The document discusses various techniques for relaxation in three parts. It first covers general relaxation methods like different lying positions, comfort, and creating a restful atmosphere. Second, it describes additional relaxation techniques like conscious breathing, progressive relaxation, and contrast methods. Finally, it discusses local relaxation techniques for specific purposes like preparing for massage, relieving spasms, and combating muscle imbalances. The overall document provides an in-depth overview of relaxation methods used in physiotherapy.

1. RELAXATION

2. INTRODUCTION
 Muscles which are relatively free from tension and at rest are
said to be relaxed. Tension develops in muscles as they work
during contraction and the distance is reduced to a variable
degree as the muscles come to rest during relaxation.

3. MUSCLE TONE
 Under ordinary circumstances living muscles are never
completely free from tension is there any time equality of
firmness known as “Muscle Tone” even when they are as
relaxed as possible.
 Muscle tone which represents a state of preparedness in resting
muscles is now thought to be maintained through the activity of
the muscle spindle circuits. Efferent fibers of this small fiber
nervous reflex pathway transmits impulses which produce
sustain contraction of the small intrafusal muscle fibers of the
muscle spindle while the large extrafusal muscle fibers
concerned in the production of voluntary movements remain
relaxed.

4. POSTURAL TONE
 The contraction which persist in the muscles concerned with the
maintenance of posture called postural tone.
 Postural tone is maintained and regulated by a reflex mechanism
the fundamental basis which is the myotatic for stretch reflex
although the higher centers also exerts a controlling influence. Any
stretching after muscles buy an external force searches force of
gravity stimulates sensory receptors situated within the muscles
themselves and so gives rise to a discharge of motor impulses to the
same muscles.
 The degree and location of postural tone varies with any alteration
in posture. It is Greater in the upright positions in which the forces
of gravity tense to stretch the muscles more strongly, then it is in
the recumbent position in which the effects of the force of gravity
upon them is adequately counterbalanced by Full support of the
body.

5. VOLUNTARY MOVEMENTS
 Specific muscles contract as they work to initiate or control
movements, but at completion after movement in question relax
and comes to rest. Contraction in any one of the group of
muscles is accompanied by reciprocal relaxation of the
antagonistic group to allow movement to take place smooth .

6. MENTAL ATTITUDE
 Mental attitudes searches fear, anger and excitement gives rise
to a gentle increase in muscular tension which serve a useful
purpose by preparing the muscles for rapid fire force full action.
 Normally this tension developed to serve a useful for as is
relaxed when the need for it no longer but in some cases it
persist and becomes habitual which may lead to alterations in
normal process.
 Recognition a state of tension followed by voluntary relaxation
of the muscles in which it is present provide means of helping
the patients to economise in nervous energy.

7.  As fear in one form or another is the most usual cause of
Persistent tension the physiotherapist must do her best to
reassure the patient and to gain his confidence and cooperation.
An atmosphere conducive to rest both mental and physical
contributes much to success in helping the patient to
acquire the art of voluntary relaxation.

8. DEGREES OF RELAXATION
 The degree to which muscular tension can be reduced is
variable and it is better to regard that some relaxation merely
as an indication that some reduction in tension has taken place.
It is often possible to estimate the degree of relaxation achieved
by gentle passive movements or palpating the muscles as for
instance during massage and the facts that a patient falls to
sleep during treatments is ample proof that the method of
obtaining general relaxation has been successful.

9. PATOLOGICAL TENSION IN
MUSCLES
 Marked persistent increase in muscular tension or tone is
feature to many pathological conditions which effects the
nervous system. Lesions of the higher motor centers and those
which interfere with the normal function of the novels Pathways
which connects them with spinal reflex arc commonly results in
an abnormal state of muscle tension which variable from
hypertonicity to spasticity or rigidity. Temporary reduction in
this tension in the affected area can be achieved in some cases
suitable means which promotes relaxation and base allows Re-
education of early functional activity which reminds to take
place.

10. METHODS OF RELAXATION

11. GENERAL RELAXATION
 Support, comfort and restful atmosphere are basic conditions
for general relaxation and many to effective without additional
methods.

