Quick Overview: Tensing and releasing muscles is described by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health as a relaxation technique that involves tensing different muscles and then releasing the tension. It is also called progressive relaxation or progressive muscle relaxation. The available information describes the technique’s basic action, but it does not determine whether the practice is a fit for a particular person or what that person will experience.
Relaxation techniques are practices intended to help bring about the body’s “relaxation response.” The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes that response as involving slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a reduced heart rate. It also describes the relaxation response as the opposite of the stress response.
What Progressive Muscle Relaxation Means
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health lists progressive relaxation among different types of relaxation techniques. Its description is specific: progressive relaxation, also called progressive muscle relaxation, involves tensing different muscles in the body and then releasing the tension.
This definition establishes the basic action of a tensing and releasing muscles relaxation practice. It does not add a required order of muscle groups, a particular pace, a set format, or a predicted personal response. The source also does not determine whether the practice should be used in a particular situation.
What the term describes
“Progressive muscle relaxation” and “progressive relaxation” are names the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health uses for the technique of tensing different muscles and releasing tension. The description is about the technique itself rather than a measure of success or a conclusion about an individual’s needs.
What the available information does not establish
The source does not establish that progressive muscle relaxation will produce a particular outcome for every person. It also does not explain the meaning of an individual’s response to body-focused relaxation. Questions about personal fit remain questions for an individualized conversation rather than answers supplied by a general description.
Relaxation Techniques and Psychotherapy
The National Institute of Mental Health defines psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, as a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It states that elements of psychotherapy can include mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises.
That statement supports a limited point: relaxation techniques can be included among elements of psychotherapy. It does not mean that every psychotherapy approach uses progressive muscle relaxation. It also does not mean that a particular therapist, service, or appointment includes this practice.
Questions remain appropriate
A general description of progressive muscle relaxation cannot answer whether it will be discussed in an individual therapy setting. It also cannot establish whether a specific approach will be part of care. Questions can keep those boundaries clear: Is relaxation discussed? Is progressive muscle relaxation part of the approach? What information is available about the approach being considered?
Reflection Questions About a Body-Focused Relaxation Practice
The following table is for reflection rather than scoring, prediction, or decision-making on its own. Each entry is framed as a question because the research notes do not determine an individual answer.
| Reflection question | Related question |
|---|---|
| What would I like to understand about tensing and releasing muscles? | What does the available description explain, and what does it leave unanswered? |
| What questions do I have about progressive muscle relaxation? | Which questions would I want to discuss with a mental-health professional? |
| What am I hoping to learn from a conversation about relaxation techniques? | Would individual therapy be a topic I want to explore? |
| What information would help me consider a therapy approach? | What would I want to ask about how treatment proceeds? |
| What questions do I have about body-focused relaxation? | What would I want clarified before considering any practice? |
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy among its services. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, is identified by the practice as its therapist. The practice also lists couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives.
The available practice facts do not state whether progressive muscle relaxation is used in any particular Rooted Integrative Therapy service. This article therefore does not represent the technique as part of a specific service, appointment, or approach at the practice.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
Rooted Integrative Therapy’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. Questions might include:
- How do you describe individual therapy at Rooted Integrative Therapy?
- What questions can I ask about relaxation techniques in individual therapy?
- Is progressive muscle relaxation something you discuss or use?
- What approach would you use in considering relaxation techniques?
- What information can you share to help me consider fit?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is progressive muscle relaxation?
Progressive muscle relaxation, also called progressive relaxation, involves tensing different muscles and then releasing the tension, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Is tensing and releasing muscles a relaxation technique?
Yes. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health includes progressive relaxation in its list of relaxation techniques and describes it as tensing different muscles and releasing tension.
Can relaxation techniques be part of psychotherapy?
The National Institute of Mental Health states that elements of psychotherapy can include mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Its statement does not establish that a particular technique is included in every therapy approach.
Does this description show whether progressive muscle relaxation is right for me?
No. The available information describes the technique but does not determine personal fit, personal experience, or outcomes for an individual reader.
Does Rooted Integrative Therapy offer progressive muscle relaxation?
The supplied practice facts do not state whether Rooted Integrative Therapy offers or uses progressive muscle relaxation. A consultation question can clarify what the practice’s individual therapy service includes.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- nccih.nih.gov: Relaxation Techniques What You Need To Know
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
A Grounded Next Step
Rooted Integrative Therapy’s Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form. The practice lists access as in-person near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah. Its FAQs describe a consultation call as a first step for asking questions and considering fit.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.