Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

What is HRV?

HRV is simply a piece of data that measures the variation in time between each heartbeat.

HRV is a non-invasive process that can identify disruptions in the primitive part of our nervous systems, known as the autonomic nervous system(ANS). The ANS functions without conscious effort, regulating your heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and breathing.

HRV objectively measures the balance of your nervous systems and makes changes in your daily life to reduce stress levels, allowing you to improve your overall health and mental function. Your clinician has the tools to positively improve these functions with a custom care plan by examining stress response, hormone control, biological age, and more.

How does my autonomic nervous system work?

The sympathetic nervous system controls the body’s “fight or flight” reaction. When confronted with a threat, the sympathetic nervous system goes into overdrive, which is an unhealthy state to be in for an extended period.

On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system is generally associated with recovery, healing, and relaxation.

If a person’s autonomic nervous system is in good health, it should be able to easily switch between increasing and decreasing heart rate, resulting in a higher HRV score.

However, someone who is constantly stressed and anxious will have a lower HRV score and be stuck in a faster, “fight or flight” heart rate.

What does my HRV score mean?

A higher HRV is correlated with more resilience against stress and generally greater cardiovascular fitness levels. A lower HRV has been connected to anxiety, depression, and a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

A physical therapist at Freedom PT & Performance can help you interpret and respond to your HRV results. If your HRV is low, you may be prescribed a highly beneficial form of exercise therapy.

We understand that dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and poor cardiovascular health can significantly affect your quality of life.

If you’re searching for a way to improve your long-term physical and mental health, contact Freedom PT & Performance in Dillsburg and Wormleysburg, PA today to speak with one of our skilled and passionate staff members about improving your HRV. We can get you started on the road toward pain relief and recovery!

What is the connection between physical therapy and HRV?

During your first appointment with a physical therapist, you may be asked to practice deep breathing or perform exercises while your HRV is monitored. This allows both you and your therapist to see how your HRV is affected by physical activity. Your HRV can also reveal important information about your ANS function.

Your therapist can then use this valuable information to improve your health in the following ways:

• Prescribing you exercise therapy. According to a study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, exercise therapy can improve HRV in patients who have had a heart attack, been diagnosed with chronic heart failure, and have had surgery for coronary artery disease.
• Teach you how your body responds to stressful triggers. Once you have determined how your body reacts to stress, sleep, pain, mood, and injury, you can make significant lifestyle changes with the help of your PT. You might be prescribed relaxation exercises or be referred to a mental health specialist.
• Prevent overuse injuries before they occur. When the body is in an inflammatory state, overuse injuries are common. Low HRV has been linked to excess inflammation, so improving your HRV levels can help prevent injury!
• Optimize your athletic training. Once your HRV level is determined, your therapist will know whether you’ll respond better to high- or low-intensity training.
• Improve your mental health and mental performance. Low HRV levels have been linked to depression and anxiety. Increased HRV, on the other hand, is associated with improved self-control, the ability to deal with negative emotions and situations, and increased social engagement.

The personal feedback that HRV provides can grant you the motivation and insight you need to begin working towards a healthier life.

Contact Freedom PT & Performance today!

At Freedom PT & Performance, our number one priority is to empower our patients with the knowledge and pain relief they need to lead healthy lives.

HRV is an excellent tool for learning more about your body’s responses to stressors and the health of your nervous system. If you’re interested in taking steps toward better health, contact Freedom PT & Performance today at Dillsburg and Wormleysburg, PA to work with one of our skilled physical therapists.