Does physiotherapy reduce high blood pressure?
"A few weeks ago I had an accident. My kneecap cracked and a fragment broke off my tibia. I bought a Magnum XL magnetotherapy device to stimulate bone healing. Since I am on sick leave, I use it three times a day for two hours each. I've noticed that since I started using it my blood pressure has been getting lower and lower. I don't dare to use it because I feel practically dizzy. What do you think? Could it be caused by the device?" asked one of my readers.
How long have you known you have high blood pressure? What values do you usually measure and what medications do you take for it?
It started a few years ago; since then I have been taking two different medications. My values were not very high, usually around 160/110.
What is your job?
I am a customer service manager at a company.
How stressful is your work?
Quite. Several people report to me; I have to direct and supervise their work, solve very problematic cases and other people's mistakes. There is a lot of pressure, many customers and my bosses are not very forgiving.
During sick leave do you still have to work from home? How do your days pass?
In the first 2–3 weeks they called me quite often and sent e-mails asking me to deal with things, but I managed to "phase that out." I focus on recovery, I treat myself with the device three times a day for two hours, I read, listen to music. I'm catching up on reading. I cook and sometimes watch a movie. I don't have time for such things while working.
From our conversation you may have already guessed what is causing the problem! This is not caused by the magnetic treatment; it does not have such an effect.
Since the start of your sick leave you have been moving further away from workplace troubles and tension, and have become calmer.
Your high blood pressure was triggered by workplace stress and your medication was adjusted to the workplace "rush." That is not appropriate for home inactivity, rest, and stress-free conditions! As your stress decreases, you will need progressively less blood pressure medication.
In my opinion, the low blood pressure and weakness are caused by an excessive dose of your blood pressure medication relative to your current activity level.
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Has your breath caught? You weren't expecting such an answer?
Not really. So you think my workplace causes high blood pressure. If I had a less stressful job, I wouldn't need medication?
In all likelihood you would need significantly less, and it is even possible you would not need any at all.
What should I do? Should I stop the medications?
Your treating physician knows your case and history. Speak with them as soon as possible. Tell them about your symptoms and also about my opinion. Discuss reducing your medications for the duration of your recovery. If you return to work and the stress returns, then the previous doses will obviously be needed again.
But in my opinion, if you rid yourself of stress and exercised regularly, you could forget about the blood pressure problem and the associated risks.
