How Stress Affects Pain and Recovery
Physiotherapy, Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in Ivanhoe
Stress doesn’t just affect how you feel mentally, it has a powerful impact on your body. At Centre of Health Physiotherapy & Chinese Medicine in Ivanhoe, we regularly see people whose pain, injuries or slow recovery are closely linked to ongoing stress and nervous system overload.
By combining physiotherapy, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and remedial massage, we help address both the physical and nervous system components of pain and recovery.
The Link Between Stress and Physical Pain
When the body is under stress, the nervous system stays in a heightened “fight or flight” state. Over time, this can lead to:
Increased muscle tension
Reduced circulation
Slower tissue healing
Heightened pain sensitivity
Poor sleep and fatigue
This is why pain can persist or flare during stressful periods, even when there is no new injury.
Physiotherapy: Addressing the Physical Impact of Stress
Physiotherapy helps manage the physical effects of stress on the body. Treatment may focus on:
Releasing muscle tension
Improving joint movement
Restoring healthy movement patterns
Educating you on posture and workload management
Physiotherapy is often helpful for stress-related neck pain, back pain, headaches and jaw tension.
Acupuncture: Calming the Nervous System
Acupuncture plays a key role in regulating the nervous system. It may help by:
Reducing pain and muscle tightness
Supporting relaxation and sleep
Improving circulation
Helping the body shift out of chronic stress mode
Many patients notice benefits not only in pain levels, but also in mood, sleep quality and overall energy.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Stress Support
Chinese herbal medicine focuses on supporting the body internally during periods of stress. Individualised formulas may help with:
Stress and anxiety
Fatigue and burnout
Digestive issues related to stress
Sleep disturbances
Herbal medicine is often used alongside acupuncture to support long-term nervous system balance.
Remedial Massage: Releasing Tension and Supporting Recovery
Remedial massage helps release muscular tension that builds up during stress. Massage can:
Reduce tightness and discomfort
Improve circulation
Support relaxation and recovery
Complement physiotherapy and acupuncture care
Why an Integrated Approach Works Best
Stress affects the body on multiple levels. By combining therapies, we can:
Treat physical tension and movement restrictions
Calm the nervous system
Support internal balance and recovery
Improve long-term resilience to stress
This approach is particularly effective for people with chronic pain, recurring injuries, headaches and fatigue.
Supporting Patients in Ivanhoe and Surrounding Suburbs
Our clinic is located in Ivanhoe, Melbourne, and we regularly support patients from:
Bellfield, Eaglemont, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Heights, Heidelberg West, Alphington, Bulleen, Rosanna, Preston and Thornbury.
If you’re looking for physiotherapy, acupuncture or Chinese medicine in Ivanhoe, our team offers personalised, integrated care.