12. SUPPORT
 Various forms and modifications of the lying position are used to
achieve full support of the body the relatively suitability of each
varying according to the condition of the patient and to
individual difference. The weight of the body is does effectively
counterbalanced by uniform upward pressure of reciprocal
surface or by suspension in a position of semi flexion which
obviates all mechanical tension on muscles or ligaments.
 (The types of the following techniques support in lying supine,
half lying, adopted for legislation half lying, prone lying, side
lying.)

13. SUPINE LYING

14. HALF LYING AND ADOPTED
RELAXED HALF LYING

15. PRONE LYING

16. SIDE LYING

17. COMFORT
 In addition to support and individual differences in Positioning
for which some suggestions have already been made the
ingredients of Comforts include freedom to breathe deeply,
warmth, abdominal quiescence and mild degree of physical
fatigue. Removal of constrictive clothing such as corsets and
belts is essential and any garters buttons or suspenders liable to
cause must be removed.

18.  The room should be warm can be supplied by flights but warm
blankets covered hot water bottle at the speech and electric
blanket or by non-luminous infrared radiations but can be taken
to avoid overheating as this leads to restlessness, to stop for
home use warm bath gives the most even and pleasing type of
heating, but it is shooting must not be ruined subsequently by
vigorous rubbing with towel. Light well balanced meal
rhythmical physical activity of short duration success brisk walk
in the open air and attention to empty the bladder before
treatments are all conducive to general relaxation.

19. RESTFUL ATMOSPHERE
 As physical and mental relaxation are interdependence and
effort must be secure a state of mental rest. The treatment
room should be as quiet as possible as many people for whom
training in relaxation is prescribed are highly susceptible to the
disturbing influence of noise. If you are worried by complete
silence, but in general it is high pitched intermittent sound
produce close at hand which is to be avoided a company has
low pitched ‘Hum’ of the distance traffic tends to be soothing.

20.  Bright lights and strong colours searches red and bright yellow
are said to be stimulating where as a room with low well
diffused lights with for instance green and peach furnishings
gives a soft and warm glow and provides an ideal setting for
relaxation. This is indeed councel of perfection but how much
can be done with screams and sells used with little imagination
even in a busy departments.

21.  The most difficult and important factor in the creation of the
atmosphere and one which determines the ultimate success or failures
of treatments is the manner and bearing of physiotherapist. She Must
inspire conference as fear in one form or another is at the roots of
much of the tension which she can help to relieve. Her appearance
must be tidy and a dress suitable. She must be punctual and move
calmly without hurry or hesitation. Her manner must be
courteous pleasant and understanding and her voice low pitch and
clear. A simple explanation after routing and any instruction required
are given to the patient in language and terms which he can
understand, show that any anxiety or fear the unknown is removed. It
must be remember that's situations and proteins which speech can
becomes very familiar often appear strange and terrifying when
encounter for the first time. Conversations apart from this inspection
should direct the patience thoughts to contemplation of restful and
pleasant topics.

22.  Confidence in the physiotherapist and treatment is gradually
built up over a period of time; immediate results are not to be
expected and are rarely achieved often because of psychological
back factors beyond the control of the physiotherapist or
patients. In successful cases a habit of relaxation is buildup in
place of a habit of tension but the formation of new habits
takes time. Regular and frequent practice on the part of patient
is essential until finally he becomes and experts in the art of
letting go or relaxing and the normal rhythm of life in which
activity alternates with relaxation can be Re-established.

23. ADDITIONAL METHOD OF
PROMOTING RELAXATION
 Tension may persist in spite of the provisions of conditions
conducive to relaxation in which case additional methods to help
the patient may be employed. Very little should be attempted at
first the period of time be extended as the ability to relax
improves.
 Tension may persist in spite of the provision of conditions
conducive to relaxation in which case additional methods to help
the patient may be employed. Very little should be attempted at
first the period of time being extended as the ability to you relax
improves.

24. CONSCIOUSNESS OF
BREATHING
 Under conditions of quotes and comfortable the patient's mind
may remain active and turn to mundane problems and cities
with associated physical tension; in this case It may help him to
concentrate on his own rhythm of breathing which must be
deep with slight pause at the end of expiration.

25. PROGRESSIVE RELAXATION
 A method by which relaxation maybe e achieved progressively
was devised and practiced by Jacobson, and something similar
appears in modern literature on the system as the “savasana” or
still pose.

