Have you ever heard of sensorimotor therapy? If not, you’re in for a treat! Sensorimotor therapy is a type of physical therapy that can help people who have suffered from injuries or who are dealing with other health issues. In this blog post, we will discuss what sensorimotor therapy is and how it can help you. We will also provide some tips on how to find a good therapist who can help you get started on your journey to better health!
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What Is Sensorimotor Therapy?
Sensorimotor therapy refers to a type of therapy that focuses on the connection between the body and mind. This type of therapy can help to improve movement, sensation, and coordination. It can also help to reduce pain and improve overall function.
Moreover, it is a body center approach to talk therapy. This is emphasized by mindfulness practices, such as yoga and meditation. The goal of sensorimotor therapy is to help you become more aware of your body and how it feels in the present moment.
This can help you to better understand your thoughts and emotions. The therapist will work with the patient to help them regain movement and sensation in their affected body parts. The therapist may also use massage, stretching, and other techniques to help the patient relax and improve their range of motion.
If you want to try sensorimotor therapy, it is important to find a qualified therapist who has experience with this type of therapy. This therapy can be really effective.
What Sensorimotor Therapy Can Help With?
This is the first thing people want to know when they hear about a new therapy: what can it help with? The quick answer to that is, that sensorimotor therapy can help with anything that has to do with movement or sensation. That includes everything from chronic pain to balance problems.
But for a clear answer, here are some of the more common issues that people use sensorimotor therapy for:
- Chronic pain
- Recovery from injury
- Movement disorders
- Balance problems
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Anxiety disorders
So, these are some common examples, but sensorimotor therapy can really help with anything that has to do with movement or sensation. It might be surprising for some people that it can also help with mental disorders. That’s because a lot of mental disorders have their roots in the body.
For example, post-traumatic stress disorder is often caused by an injury or trauma. And anxiety disorders can be caused by chronic pain or other physical issues. Thus, sensorimotor therapy is a very effective way to treat mental disorders.
So, if you’re dealing with any issue that has to do with movement or sensation, whether it’s physical or mental, sensorimotor therapy can help.
How Does Sensorimotor Therapy Work?
Now that we know what sensorimotor therapy can help with, let’s take a look at how it works. Sensorimotor therapy is based on the principle that the body and mind are connected. This means that if there is an issue in the body, it can impact the mind, and vice versa.
Sensorimotor therapy focuses on helping the client become more aware of their body and how it feels in space. The therapist will help the client to slowly move their body and focus on the sensations they feel. They may also use props, such as balls or scarves, to help the client focus on their movement.
The therapist will also help the client to understand how their thoughts and emotions can impact their body. For example, if a client is feeling anxious, they may start to feel tightness in their chest. The therapist can help the client to understand that this is just a physical sensation and nothing wrong.
The goals of this therapy generally include:
- Understanding of the impacts on the body of any trauma or anxiousness.
- Acknowledgment of physical sensations.
- Learning how to regulate emotions.
- Differentiating between past and present.
- Gaining a sense of control over the body.
Sensorimotor therapy can be done in individual or group sessions. It is generally recommended to do at least 12 sessions, but this may vary depending on the client’s needs. If you are interested in learning more about sensorimotor therapy, please contact us. We would be happy to answer any of your questions!
What Are The Techniques Used In This?
There are many different types of sensorimotor therapy. Some common techniques include:
Myofascial release
This technique involves applying pressure to the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles. This can help to release tension and improve blood flow. Also, it is used to release toxins from your muscles. In simple words, this is a form of self-massage.
Trigger point therapy
This involves applying pressure to specific points on your body. These points are often located in areas of muscle tension. This can help to relieve pain and improve the range of motion. It works through the release of chemicals that cause pain. More often, this is done with the help of a professional.
Massage therapy
This is a form of manual therapy that uses touch to relieve pain and improve blood circulation. It can also help to improve range of motion and flexibility. In fact, people with arthritis often find relief from massage therapy. Because massage therapy can be used to target specific areas of the body, it is often used in combination with other therapies.
Acupuncture
This is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves the insertion of needles into specific points on your body. It is gradually becoming the preferred choice of therapy for many people looking for an alternative to Western medicine. It is said to help with a variety of conditions, including:
- pain relief
- anxiety
- depression,
- digestive issues
It can also be used as a preventative measure to keep you healthy and balanced.
Swedish massage
This is a type of massage that uses long, flowing strokes to help relax the body and ease muscle tension. It’s often used as a way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Swedish massage is just one type of sensorimotor therapy. This therapy can also include:
- Aromatherapy
- Acupressure
- Reflexology
Therefore, these are some techniques that can be used in sensorimotor therapy. This type of therapy can be helpful in reducing stress, tension headaches, and migraines. It can also help to improve circulation and increase the range of motion. If you’re looking for a way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Then, consider finding a therapist who offers sensorimotor therapy.
What Are The Benefits of It?
There are many benefits to sensorimotor therapy, below are the main ones. Let’s explore some of these benefits in more detail.
Improve your sensory processing
This is one of the most important benefits of sensorimotor therapy. By improving your sensory processing, you’ll be able to take in information from your environment more effectively. This can help you in everyday activities, such as reading or driving. In fact, it is believed that sensory processing is the foundation for all learning.
