{"id":20880,"date":"2025-08-06T15:41:44","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T13:41:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=20880"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:05:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:05:33","slug":"psychosomatic-pain-gauteng-clinics-stress-related-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/psychosomatic-pain-gauteng-clinics-stress-related-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Gauteng Clinics Offer New Support for Stress-Related Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-stress-related-pain\" data-level=\"2\">Stress-Related Pain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-psychosomatic-pain\" data-level=\"2\">What is Psychosomatic Pain?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-understanding-the-link-between-stress-and-physical-pain\" data-level=\"2\">Understanding the Link Between Stress and Physical Pain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-physiotherapy-and-stress-management\" data-level=\"2\">Physiotherapy and Stress Management<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-breaking-misconceptions\" data-level=\"2\">Breaking Misconceptions<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-broader-impact-of-treating-psychosomatic-pain\" data-level=\"2\">Broader Impact of Treating Psychosomatic Pain<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-empowering-patients-and-health-professionals\" data-level=\"2\">Empowering Patients and Health Professionals<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stress-related-pain\">Stress-Related Pain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Stress is an undeniable part of modern life, and its effects often go beyond mental strain. It can also manifest physically, resulting in conditions known as <strong>psychosomatic pain<\/strong>. This type of pain is caused by emotional, psychological, or mental factors rather than direct physical injury. Unfortunately, many patients are unaware of this connection and often struggle to get the appropriate treatment for stress-related discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To combat this issue, clinics across Gauteng are now offering targeted support for individuals suffering from stress-related pain. Through a combination of <strong>physiotherapy<\/strong>, <strong>relaxation techniques<\/strong>, and <strong>stress management<\/strong> strategies, these services aim to alleviate the physical manifestations of stress. They also improve overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELEVANT ARTICLE:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/equip-all-clinics-with-x-rays\/\">Gauteng\u2019s Plan to Equip All Clinics with X-rays by 2026<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2470077827\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-psychosomatic-pain\">What is Psychosomatic Pain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Psychosomatic pain refers to physical pain with a significant <strong>psychological or emotional component<\/strong>. While often under-recognized, studies show that <strong>20-30%<\/strong> of patients in physiotherapy settings report pain with a psychological basis. Common symptoms include <strong>headaches<\/strong>, <strong>back pain<\/strong>, <strong>abdominal discomfort<\/strong>, and <strong>generalized aches<\/strong>. These symptoms <a href=\"https:\/\/psychcentral.com\/health\/psychosomatic-pain#recap\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">may not have<\/a> an obvious physical cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Stress<\/strong>, particularly in the form of anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma, is a primary contributor to psychosomatic pain. Stress triggers changes in body functions that can lead to muscle tightness, especially in areas like the neck, shoulders, and back. Over time, this can result in chronic pain. This pain doesn\u2019t seem to have a physical <a href=\"https:\/\/www.delightmedical.com\/wellness-guide\/pain-management\/psychosomatic-pain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">origin<\/a>, but is very real and distressing for the sufferer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understanding-the-link-between-stress-and-physical-pain\">Understanding the Link Between Stress and Physical Pain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <strong>Palesa Phetwane<\/strong>, a physiotherapist at <strong>West Rand District Health Services<\/strong>, <strong>anxiety<\/strong>, <strong>depression<\/strong>, and <strong>unresolved trauma<\/strong> are significant contributors to stress-induced physical pain. For instance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Anxiety<\/strong> can lead to muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and jaw.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Depression<\/strong> alters brain chemistry and pain processing, often leading to generalized aches and a reduced pain tolerance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Past trauma<\/strong>, especially from childhood abuse, can manifest as chronic physical symptoms in adulthood, contributing to long-term pain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The mind and body are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.gov.za\/Departments\/DepartmentPublicationDetails\/%7B3057ba0c-6200-4ef6-b174-74d669c9cada%7D?departmentId=CPM-001006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">intrinsically connected<\/a>. Chronic stress can physically manifest in ways that affect movement, posture, and overall well-being. Therefore, this connection highlights the need for integrated approaches to healthcare that address both mental and physical aspects of pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-713657191\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-physiotherapy-and-stress-management\">Physiotherapy and Stress Management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Gauteng&#8217;s healthcare facilities are beginning to recognize the value of <strong>integrative approaches<\/strong> for treating stress-related pain. <strong>Itumeleng Matlala<\/strong>, a physiotherapist at <strong>Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital<\/strong>, explains that treatments involve more than just physical exercises. They also include psychological support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Treatment for psychosomatic pain often incorporates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Aerobic exercises<\/strong>, which help reduce anxiety and improve mood by releasing <strong>endorphins<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Manual therapy<\/strong> and <strong>stretching<\/strong> to ease muscle tightness caused by stress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Relaxation therapy<\/strong>, which is crucial for reducing stress and promoting emotional regulation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, <strong>patient education<\/strong> plays a vital role in managing psychosomatic pain. <strong>Physiotherapists<\/strong> help patients understand how stress impacts posture, breathing, and muscle tension. By teaching stress management strategies such as <strong>deep breathing exercises<\/strong>, <strong>core stability exercises<\/strong>, and <strong>gentle movement<\/strong> (e.g., yoga or walking), patients are empowered to manage their pain both in the clinic and at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-breaking-misconceptions\">Breaking Misconceptions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the challenges in treating stress-related pain is the <strong>misconception<\/strong> that psychosomatic pain is &#8220;not real&#8221; or that patients should simply &#8220;push through it.