Psychosomatic physiotherapy
Psychosomatic physiotherapy
The psychosomatic physiotherapist specializes in the treatment of medically unexplained physical complaints, burnout, and anxiety-related complaints. Your physical complaints may be related to a disruption in the balance between physical and psychological stress. The balance between stress and capacity is often disturbed.
The connection between physical complaints and psychological overload is not initially very clear. Physical signals are often initially ignored or misinterpreted. If your symptoms worsen over time, medical examination yields little.
It is often impossible to establish a clear medical diagnosis, which can leave you feeling misunderstood. The psychosomatic physiotherapist can guide you through this.
You may experience increased pain and fatigue, and feel more irritable and tense. These symptoms may be related to certain life circumstances such as: high work pressure, conflicts, emotional events, relationship problems, the loss of loved ones, or serious illness.
Which symptoms occur frequently?
If your symptoms persist for a long time, they can disrupt your balance. As a result, your physical and mental resistance decreases, and psychosomatic symptoms may arise, such as:
- Physical complaints
- extreme fatigue
- unable to relax
- chest pressure, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or palpitations
- unexplained pain
- chronic pain
- Psychological complaints
- to be listless
- sleeping poorly or too much
- to be anxious and insecure
- difficulty concentrating
- to be gloomy and worry a lot
- general feeling of unease
- to be irritable, restless, or agitated
- no longer able to enjoy and relax
What does a psychosomatic treatment trajectory consist of?
A psychosomatic treatment plan consists of a combination of breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, body awareness training, and exercise therapy to reduce stress, recognize boundaries, and build resilience, with the goal of finding a balance between physical and psychological strain. The treatment plan is different for every patient and focuses on practical skills and behavioral change.
The therapist first examines your complaints and the connections between your physical symptoms, such as pain, fatigue, and hyperventilation, and psychological factors.
The ultimate goal is greater resilience, self-management, and a more positive self-image, whereby physical complaints decrease.
What is the difference between a general physiotherapist and a psychosomatic physiotherapist?
A psychosomatic physiotherapist has completed an additional Master's degree in Psychosomatics and possesses the in-depth knowledge to thoroughly investigate and treat your complaints.