The Stress Connection…

Stress. We’ve all felt it, whether from tight deadlines, personal loss, or that dreaded moment when your phone slips out of your hand and lands screen-side down. But stress doesn’t just affect your mind; it has profound impacts on your body, particularly your musculoskeletal system. In fact, many of the aches, pains, and movement restrictions that we treat at LOSIC are linked to stress in one form or another. Let’s explore how stress manifests physically and why your muscles might be shouting for help.
 
Stress isn’t just an emotional state—it’s a full-body experience. When you’re stressed, your brain signals the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This kicks your body into fight-or-flight mode. It’s a useful survival mechanism when being chased by a sabre-toothed tiger, but not so much when you’re dealing with a flood of emails. In the short term, this response can cause muscle tension, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and back. Over time, chronic stress leads to more persistent issues, including:
 
  • Tension headaches from tight muscles in the neck and scalp.
  • Jaw pain (TMJ dysfunction) due to clenching or grinding teeth.
  • Lower back pain linked to tightness in the psoas muscle (we’ll come back to this unsung troublemaker).
  • Poor posture and movement patterns, contributing to muscular imbalances and joint strain.
 
Let’s talk about the psoas muscle, one of the deepest muscles in the human body. It connects your lower spine to your pelvis and legs, playing a crucial role in walking, standing, and maintaining posture. Under stress, the psoas often tightens, even when you’re sitting still. This tension can cause:
 
  • Leg length discrepancies: A tight psoas pulls on the pelvis unevenly, making one leg appear shorter.
  • Lower back pain: Constant tension creates strain on the lumbar spine.
  • Movement restrictions: Difficulty bending, standing up straight, or walking comfortably.
 
At LOSIC, we frequently see patients with stress-related psoas tension, particularly those who sit for long periods or are dealing with emotional grief or anxiety.  Grief, anxiety, and emotional trauma have well-documented effects on the body. Studies show that chronic stress alters muscle tone, increases inflammation, and decreases overall movement quality (Hannibal & Bishop, 2014). Common physical issues related to emotional stress include:
 
  • Shoulder and neck tension: From carrying metaphorical weight on your shoulders.
  • Spinal misalignments: Stress affects posture, leading to uneven muscle pull on the vertebrae.
  • Chronic fatigue: Muscular tension consumes energy, leaving you feeling drained.
 
Poor nutrition and stress are often partners in crime. High stress increases cravings for sugary, processed foods that offer a quick energy spike but contribute to systemic inflammation. In turn, inflammation can exacerbate joint pain and muscle stiffness. Add poor hydration, and your fascia (the connective tissue around muscles) becomes less pliable, increasing discomfort.
 
If left unchecked, stress-related tension can lead to chronic pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia; reduced joint mobility from persistent muscle tightness; and even degenerative changes in the spine and other joints.
At LOSIC, we take a holistic approach to these issues, treating not just the symptoms but the root causes of musculoskeletal pain. Our techniques include:
 
  • Myofascial release to reduce tension in the psoas and other stressed muscles.
  • Joint mobilisation to restore movement and balance.
  • Postural advice and exercises to retrain the body away from stress-induced patterns.
 
If you’re feeling the weight of stress—literally and figuratively—there’s no need to suffer in silence.
 
Get in touch with us today to book an appointment and let us help you regain freedom of movement. Our professional team is here to support you every step of the way.

Physiotherapy

Initial: 30 min @ £55

Description

Experience personalised care with our 30-minute Physiotherapy session at LOSIC. Our expert Physiotherapist will assess your needs, create a customised treatment plan, and use advanced techniques to address your pain or injury.

Start your journey to better health today.

Contact

Need personalised physiotherapy advice or want to book a session? Aqsa is here to help you on your journey to recovery. Reach out today to discuss your needs and start your path to better health.

Physiotherapy

Initial: 45 min @ £65

Description

Experience personalised care with our 45-minute physiotherapy session at LOSIC. Our expert physiotherapist will assess your needs, create a customised treatment plan, and use advanced techniques to address your pain or injury.

Start your journey to better health today.

Contact

Need personalised physiotherapy advice or want to book a session? Aqsa is here to help you on your journey to recovery. Reach out today to discuss your needs and start your path to better health.

Physiotherapy

Initial: 60 min @ £75
Follow-up: 45 mins @ £65

Description

Experience personalised care with our 60-minute physiotherapy session at LOSIC. Our expert physiotherapist will assess your needs, create a customised treatment plan, and use advanced techniques to address your pain or injury.

Start your journey to better health today.

Contact

Need personalised physiotherapy advice or want to book a session? Aqsa is here to help you on your journey to recovery. Reach out today to discuss your needs and start your path to better health.