Muscle Relaxation

Muscle relaxation is a technique that helps you recognize what tight muscles feel like and what it feels like when your muscles are totally relaxed.

You can learn techniques for relaxing muscles in different parts of your body. Releasing the tension in your muscles will release the pain it is causing.

Is it safe for me?

Muscle relaxation is beneficial and safe for anyone.  There are no restrictions.

Plan for it

You can do muscle relaxation anywhere that you can comfortably sit or lie down.

Practicing can help you use muscle relaxation more effectively.

Practice doing it

Begin your muscle relaxation at your toes or your head, whichever you prefer.

Focus your attention on one body area. Tighten all of the muscles in that area for 5-10 seconds. Hold the muscles tight for several seconds. Notice how it feels as you tighten the muscles. Release that tightness. Notice the difference between how your muscles feel when they are tight and when they are relaxed.

As you do muscle relaxation, work on only one set of muscles at a time. When you finish with one body area, move on to the next.

Need help or have questions?

If you have questions about this resource or any medical condition, always talk to your healthcare professional.