The Link Between Stress and Musculoskeletal Pain

We often think of stress as something that affects our mood or sleep — but did you know it can also show up in your body as real, physical pain? At High Line Active, our physiotherapists work with many people who experience musculoskeletal symptoms that are either caused or worsened by stress. The good news? You don’t have to live with it — and you don’t have to manage it alone.

Stress Doesn't Just Live in Your Head — It Lives in Your Body

When you’re stressed, your body naturally responds with muscle tension. Over time, this tension can become chronic and lead to pain in areas like the neck, shoulders, jaw, or lower back. You may notice:

• Ongoing stiffness that won’t go away

• Headaches or jaw pain (TMJ dysfunction)

• Persistent neck or shoulder tightness

• Low back pain without a clear injury

• Fatigue or poor recovery from exercise

In other words, stress can be the missing piece in understanding why you feel tight, sore, or constantly fatigued.

How Physiotherapists Help Unpack the Stress–Pain Connection

Physiotherapy for stress-related musculoskeletal issues isn’t just about fixing muscles — it’s about understanding you. Our physiotherapists take a whole-person approach. This means we:

• Ask questions to understand how your lifestyle, work, or emotional stress might be contributing to pain

• Use clinical reasoning to identify if your nervous system is in a state of hypervigilance or “fight or flight”

• Design treatment plans that calm the system, restore movement, and help you feel more in control of your body again

We don’t just treat the symptoms — we work with you to understand why the pain is happening.

Manual Therapy: A Powerful Tool for Resetting the Nervous System

Manual therapy is more than just “hands-on” treatment — it’s one way we can help your body and brain reconnect in a safe, calming way. Gentle joint mobilisation, soft tissue release, or myofascial techniques can:

• Reduce muscle tension caused by stress

• Improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage

• Lower nervous system sensitivity

• Help you feel grounded, relaxed, and supported

  
  

Many of our patients describe feeling calmer and more “reset” after hands-on treatment — often reporting better sleep, improved movement, and less overall pain.

Physiotherapy That Supports the Whole You

We believe your body’s messages — pain, tightness, fatigue — are valid. They’re your nervous system’s way of asking for help. At High Line Active, we listen carefully, treat gently, and support you with movement strategies, recovery techniques, and a plan that matches your real life.

Whether your pain is from long hours at a desk, high-pressure training, or emotional stress, we’re here to help you move well and feel better — physically and mentally.