How can I use progressive muscle relaxation to relieve pain?

This exercise involves contracting and then relaxing all the different muscle groups in the body, beginning with your head and neck and progressing down to your arms, chest, back, stomach, pelvis, legs, and feet. To do this exercise, you focus on each set of muscles, tense these muscles to the count of 10, then release to the count of 10. Go slowly as you progress throughout your body, taking as long as you can. Get in touch with each part and feel the tension you are experiencing. Notice how it feels to be tension free as you release the muscle.

Studies show that when you can create a strong mental image using this type of relaxation technique, you actually feel “removed” from cumbersome stress and the pain response. This mindfulness, or focusing all attention on what you feel at the moment, can help you move beyond the pain you may feel as you become centered in a world of health and inner healing.

I find that many women who suffer with chronic pain are unaware of the enormous amount of tension they hold in their bodies. Many have experienced relief with progressive muscle relaxation, as they reverse the muscle tightness and tension before it triggers pain. This mind/body technique involves contracting, then relaxing all the different muscle groups in the body, beginning with your head and neck and progressing down to your arms, chest, back, stomach, pelvis, legs and feet.