relaxation

psychological response to a stimulus

stress

positive stress

eustress

negative stress

distress

• Necessary for some to function normally, produces alertness and nervous system stimulation • Necessary response that enables individuals to cope life’s challenges

stress

• Produces a state of tension which causes increased activity in CNS and many body systems • Neuromuscular response à prolonged muscle contraction

ANXIETY

• Involves a reduction in muscle tension in the entire body or region that is painful or restricted by conscious effort and thought.

• “Relaxation response”

RELAXATION

When do we apply relaxation exercises?

• Stress & anxiety related muscle tensions

• Muscle spasms

• Abnormal muscle tone caused by neurologic conditions

• Spasticity

• Rigidity

• Practitioners managing patients with structural or functional impairments, including:

o Chronic pain

o Muscle guarding

o Muscle imbalances

o Restricted mobility

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY

Practitioners may integrate complementary therapies that address the body, mind, and spirit, such as:

o Relaxation training

o Pilates exercises

o Yoga

o Tai chi

Complementary Approach:

RELAXATION TRAINING

• Assessment of muscle tension

• Body awareness exercises

• Stress and symptom management

• Total body and breathing relaxation exercises

• Instruction in adding relaxation to everyday activities

• Use methods of general relaxation (total body relaxation) to

help patients learn to relieve or reduce:

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o Pain

o Muscle tension

o Anxiety

o Stress

o Associated physical impairments or medical

conditions (tension headaches, high BP, and

Respiratory Distress)

Þ Positive benefits of relaxation training include the following:

o Muscle relaxation

o Lowered blood pressure

o Reduced ischemic pain

o Enhanced awareness of emotional state and memory

o Increased energy level

o Increased sense of control

what are the common elements of relaxation

1. Reduction in muscle tension in the entire body or the region that is painful or restricted by using conscious effort and thought

2. Quiet environment with low lighting and soothing music or an auditory cue on which the patient may focus

3. Deep breathing exercises or visualizes a peaceful scene

4. When giving instructions, the therapist uses a soft tone of voice

INDICATORS OF RELAXATION

• Decreased muscle tension

• Lowered heart and respiratory rates and blood pressure

• Increased skin temperature in the extremities associated with

vasodilation

• Constricted pupils

• Little to no body movement

• Eyes closed and flat facial expression

• Jaw and hands relaxed with palms open

• Decreased distractibility

APPROACHES TO RELAXATION TRAINING

1. Autogenic Approach

2. Progressive Relaxation

3. Awareness Through Movement