequences of an inactive lifestyle, mental illness, like disability, unemployment, substance abuse, and even suicide.
4. Advocacy: Physical therapists should advocate for increased training and awareness of the importance of physical therapy in mental health management. This training should include how to effectively manage the physical health problems of patients with mental illness.
5. Emotional Regulation: The slow, controlled movements and breathing exercises used in these practices help patients learn to manage their emotional responses and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
6. Holistic Approach: Incorporating a holistic approach that includes physical therapy, mental health care, nutrition, and other supportive hands on PT therapies can improve outcomes for patients with depression.

Can Depression Impact Physical Function in Seniors?

Yes, depression can significantly impact physical function in seniors. It can lead to a decline in physical performance, which can increase the risk of frailty. If you have an orthopedic injury seek help today!

“The country’s population is also aging, bringing about an ever greater burden of depression in older adults. Depression in older adults does not just affect brain function; it also impacts physical function and daily activities. A lack of awareness, stigma, cost, and limited access are barriers to Americans receiving depression care.” – A Call to Action for Mental and Behavioral Health Stakeholders: Use Physical Therapists to Close the Gap in Depression Care

NOTE: Related facts, statistics, studies and tables are here: Physical Activity and Depression and Anxiety Disorders: A Systematic Review of Reviews and Assessment of Causality

Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist for mental wellness?

In Minnesota, you can see a physical therapist directly without a referral for up to 90 days of treatment for new depression and mental health medical conditions.

SUMMARY: Physical Activity Can Help You Overcome Depression and Anxiety

It’s important to remember that your journey with depression will require patience, consistency, and professional guidance. However, your potential rewards are significant – it can have a positive impact on your overall quality of life. You are not alone – be encouraged that there is hope and a bright future for you.

Physical Therapist Brenda Brewster will assess your physical abilities and mental health goals and will use a multi-disciplinary team approach to your care. Learn more about Family PT MN and allow us to provide treatment, based on your individual needs, to achieve both physical and psychological benefits.

Call today to gain your customized exercise program: (612) 888-6010