Muscle tension is a reflection of our emotional world. When there is a lot of stress over a long period of time, there is an increased release of stress hormones and also the body’s remaining reactions to stress. This includes not only an increased pulse, but also a high tone.
The musculature can become permanently tense if there is no rest phase. In order to lower the tonus again, various muscle relaxation methods can be used. Below is a list and brief description of frequently tested muscle relaxation methods.
Postisometric Relaxation
If the muscle is tensed isometrically, the length between origin and attachment remains the same. The tension is held for a while and then released. The subsequent relaxation is called postisometric relaxation.
Here, the therapist can lead the muscle into a stretch and then have it tensed again isometrically. In this way, the muscle is brought further and further into stretching. The muscle becomes more elastic and the tone in the body is permanently reduced, as the muscles also tire. This has a relaxing effect on the person.
Autogenic Training
Autogenic training makes use of autosuggestion (self-influencing). This is intended to put the person into a relaxed position such as the supine position. The position should be as loose as possible so that no additional tension is created in the muscle.
Then the person concentrates on calming thoughts. Also a conscious and calm breathing, increases the ability to relax during autogenic training. This happens actively in the head and must first be practiced. These muscle relaxation methods achieve good effects if the person can get involved.
Progressive muscle relaxation
Similar to postisometric relaxation, a muscle group is tensed and held. The muscle is then released again. This is done with all parts of the body.
After tensing, a relaxing effect is produced when the muscle is released. Over time, the person should learn the difference between a tense body and a relaxed body. The advantage of progressive muscle relaxation is that it is the easiest to use.
