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Article
Relaxation Training Through Muscle Stretching Procedures: A Pilot Case
Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry (1987)
  • Charles R. Carlson
  • Mark A. Ventrella
  • Ellie T. Sturgis, Medical University of South Carolina
Abstract

The present paper introduces a relaxation procedure based upon muscle stretching exercises. Traditional progressive relaxation training starts from muscle tensing exercises to teach voluntary control of muscle tension, but the literature shows widely varying results. An alternative method of relaxation training starts from muscle stretching exercises. Muscle stretching provides sensation contrasts for learning relaxation in addition to fostering relaxation through the stretching of muscles. The present report documents the rationale for the procedure and presents data from a clinical case study, including six months' follow-up, in support of its efficacy.

Keywords
  • muscle stretching relaxation,
  • relaxation techniques,
  • tense-release relaxation
Publication Date
June, 1987
Citation Information
Charles R. Carlson, Mark A. Ventrella and Ellie T. Sturgis. "Relaxation Training Through Muscle Stretching Procedures: A Pilot Case" Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry Vol. 18 Iss. 2 (1987)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/charlescarlson/4/