From Citizendium - Reading time: 1 min
Relaxation therapy is a form of treatment intended to improve one's health condition by using techniques that can reduce physiological or psychological stress.[1]
Some relaxation techniques focus on specific muscles or muscle groups. By relaxing a muscle, one may be able to reduce a painful spasm, or minimize the discomfort of mild trauma to the muscle, as caused by an injection or a form of manipulation therapy.
As part of a multimodal intervention, relaxation therapy can help treat generalized anxiety among older adults.[2]
Progressive muscle relaxation can reduce anxiety and distress among patients with schizophrenia.[3]
Progressive muscle relaxation is not as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia.[4]