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What is psychosomatic physiotherapy?

Psychosomatic physiotherapy is a specialisation within physiotherapy that focuses on the relationship between physical symptoms, thoughts, emotions and everyday circumstances.

Physical symptoms can affect your mood, sleep and activities. In turn, worries, tension and insufficient recovery can influence pain, muscle tension and movement. These factors can reinforce one another.

Your psychosomatic physiotherapist therefore considers both your symptoms and the circumstances in which they develop or persist. Your symptoms are taken seriously, even when medical investigations have not provided a complete explanation.

What symptoms can we help with?

Psychosomatic physiotherapy may be appropriate for physical symptoms involving tension, excessive demands or difficulty recovering. Examples include:

• Persistent or recurring pain.

• Muscle tension and difficulty relaxing.

• Fatigue and an imbalance between activity and recovery.

• Breathing difficulties associated with tension.

• Physical symptoms associated with stress, prolonged strain or burnout.

• Fear of movement due to pain or previous experiences.

• Sleep problems associated with pain or tension.

These symptoms can have various causes. During your first appointment, we assess whether psychosomatic physiotherapy meets your needs and whether other care is required.

What happens at your first appointment?

We begin by discussing your symptoms, health and daily life. What do you notice in your body? When do your symptoms increase or decrease? How do they affect your work, family life, sport or social activities?

We also discuss how you balance activity and rest, and what you would like to change. This may be followed by a physical assessment, for example of your breathing, muscle tension and movement.

Together, we identify factors that may be relevant. We then agree on goals that are meaningful and achievable for you.

What does the treatment involve?

Treatment consists of education, exercises and guidance. The elements we use depend on your symptoms and goals.

Recognising your body’s signals

You learn to recognise your body’s signals earlier, such as increasing muscle tension, changes in breathing or fatigue. We explore how you can respond before the demands become too much.

Relaxation and breathing

Through targeted exercises, you explore the difference between tensing and relaxing your muscles. If breathing plays a role in your symptoms, we practise breathing patterns suited to rest and activity.

Movement and gradually increasing activities

We help you practise movements and everyday activities in a way that suits your needs. If you are afraid of moving, we work step by step to build confidence. Progression is tailored to your abilities and your response to the exercises.

Balancing activity and recovery

Together, we look at your daily routine and habits. Do you allow enough recovery between activities? Do you often keep going when your body signals that it has had enough? Or have you started avoiding activities because of your symptoms?

You learn to make choices that reflect both your capabilities and what matters to you.

What can you expect from treatment?

The aim is to help you understand your symptoms better and discover ways to manage them. We work towards improved daily functioning, greater confidence in movement and a suitable balance between activity and recovery.

Progress varies from person to person. We therefore regularly discuss what is changing and whether the approach supports your goals. Where necessary, we adjust the treatment plan.

You also apply the exercises and insights from treatment in your daily life. This helps you discover which changes are useful for you.

How does it differ from seeing a psychologist?

A psychosomatic physiotherapist works primarily through the body and movement. For example, you explore how tension shows up physically and practise breathing, relaxation and activities.

A psychologist focuses on mental health difficulties using psychological treatment methods. Both forms of care can complement each other. Where appropriate, and with your consent, your physiotherapist may consult your GP, psychologist or another healthcare professional involved in your care.

Psychosomatic physiotherapy at Fysio in Balance

At Fysio in Balance in Brunssum, we take the time to listen to your story. Together, we consider your physical symptoms, daily demands and what you need to move forward.

Would you like to make an appointment or ask a question first? Get in touch with us.