Passive muscle relaxation techniques

Goals and effect: Cave: I consider a classical massage therapy contraindicated! The gentle posture of the patient resulting from the reflex tensing of certain muscle groups is an important protective function for the affected spinal segment. A passively induced lowering of tension in the muscles can possibly lead to increased reflex activity and thus possibly increase the pain symptoms, especially if the massage is performed with high intensity.

However, depending on the individual pain findings, myofascial (myo = muscle tissue, fascial = connective tissue) soft tissue techniques, careful targeted trigger point treatment or muscle energy techniques can be performed. Relaxation, particularly in the gluteal muscles, usually leads to a relief of pressure on the sciatic nerve and thus to a reduction in pain. – Relaxation of the musculature

Improvement of the metabolism
Pain relief

Active muscle relaxation exercises

For the following muscle relaxation exercises, it must be possible to sit in a pain-free position. The exercises must not cause the typical pain. There should be a feeling of relaxation which, if possible, continues even after the exercises are finished.

Starting position : sitting on a chair Exercise performance: In the seat, the upper body is slightly bent forward and turned to the affected side until shortly before the painful position occurs. The hands grasp the thigh from the outside. Application of tension: Stretch and turn the upper body to the opposite side, hold tension for about 10 sec.

Then place special emphasis on relaxation. Self-exercise for at home: Starting position: sitting on a chair, affected side on the left Exercise performance: in the seat, the upper body is slightly bent forward and turned to the affected side until shortly before the painful position occurs. The hands press from the inside against the thigh.

Application of tension: Stretch and rotate the upper body in the rotated direction, hold tension for about 10 sec. Then put special emphasis on relaxation. Therapeutic technique: Aims and effect Starting position: the patient is in a four-footed position = bench position on a treatment bench with overhanging feet – this makes it easier for the therapist – or at home on the floor with a towel under the back of the foot – this unfortunately makes it a bit more strenuous for the assistant.

Exercise: the therapist or the assistant at home stands behind the patient and places both hands above the sacrum close to the lumbar spine. Pressure is built up downwards towards the abdomen and simultaneously upwards towards the head. Against this pressure of the hands, the patient moves the spine into a “cat’s hump” position and then the buttocks towards the heels.

This causes the hands of the assisting person to glide towards the head without reducing the pressure. Then the pressure is released and the patient returns to the starting position. Starting position: upright seat on a chair with backrest, 2 tennis balls in a knotted sock are located right/left of the lumbar spine between the lumbar spine and the chair back.

The arms are crossed in front of the chest. Exercise execution: By pushing the feet against the floor and pushing back the chest, the pressure against the balls is increased. While maintaining the pressure, the spine is moved in flexion. Afterwards the pressure is released and returned to the starting position. – Heat development, improved blood circulation

Relaxation of the lumbar musculature
Light traction of the lumbar spine
Rapid improvement of the bending movement