Managing Stress During Rehabilitation
Stress and anxiety can physically slow your recovery. Learn simple techniques to stay calm and heal faster.
Written by the Move8 physiotherapy team
Chronic stress triggers cortisol release, which directly impairs tissue healing, increases pain perception, and disrupts sleep.
Simple techniques that work:
Box breathing (4-4-4-4): Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat 4 times.
Progressive muscle relaxation: Tense and release each muscle group for 5 seconds, starting from your toes and working up.
Gratitude journalling: Write 3 things you're grateful for each evening. Research shows this reduces cortisol levels.
Nature exposure: Even 20 minutes outdoors reduces stress hormones measurably.
This article is educational and does not replace a medical diagnosis or advice from your physiotherapist.