‘These complaints are also caused by stress’

High breathing, faster heart rate and the feeling that you just can’t keep all the balls up: you probably recognize this feeling. Not surprising, because nowadays both the environment and we expect a lot from ourselves. A psychosomatic physiotherapist such as Stefan de Glee can provide help with physical complaints due to stress or burnout.

“As a psychosomatic physiotherapist, I deal with complaints that arise from long-term stress, such as pain, fatigue and muscle tension,” Stefan explains. He also pays attention to the connection between your mental and physical health.

The connection between body and mind

If you come to Stefan because you are experiencing a lot of stress, he will look beyond your physical complaints. He digs deeper to the roots of stress-related problems that the patient is unaware of. “We focus not only on the posture and musculoskeletal system, but also on psychological complaints such as depression, burnout and sleep problems.”

His goal? Helping patients to recover and also giving them insight into how they can function better structurally.

Current problem

The therapists at Fysio Almelo increasingly see millennials – 25 to 45 year olds: a generation that is used to constant performance pressure and the challenges of the digital age. “Research shows that about a quarter of them experience burnout complaints,” says Stefan.

They experience stress that builds up due to, among other things, excessive use of smartphones and constant stimuli. “We look at the factors that cause this stress and prevent people from falling into the same trap.”

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Unknown symptoms of stress

He mentions a number of complaints for which you may not immediately contact a physiotherapist: “Forgetfulness, less focus, shortness of breath and pressure in the chest are some examples. Stress can also lead to stomach and intestinal complaints, which are not often linked to stress.”

The added value of psychosomatic physiotherapy

“I used to treat classic complaints such as shoulder and back pain using the traditional approach with exercises. In some cases I treated the symptoms, but not the problem. Psychosomatic physiotherapy looks at the deeper layers of what is going on. It is inspiring to give people insight into unconscious habits.”

He works closely with other medical experts, such as psychologists. “We have direct contact with other care providers. Through multidisciplinary consultation, we contribute to a good recovery and the elimination of complaints.”

Successful process

According to the psychosomatic physiotherapist, the key to successful treatment lies in the patient’s involvement in their own recovery process. “When they experience more energy, can recognize signals of stress and achieve their goals, for me the process is a success. They can then function better in daily life.”

Also experience balance

Psychosomatic physiotherapy at Fysio Almelo is, in addition to treatment, a way to change unconscious habits. Are you curious about how this approach can help you? Make an appointment to start your own path to balance.