By VAIBHAV BHATIA
MPT FIRST YEAR
WHAT IS RELAXATION
Muscles which are relatively free from tension and
at rest are said to be relaxed.
Relaxation is a state in which muscle tension and
mental stress are reduced as much as possible
through conscious effort, or a process that
decreases the wear and tear of life’s challenges on
your mind and body .
1. Mental Relaxation (reduce mental stress)
2. Physical Relaxation (reduce physical stress)
General relaxation ( relaxation of whole body )
Local relaxation (relaxation of a particular group of
muscles )
1. Muscle tone
2. Postural tone
3. Voluntary movement
4. Mental attitude
5. Pathological tension
1. Muscle tone
The muscles which are living is not ever free from
tension because these muscles have a tendency of
firmness called as muscle tone even when they are
in relaxed state.
Muscle tone is hence defined as the contractile
state of the muscle at rest.
Maintenance of muscle tone is done with the
activity of the muscle spindle circuit .
2. Postural tone
The contraction that persists at the muscles that is
necessary for maintenance of is known as postural
tone.
Maintenance of postural tone is done with a reflex
mechanism called myotatic or reflex.
Degree and location of postural tone varies with any
alteration in posture.
3. Voluntary movement
After any muscle contraction and completion of the
movement, the rest and relaxes.
Activity of living cells is followed by inhibition of that
activity
When there is contraction at one muscle group, it is
accompanied with a reciprocal relaxation in the
antagonistic group so that movement occurs
smoothly. These facts are of importance during
consideration of methods designed to obtain
relaxation of a particular group of muscles. `
4. Mental attitude
Mental attitudes like anger, fear and excitement
increases tension in muscles and prepares muscle for
fast or powerful action.
Usually, this tension is relaxed when the need for it no
longer exists, but in some cases it persists and may
become habitual and lead to change of normal
posture.
5. Pathological tension in muscles
The tension of higher motor centers leads increased
tension of relaxed muscles.
Reduction of tension can be achieved in the affected
area suitable means that promotes relaxation, thus
helps in re-educating any functional activity.
1. GENERAL RELAXATION
2. LOCAL RELAXATION
1. Support
2. Comfort
3. Restful atmosphere
4. Additional or special methods of promoting
relaxation
Consciousness of breathing
Progressive muscle relaxation
Contrast method
MFR
Hold relax and contract relax
Passive movement