Improve your movement and coordination
It is the first step in helping people who have suffered a stroke or other neurological injury. Sensorimotor therapy helps to relearn movement and improve coordination by stimulating the connection between the brain and body. It actually helps your brain to create new pathways to relearn movement. And, this is an important step in the rehabilitation process because it helps to improve your quality of life and independence.
Retrain muscles
When your muscles are tight, it can cause a misalignment in your spine and pelvis. This can lead to pain and other problems. Sensorimotor therapy helps to retrain your muscles so that they work together correctly. In fact, muscles that are working correctly can help to prevent pain. So, retraining muscles are actually a pain prevention strategy.
Improve balance
When you choose this kind of therapy for your mental disorder, it is important to know that you will be working with a therapist to improve your balance. In many cases, people who have disorders like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia tend to have problems with their sense of balance. Therefore, by improving your balance, you can improve your overall mental state.
Reduce anxiety and stress levels
With therapy which is very much centered on mindfulness, it is possible to learn how to control and focus your thoughts better. This can lead to lower stress and anxiety levels as you will be able to more effectively deal with intrusive or worrying thoughts. In fact, a study found that sensorimotor therapy can be an effective treatment for PTSD.
Improve body awareness
Sensorimotor therapy can help you become more aware of your body and how it moves through space. This is especially helpful for people who have difficulty processing information from their senses. By improving your body awareness, you can improve your movement patterns and reduce pain. It can also help you become more aware of your surroundings and how they affect your body.
So, overall the benefits are numerous but these are some common ones. If you are struggling with movement or pain, consider sensorimotor therapy as a possible solution!
What Are The Limitations?
When one thing offers you so much potential, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype. And eventually, forget to ask about the limitations. So, what are the limitations of sensorimotor therapy?
First and foremost, sensorimotor therapy is not a cure-all. It can help you learn to cope with your condition and improve your quality of life, but it cannot cure you.
Second, sensorimotor therapy requires time and commitment. It is not a quick fix, it is a journey. So, you have to be willing to put in the work. Otherwise, it may not work for you.
Third, sensorimotor therapy may not be right for everyone. Some people may not respond to the treatment or may find it too difficult to commit to.
Fourth, sensorimotor therapy can be expensive. If you do not have insurance that covers the cost of therapy, it can be difficult to afford.
Finally, sensorimotor therapy is not always readily available. There may not be a therapist in your area who is trained in this type of therapy.
If you are considering sensorimotor therapy, it is important to keep these limitations in mind. Sensorimotor therapy can be an effective treatment for some people, but it is not right for everyone. If you are considering this type of therapy, be sure to talk to a trained therapist to see if it is right for you.
How To Get Started?
After being aware of the benefits and limitations of sensorimotor therapy, you might be wondering how to get started with it. So here are some tips that can help you to get started with sensorimotor therapy:
Consult with a professional
Firstly, it is important that you consult with a professional who is experienced in this type of therapy. This will ensure that you are getting the most out of the therapy and avoid any potential risks. In fact, only a professional can guide you on how to properly do the exercises and activities involved in sensorimotor therapy.
Create a routine
This is really important to create a routine in order to achieve the best possible results. Also, it will you to stick to the therapy and see better results. When creating a routine, make sure to include:
- Some warm-up exercises
- Cool-down exercises
- Wear comfortable clothing
This is important because you want to be able to move freely and not feel restricted in any way. Also, make sure to wear clothing that is not too loose as it might get in the way of some of the exercises. So, creating a healthy routine to get the most out of sensorimotor therapy is key to success.
Find a licensed therapist with experience
It is really important to find a licensed therapist who has experience with sensorimotor therapy. This type of therapy is not common, so you want to make sure that your therapist is properly trained. If you’re not sure where to start, you can look for therapists who are certified in this field online.
Check the reviews and comfort level
It is the next step in your therapy and it is vital that you check the reviews of the therapist you are considering. You want to make sure that previous patients have had success with this type of therapy. Also, comfort level is important. If you do not feel comfortable with your therapist, sensorimotor therapy will not be as successful.
Make sure to ask questions
When you’re looking for a therapist, it’s important to ask about their experience with sensorimotor therapy. This type of therapy can be extremely beneficial for those suffering from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. It can also help with chronic pain management.
Do the research and take your time
Choosing a therapist for yourself might seem like a daunting task, but it’s worth taking the time to do your research in order to find someone you’re comfortable with. Because you have to stick to your treatment plan to see results, it’s worth finding a therapist you can trust and feel comfortable talking to.
So, these are some helpful tips for finding the right sensorimotor therapist for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us and we’ll be more than happy to help. Moreover, it is really important to understand that therapists are many but finding the one that is right for you might be a process. Be patient and do not give up!
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is right to be said that sensorimotor therapy is a promising new treatment for those with mental illness. It has been found to be helpful in reducing symptoms and improving functioning in those who have undergone the therapy.
Moreover, it is believed to show long-term efficacy in patients with mental illness. And that is why it is considered a promising new modality of treatment. So, if you are struggling with mental illness, consider sensorimotor therapy as a possible treatment option.
In fact, you can contact Mantra Care for the best, most convenient, affordable, and confidential therapy sessions. Our expert counselors can help you identify your goals and work with you to achieve them through our sensorimotor therapy program. You can also book a therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.
