Physiotherapists can offer a wide range of services to promote muscle relaxation. They can use well-researched techniques to relieve muscle tension, discomfort, and pain in various areas of the body so you can walk away from the clinic feeling like a new person.
Let’s take a look at the different ways a physiotherapist can promote muscle relaxation in your body to provide comfort and relief.
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a technique used by professional physiotherapists, such as those at Broadmead Physiotherapy, that is great for relieving chronic pain and improving muscle function.
Also known as functional dry needling, it involves the insertion of thin, solid needles (such as those used in acupuncture) into the muscles and soft tissues. As scary as this sounds, the needles are so fine that they are barely detectable, and you won’t feel any pain as the physiotherapist inserts them gently under the skin.
IMS is highly effective for treating arthritis, chronic lower back pain, headaches, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, tendinopathy, and sciatica. You’ll see results after just one session, although you may need a few sessions for maximum benefits.
TMJ or TMD Physiotherapy
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a common condition that affects the joints of the jaw. Normally, these joints slide and rotate with ease to enable you to talk, chew, yawn, and swallow.
However, the joints between the lower jaw and skull can sometimes become irritated and inflamed. If this occurs, it leads to pain and discomfort and may lead to a diagnosis of temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
TMJ disorders can result from myofascial pain, where the connective tissue coating the jaw muscles and neck becomes inflamed. They can also occur following jaw injuries, jaw dislocation, or displacement of the cartilage in the jaw bones and skull. TMJ can also be related to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the bones of the jaw.
A physiotherapist can teach you helpful massaging, stretching, and strengthening techniques for your jaw muscles to reduce tension. They may also use IMS and acupuncture to relieve pain, alongside breathing exercises to improve posture.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching is a simple yet highly effective way to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. Physiotherapists are well-versed in stretching techniques that improve muscle flexibility, joint mobility, and overall muscle function.
Dynamic stretches are great for taking your muscles through a full range of motion, and static stretches help to lengthen the muscles and reduce stiffness. A qualified physiotherapist can design a personalized stretching routine that suits your needs and offers maximum muscle relaxation benefits.
Education On Posture
Most of us sit slouched over our computers or phones all day, leading to poor posture and muscle tightness. As a result, we can experience aches and pains in the neck, upper back, and lower back.
Thankfully, a physiotherapist knows exactly how to improve your posture and encourage muscle relaxation to relieve you of your aches and pains. They can teach you how to sit, stand, and move properly to avoid muscle dysfunction and tightness. Addressing and correcting posture issues can help prevent chronic muscle tension and contribute to long-term muscle relaxation.