26. SAVASAN OR STILL POSE

27. CONTRAST METHOD
 Difficulty in appreciating the sensation of relaxation is not
uncommon; the patient does not know about the muscles are
tense or what to do in order to relax them. This can often be
taught by demonstrating the contrast between maximal
contraction and the degree of relaxation which follows its the
patients being told to contracts any group or series of muscles
as strongly as possible and then to ‘let go’ and ‘continue to let
go’. Routine contraction followed by relaxation is carried out in
each area of the body the attention travelling in logical
sequence from Limb to limb and to the trunk and the head
including the neck and face muscles until all areas can remind
relaxed at one and the same time.

28. PHYSIOLOGICAL RELAXATION
 This method of tension relieving was devised by Laura Mitchell
in 1957. It is based on the physiological principle of reciprocal
relaxation.
 The position of tension of the whole body is defined in detail viz
raised Shoulders, bent up elbows and hands, head and trunk
flexed etc.. The patient changes the position of every joint in
turn by exacts voluntary orders which is taught give to his own
body. E.g. stretch the fingers out long stop feel the straightened
outs fingers and the finger tips touching the supports.

29.  In this way the patient induces firstly reciprocal relaxation in
the muscles that had been working to maintain the tense
positions and then in the opposite group which key used to
change that position. He is registers the new position of the
joint and the skin processes associated with them because this
two sense reach the cortex. In this way key changes the pattern
of tension of the whole body to one of ease by means of
method which he can use by himself at any time and so can
stop mounting tension.
 A full description of this method and its application to various
conditions e.g chest, antenatal is given in “simple relaxation” by
Laura Mitchell Second Edition 1980.

30. PASSIVE MOVEMENTS
 Rhythmical passive movements after Limbs and head may assist
the degree of general relaxation in some cases. In this moment
are generally given as a sequel to massage. Group movements
of the joints e.g flexion and extension of the hip and ankle are
preferable, but a very high standard of performance on the
parts of the physiotherapist is required to obtain results. The
rhythm of small pendulum movements pleases some patience.
 General relaxation can sometimes be carried out effectively in
groups as in the case of pregnant woman's who tend to relax
easily and with some Asthmatic and Bronchitic sufferers who
have had previous individual instruction.

31. LOCAL RELAXATION
 General relaxation takes time and is not always essential or
desirable. Methods of obtaining local relaxation depends to
some extent on the cause and distribution of the tension.

32. PREPARATOY TO MASSAGE
AND PASSIVE MOVEMENTS
 Massage and passive movement both purpose relaxation of the
area under treatments. Relaxation is obtained of specific area
by the application to that area of general principles already
described for the whole body. General attitude of rest however
will assist the process example the updated and flexed arm
supported by a table or slings is more incline to relax when
patients lies or reclining in the chair than when he sits bolts
uprights.

33. FOR THE RELIEF OF SPASM
 Spasm due to pain is protective and is most effectively reduced
by the relief of the pain which caused it. However if it is persist
because of fear of pain techniques which ensure pain free
movement are often successful. Hold relax is applicable in this
circumstances are pendulum movements start in the free range
and gradually increase in amplitude restore confidence and
achieve relaxation.

34.  The relief of pathological spasm resulting from lesions affecting
the central nervous system is only temporary unless some
voluntary control remains and can be Re-established.
Temporary relief is useful to permits the redevelopment of
voluntary control which is masked by the spasm and to maintain
joint range and circulation in the affected area. The initiation of
relax movements by the use of the stretch reflex applied at the
same time as a command for the patient's voluntary effort of
contraction can be used for this purpose but care must be
taken to ensure the spasm which is useful is not reduced by
hyperactivity of the antagonistic reflex unless sufficient
voluntary power is present example extensor spasm of leg
which makes it possible for the patient to stand.

35. IN INCREMENTING AND COMBATING
ADAPTIVE SHORTENING
 persistent tension or hypotonicity e of the muscles acting upon
one aspect of the joint produces a States of muscular imbalance
which leads to two adaptive shortening of the tense muscles
and progressive lengthening and weakening of the antagonist
on the opposing aspects of the joint. Both agonistic and
antagonistic muscles are inefficient when this situation
develops. Relaxation techniques for the short and muscles and
strengthening techniques for their antagonistic are followed by
integration half their reciprocal action to establish the increase
in the range of movements.

36. THANK YOU