Psychosomatic physiotherapy: when body and mind get out of balance.

Psychosomatic physiotherapy is for people with persistent physical complaints that cannot be properly explained by medical examination. Examples include fatigue, pain, tightness in the chest or palpitations. These complaints are often found to be related to long-term stress, emotional overload or major events. If signals of tension are ignored, the body may protest. The symptoms become chronic, even though no physical abnormality is found. This can cause confusion and helplessness.

Looking at more than just physical complaints

A psychosomatic physiotherapist helps you understand these symptoms and actively work on them. This is done not only on a physical level, but also by looking at your living environment, emotions and way of coping with stress.

Tracing the cause of complaints

Psychosomatic complaints usually arise gradually. What starts with tension in shoulders or a restless feeling can develop into structural complaints. Think of pain that just won't go away, insomnia, irritability or a constant feeling of agitation. Often several circumstances come into play, such as high work pressure, relational tensions, loss experiences or perfectionism. If the balance between carrying capacity and load is disturbed for a long time, the body becomes exhausted and complaints arise on various levels.

An overview of common psychosomatic complaints:

• Unexplained pain or chronic pain
• Extreme fatigue
• Shortness of breath, chest pressure or palpitations
• Unable to relax
• Poor sleep, brooding, gloominess
• Anxiety, inner turmoil or irritability
• Concentration problems or a feeling of emptiness

The psychosomatic physiotherapist focuses on restoring the balance between tension and relaxation. You learn to listen to what your body is telling you, how to better cope with stress and which patterns in thinking and acting are influencing your symptoms. Treatment is usually a combination of body-oriented exercises, breathing and relaxation techniques, awareness of your body's signals and support for behavioural change.

Case study

Take Petri, for example, a 56-year-old man with persistent fatigue and headaches. Medical tests yielded nothing. Discussions with his psychosomatic physiotherapist revealed that he had been tiptoeing for months due to informal care, work pressure and ignoring his limits. Through targeted exercises and reflection on his daily rhythm, he got a better grip on his energy and the symptoms subsided.

Psychosomatic physiotherapist often work together

In some cases, the psychosomatic physiotherapist collaborates with other healthcare providers, such as the GP, a psychologist or a company doctor. This collaboration is always coordinated with your consent and helps to support recovery from multiple perspectives.

Psychosomatic physiotherapy offers relief if you have complaints that may be related to tension, emotions or overwork. Wondering which therapists offer this treatment? Check the current overview on therapyvergelijk.nl.