Osteopathy to help manage stress

Stress is the body's natural response to situations perceived as threatening or difficult. While it can be beneficial in certain circumstances, helping us to react quickly to imminent danger, chronic stress can have harmful consequences for our physical and mental health.

Stress is the body's natural response to a perceived threat, whether physical, emotional or mental. It is a survival mechanism that prepares us to react quickly to a dangerous situation.

Stress begins with the perception of a stressful situation. This perception can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as work pressures, personal problems, physical dangers or even worrying thoughts.

When a stressful situation is perceived, the hypothalamus, a small region of the brain, activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This process takes place in several stages: the hypothalamus releases a hormone called corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and, in response to CRH, the pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) into the bloodstream. ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, to produce stress hormones, mainly cortisol and adrenalin.

Stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, trigger several physiological reactions to prepare the body to deal with the threat (the "fight or flight" response):

• increased heart rate to pump more blood to muscles and vital organs
• enlarged airways to increase oxygen supply
• a release of glucose to provide a rapid source of energy
• increased vigilance, as attention is focused on the perceived threat
• reduced non-essential functions such as digestion and growth

So, in the short term, these stress reactions are beneficial because they enable us to react quickly to a dangerous situation. For example, when faced with a predator, our body is ready to flee or defend itself. However, if stress persists (chronic stress), the effects can become harmful to health. Some of the consequences of chronic stress include

• heart problems: hypertension, heart disease, etc.
• digestive problems: ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.
• sleep disorders: insomnia, disturbed sleep, etc.
• a weakened immune system with increased susceptibility to infections
• mental health problems: anxiety, depression, etc.
• muscle and joint pain, particularly in the neck, shoulders, jaw and back
• headaches

Faced with the challenges of stress, many approaches to stress management have been developed and studied for their effectiveness. These include meditation, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and exercise.

Meditation is an ancient practice involving mental concentration and self-awareness. Meditation techniques such as mindfulness meditation and guided meditation have been widely studied for their ability to reduce stress by promoting relaxation and cultivating an attitude of calm and presence. Studies have shown that regular meditation can reduce cortisol levels, improve emotional regulation and thus reduce stress symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on modifying thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to stress and anxiety. By identifying and replacing negative thoughts with more positive, realistic ones, CBT aims to reduce stress symptoms by changing the way we perceive and react to stressful situations. Studies have shown that CBT is effective in reducing stress symptoms, as well as preventing long-term relapses.

Exercise is also recognized as an effective way of reducing stress. When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins, neurotransmitters that act as natural painkillers and sedatives, reducing pain and promoting a sense of well-being. In addition, regular exercise can improve sleep quality, reduce cortisol levels and strengthen the immune system, all of which can contribute to better long-term stress management.

Cardiac coherence is a breathing technique that regulates heart rate to reduce stress. By breathing in and out slowly for a few minutes, it balances the nervous system and improves heart rate variability. This simple practice helps reduce anxiety, improve sleep and strengthen the immune system.

Many people are looking for ways to manage their stress and relieve the physical symptoms that result, and that's where osteopathy comes in. As a holistic alternative medicine, osteopathy aims to treat not only the symptoms, but also the underlying causes of stress by manipulating and rebalancing the body's musculoskeletal structures. 

Osteopaths use a variety of manual techniques, such as joint manipulation, myofascial release and gentle mobilization, to restore balance and functionality to the body. By combining these techniques, osteopaths can develop personalized treatment plans to help individuals better manage stress and regain physical and emotional balance. By releasing restrictions of movement in joints and tissues, osteopathy enables the body to regain its natural balance and cope better with stress. 

Clinical studies, such as one published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, have shown that osteopathic sessions were associated with a significant reduction in participants' perceived stress levels. What's more, many patients report notable improvements in their general well-being, as well as a reduction in physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle pain and sleep disturbances after undergoing regular osteopathic treatment.