If you are an adult living in the US, there is a good chance that you have hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. In fact, almost half of adults in the US have hypertension! Over time, this condition can contribute to heart disease and stroke. Most individuals in this group are actually unable to lower their blood pressure to the recommended values, even with treatment. While genetics play a role, lifestyle factors are a major contributor to blood pressure issues, which may include diet, physical activity, and stress management. In addition, many medications given to individuals with hypertension can actually raise blood pressure! It is important to check in with your doctor or pharmacist regarding how your medications may be affecting your hypertension.
When we are feeling stressed, agitated, overly aroused, and anxious, we are experiencing an overly activated sympathetic nervous system, known colloquially as “fight or flight”. When the sympathetic division of our nervous system is overly active, stress hormones are released, our blood vessels are constricted, raising our blood pressure. When this happens chronically, our cardiovascular system is strained, weakening our heart and blood vessels. Combine this with less than ideal lifestyle choices and medications that can increase blood pressure, our risk of developing cardiovascular issues greatly increases.
Management of hypertension is something that may be addressed throughout your care at the Wellness Station. In addition to encouraging healthy practices such as regular physical activity and a diet that is supportive to cardiovascular health, our mindful movement lessons can also impact blood pressure. Our clients are encouraged to participate in therapy in a “parasympathetic” state, also known as rest and digest, contrary to the fight or flight state mentioned previously. We ensure that before participating in movement, the client is in a calm, grounded state. We may engage in meditation, breathing practices or hands-on therapy to help calm the nervous system prior to movement. Mindful, gentle movement and therapeutic touch are excellent ways to ease tension in the body, fostering a state of peaceful relaxation. This allows the blood pressure to lower, taking strain off the cardiovascular system as well as the joints.
Have a question about your blood pressure? Have Jacob take your blood pressure, perhaps before and after your session to see if any change has occurred.
Written by Jacob Tyson, DPT - Physical Therapist, Yoga Instructor and The Wellness Station Team