Physiotherapy & Aromatherapy

Morning Side, Cannons Lane

Hatfield Broad Oak

Herts, CM22 7HX

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Stress and its effects

‘Stress’ is a word which covers a multitude of causes and symptoms. The UK Health and Safety Executive defines it as: "the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them".

Individuals react in different ways, but symptoms which may occur as a result of ongoing stress are headaches or migraines; muscular tension and pain, which can lead to long term changes to posture; difficulty sleeping; irritability; reduced concentration levels; reduced immunity; stomach problems; increased blood pressure; exacerbation of asthma or eczema.

There are just as many ways of lowering stress levels, and each person needs to find what works for them. From a therapeutic point of view, there are several approaches which may be taken. After a full assessment, I would recommend which are most suitable. But some of the options are massage with aromatherapy oils – helpful for skin, immunity, sleep, pain, and reducing the feeling of stress itself; relaxation exercises; and manual techniques to improve posture, and reduce muscular tension and pain.

Whichever approach you choose, it is also important to identify the source of your stress, and to try and reduce its effects.