We thought we’d begin today’s discussion on anger management with a lighthearted take on the matter. You can use more of it in your life, right? While Dave (Adam Sandler) had every cause to get upset in this clip, the frustration the character experiences is something that you can probably relate to. The concern, is that you find yourself losing your temper more often than reasonable, and over things that are inconsequential.
Logically, behavioral-mental health intervention from a qualified counselor is the first line of prevention and defense against anger problems. However, as someone seeking a more holistic approach to anger management, we encourage you to consider physiotherapy as a supplement to your program. How can physio possibly help manage your temper and mood swings? Let’s find out.
3 Ways Physiotherapy May Be Able to Help You Get Handle on Disruptive Anger and Mood Swings
Managing Inflammation
A large body of research has shown that inflammation in the body can lead to immune responses in the brain that manifest in many ways. People who suffer from chronic inflammation due to physical injuries and malfunctions may experience cognitive symptoms in addition to behavioral ones, including anger and aggression. A large function of physiotherapy is managing inflammation throughout the entire body. For instance, massage therapy is known to mitigate inflammation and can also lower the levels of stress hormone cortisol – which is also connected to disruptive bouts of anger. TCM acupuncture and IMS dry needling are also employed by our clinic to help manage inflammation.
Improving Gut Health
Gut health has a direct impact on behavior. Consequently, compromised gut function can affect your ability to maintain a level head when challenged by irritations and frustrations that trigger your anger. Studies show that gut microbe disturbances can lead to inflammation (circling back to what we discussed above) while additional data finds that irritation in your gastrointestinal system sends signals to your central nervous system (CNS) that can trigger mood swings.
What does gut health have to do with physiotherapy? Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with a number of gut health concerns. For instance, it is effective in treating those who struggle with chronic constipation, incontinence, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Dyssynergia, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and more. Furthermore, our clinic has someone on staff with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. This provides you with access to a fountain of information that will help promote gut health which can indirectly assist with anger management.
Removing Chronic Pain That Causes Chronic Anger
The American Psychological Association (APA) has confirmed that chronic pain is physically and psychologically stressful and its constant discomfort can lead to anger and frustration with yourself and anyone who crosses your path, friends and loved one included. This is one direct relationship between physiotherapy and anger management that everyone can understand. The primary role of a physiotherapist is to help the population manage pain, rehabilitate injuries that lead to it, and prevent future injuries from occurring.
To reiterate, physiotherapy is not an alternative to anger management counseling. But it can be a supplement to a wellness plan that will make you feel happier and better able to manage your reactions to inconsequential irritations and frustrations. If you reside in the Greater Vancouver BC area be sure to schedule a consultation at our Burnaby clinic today.