Chronic Stress, Tight Muscles and Feeling Disconnected From Your Body: What Can Help?
Do you feel tense all the time? Are your shoulders tight, your jaw clenched, and your mind always on alert? Maybe you also feel numb or far away from your own body.
You are not alone. Long-term stress often shows up in the body first. The good news: there are gentle treatments that can help. At Mahaya Health in Little Italy, Toronto, we offer many of them in one place.
Why does chronic stress cause muscle tension?
When you are stressed, your body gets ready to protect you. Muscles tighten. Breathing gets shallow. Your nervous system stays "switched on."
If stress lasts for weeks or months, your body can get stuck in this state. Over time, this can lead to:
Tight neck, shoulders, back or jaw
Headaches
Poor sleep and low energy
Feeling on edge, or feeling shut down and numb
Why do I feel disconnected from my body?
Feeling cut off from your body is a common response to long-term stress or trauma. It can be the body's way of coping when things feel like too much. Many people describe it as "living in my head" or "going through the motions."
This is not a flaw. It is a sign your nervous system has been working hard to keep you safe. Body-based care can help you slowly and safely feel at home in your body again.
What treatments can help with chronic stress and tension?
There is no one right answer. Many people do best with a mix of care. Here are the options we offer:
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing is a gentle, body-based therapy for stress and trauma. You don't have to relive painful memories. Instead, you learn to notice what is happening in your body, one small step at a time. It helps your nervous system move out of "survival mode." Our practitioner, Elizabeth Ewanchuk, has over 20 years of experience.
Registered massage therapy
Massage therapy works on tight muscles and soft tissue. It is a good choice when tension and muscle pain are the main problem. Our RMT, Lynne Catt, has practised since 1998.
Craniosacral therapy
Craniosacral therapy uses very light touch. You stay fully clothed. It is a great fit if deep massage feels too intense, or if your nervous system feels overloaded.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can support your nervous system and help ease pain and stress. We offer gentle Japanese-style acupuncture with very fine needles, as well as Korean SAAM acupuncture.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese pressure therapy done through comfortable clothing. It can ease muscle tension and help you relax.
Psychotherapy
If stress is tied to anxiety, burnout or past trauma, talk therapy can help too. Our trauma-informed therapists use approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and somatic therapy, which bring the body into the work.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
A simple way to start:
Mostly tight, sore muscles? Try massage therapy or shiatsu.
Feeling wired, numb or overwhelmed? Try Somatic Experiencing or craniosacral therapy.
Stress, pain and poor sleep together? Try acupuncture.
Stress linked to anxiety, trauma or big life changes? Try psychotherapy.
Still not sure? That's okay. Book a free 15-minute consult and we will help you find the right practitioner.
Where can I get this care in Toronto?
Mahaya Health is an integrative health clinic at 637 College Street, Suite 200, in Little Italy, Toronto. We have offered trauma-informed care since 2006. Our team works together, so your care can include both mind and body. No referral is needed, and many services are covered by extended health plans.
Ready to feel more at ease in your body? Book an appointment online or call (647) 435-0152.