Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) PMR involves tensing and relaxing various muscles in the body in a sequential order. The technique aims to help the athlete recognise the difference between tension and relaxation, thus making relaxation easier. | Relaxation imagery As you saw previously, imagery of being in a relaxing place (e.g. lying on a beach) can also be effective in producing a relaxation response. |
Music Music has a great capacity to induce a relaxation response and therefore playing music in your treatment room could be beneficial. If you use music, it is worth discussing music preferences with the individual as what is relaxing for one person may not be for another! There are many commercially available relaxation CDs and music downloads. | Controlled breathing Our breathing rate is generally increased when we are stressed or anxious. Controlling and slowing down our breathing normally triggers a relaxation response. Therefore, breathing exercises can help us to relax and control anxiety. There are lots of different breathing exercises including:
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