Introduction
"Stress is a non-specific response of the body for any demand to change" - Hans Selye
Stress is a physiological response to being alive. Our physiology is designed to maintain homeostasis (steady state) and a stress, either positive or negative, triggers a response in order to bring us back to a physiological neutral place. For the purposes of this lesson, we will focus on the effects of negative stress which is specific to external factors perceived as a threat. External factors include environmental and psychosocial factors.
Disease is the internal stress to human physiology. Impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities can become external stresses which further carry over into home, work, family, and sense of self. In order to facilitate patient/client recognition of the effects of external stresses on disablement, PTs and PTAs should practice self-awareness of stressors and stress management to maintain a therapeutic presence and avoid burnout.
Objectives
This is a pre-lab activity to allow you to apply principles of stress management for biofeedback during laboratory activities and examination. By demonstrating understanding of stress management principles, students will:
- In a case-based scenario, students will identify biofeedback techniques that can be selected to reduce stress, improve function, and enhance self-management skills in the clinical setting
- During case simulation, students should be able to effectively instruct patients and caregivers in relevant energy conservation techniques to optimize function at home and in community