&#8221; <strong>Itumeleng Matlala<\/strong> notes that many patients initially express doubts about the legitimacy of their pain. They often say things like, &#8220;There\u2019s no injury, so the pain must be fake,&#8221; or &#8220;Talking about my emotions won\u2019t help my pain.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To counter these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterhelp.com\/advice\/stress\/causes-and-treatment-of-psychosomatic-pain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">misconceptions<\/a>, healthcare professionals take a compassionate approach. They validate the patient&#8217;s experience while gently educating them on how emotional well-being impacts physical health. This approach ensures that patients feel <strong>heard<\/strong> and understood, which is essential for effective treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Matshidiso Mofokeng survived a stroke thanks to early medical intervention\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LtoDv0dN4J8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/LtoDv0dN4J8?si=7wCBlWF0bQNaRW-6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-746766611\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-broader-impact-of-treating-psychosomatic-pain\">Broader Impact of Treating Psychosomatic Pain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By focusing on both the physical and emotional <a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/symptoms\/12056-pain-psychogenic-pain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">components<\/a> of pain, Gauteng clinics are helping individuals manage not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of stress-related discomfort. The goal is to <strong>improve overall quality of life<\/strong>, reducing pain and improving emotional health simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The rise of <strong>stress-related conditions<\/strong> like psychosomatic pain underscores the importance of <strong>holistic healthcare<\/strong>. This approach goes beyond treating symptoms and addresses root causes of discomfort. By integrating mental health support with traditional physiotherapy treatments, these clinics are setting a new standard for patient care, one that recognizes the <strong>interconnectedness of mind and body<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Find out how this upgrade is helping patients get quicker, better care.<\/em> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/gauteng-clinics-equipped-x-ray-machines\/\">Gauteng Clinics Now Equipped with X-ray Machines<\/a><\/strong>. <em>Click to read more!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-empowering-patients-and-health-professionals\">Empowering Patients and Health Professionals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As awareness grows, more clinics across Gauteng are expected to offer <strong>comprehensive treatment plans<\/strong>. These plans will address both the mental and physical components of stress-related pain. They are especially crucial in areas where psychological support may be lacking, helping individuals not only manage pain but also improve their mental well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For patients, this means better access to care that acknowledges the full scope of their health issues. For healthcare professionals, it offers the opportunity to adopt more <strong>effective treatment models<\/strong>, resulting in better patient outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">MEC <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NkomoNomantu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@NkomoNomantu<\/a>: As part of efforts to strengthen inclusive primary health care, X-ray machines have been installed at Westbury, Florida and Fanyana Nhlapo CHCs. Further installations planned at Daveyton, Phola Park &amp; Empilisweni CHC. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/GPBudgetVote2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#GPBudgetVote2025<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/dhN76ahzn5\">pic.twitter.com\/dhN76ahzn5<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1945416352266666385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">July 16, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/GautengHealth\/status\/1945416352266666385\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X\/Twitter<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gauteng clinics are now addressing stress-related pain with specialized physiotherapy services that integrate physical and emotional health, improving patient care and outcomes across the province.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":20893,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Gauteng clinics are now addressing stress-related pain with specialized physiotherapy services that integrate physical and emotional health, improving patient care and outcomes across the province.","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[2707,764,4834,3857,4971,169],"class_list":{"0":"post-20880","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-emotional-health","9":"tag-holistic-wellness","10":"tag-overcoming-pain","11":"tag-public-health","12":"tag-public-health-services","13":"tag-stress-management"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20880","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20880"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20880\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20915,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20880\/revisions\/20915"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20893"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20880"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20880"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20880"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}