Abstract
There are numerous definitions of stress but no set established medical definition. However, according to health and safety executive stress is the negative response an individual exhibits when excessive pressure or demands are placed on them. Additionally ,stress is a response to being put under pressure or situation that place an individual under pressure that if left unaddressed can result in psychological, physiological and behavioral changes to an individual. In today’s ultra-competitive environment students face more stress than ever, be it related to study, examination, peer teachers or parents pressure. Stress is a complex, dynamic process of interaction between a person and his or her life. It is a war one reacts physically, mentally, and emotionally to the various conditions. Physiotherapy is a professional field which requires students to attain diverse proficiencies, including acquisition of theoretical knowledge, clinical competencies and interpersonal skills. Physiotherapists use an initial assessment to clarify the nature of the nature of the problem and develop strategies and treatment which are acceptable to the individual. Research continues to indicate a positive correlation between a person’s ability to cope with stressors and likelihood of disease during their lifetime.
Stress can be divided into two categories: Distress and Eustress. Distress is the negative response to stressors whereas eustress is the positive response to stressors. When an individual is distressed they experience negative psychological states such as frustration, low satisfaction an alienation that eventually result in work and social loss as well as negatively effects on their physical and mental well-being. Physiotherapists offer a number of stress management techniques and treatments which can help to improve the worker’s health and well-being. Physiotherapists with a special interest in stress management can offer many different types of relaxation therapy including guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing techniques, thought stopping, stretching, massage and general fitness advice. Physiotherapy can assist by reducing muscle tension, increasing vitality and decreasing reported tiredness, improving concentration span, improving feeling of general wellbeing, decreasing blood pressure, Reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, improving attitude to work & leisure activity, Reducing pain states such as headache, chronic pain syndrome and work related anxiety, possibly decreasing dosage of psycho active medication.