How Stress Impacts Physical Health
A Sarrica PT & Wellness Perspective
We’d like to talk about something we all experience, but don’t always talk about: stress.
At Sarrica Physical Therapy & Wellness, we see it every day. A patient walks in with neck pain, a tight knee, or back tension that won’t stop. When we start asking questions, stress is often hiding just below the surface.
Stress isn’t just a feeling. It’s a full body experience. And it can absolutely show up in your physical health.
How Stress Shows Up in the Body
We’re wired to respond to stress physically, think of it as your body’s built-in alarm system. But when stress sticks around for too long, your body never gets the chance to turn that alarm off.
Here’s what chronic stress can do:
Cause muscle tightness and tension (especially in your neck, shoulders, and jaw)
Disrupt your sleep, which slows healing and increases pain
Increase inflammation in the body
Weaken your immune system
Make existing conditions worse (like chronic pain, arthritis, or injuries)
Lead to poor posture that impacts movement
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Why Physical Therapy Can Help
We often think of physical therapy as something you do after an injury but it’s also a powerful tool for managing stress related symptoms before they become bigger problems.
At Sarrica PT, we focus on helping your body move better, but we also help your nervous system calm down. That might look like:
Guided exercises that release tension
Hands-on therapy to loosen stiff muscles and increase range of motion
Breathwork and posture re-training
Acupuncture or massage to promote relaxation
Healing isn’t just about the physical body, it’s about the person as a whole. That’s why we take the time to treat you, not just your symptoms.
Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference
Here are a few things we often recommend to our patients who are feeling overwhelmed:
Move your body, even gently. A walk, a stretch, or 10 minutes of light exercise can change your stress levels fast.
Prioritize sleep. Your body does a lot of healing while you rest.
Breathe. Deep breaths can help you feel calm by activating your parasympathetic nervous system
Say no sometimes. Your to-do list can wait.
