Role of physiotherapy-based relaxation techniques in stress-related musculoskeletal pain

This systematic review confirms that physiotherapy-based relaxation exercises are effective noninvasive methods to manage stress-related musculoskeletal pain. Through the process of combining top-notch studies, one can see that these approaches have positive physiological and psychological impacts that help reduce pain and improve functional abilities.   Findings indicate that methods like progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery are highly efficient in decreasing muscle tension and enhancing physical functioning, whereas mindfulness-based strategies significantly contribute to controlling central pain sensation and decreasing psychological stress factor.   Moreover, studies have found that when relaxation is combined with other treatment modalities such as physical exercises and cognitive behavioral therapy, the results are better in reducing pain and improving functional abilities and quality of life.   In summary, relaxation exercises not only help deal with the physiological elements of musculoskeletal pain but also with the stress that causes it, which makes them very important to physiotherapy management.   The future research should target the creation of standard protocols for how often, for how long, and which relaxation techniques should be combined in order to improve patient compliance.  

1.                Morone NE, Greco CM. (2007). Mind-body interventions for chronic pain in older adults. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 22(6): 881–887. 2.                Lauche, R., et al. (2013). A systematic review and meta-analysis of mindfulness-based stress reduction for the control of low back pain. Current Rheumatology Reports. 3.                Eccleston C, et al. (2014). Psychological therapies for chronic pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 4.                Hofmann, S. G., et al. (2017). The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Anxiety and Depression: A Meta-Analytic Review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 5.                Chou R, et al. (2017). Noninvasive treatments for low back pain.Annals of Internal Medicine, 166(7): 493–505. 6.                Jensen MP, Patterson DR. (2014). Hypnotic approaches for chronic pain management. American Psychologist, 69(2): 167–177. 7.                Kabat-Zinn J, Lipworth L, Burney R. (1985). The clinical use of mindfulness meditation for chronic pain.Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 8(2): 163–190. 8.                Zeidan F, et al. (2012). Mindfulness meditation-related pain relief.Journal of Neuroscience, 32(44): 15306–15313. 9.                Chou R, et al. (2017). Noninvasive treatments for low back pain.Annals of Internal Medicine, 166(7): 493–505. 10.             Garland EL, et al. (2017). Mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement for chronic pain.JAMA Internal Medicine, 177(5): 637–645.