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Functional relaxation as a somatopsychotherapeutic intervention: a prospective controlled study
1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Erlangen, Germany.
Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine
|November 15, 2000
Summary
Functional relaxation significantly reduced pain in patients with chronic tension headaches. This psychosomatic therapy offers an easy-to-learn method for headache relief, usable alongside other treatments.
Area of Science:
- Mind-Body Medicine
- Psychosomatic Therapies
- Pain Management
Background:
- Functional relaxation involves focused body awareness and smooth joint movement with exhalation.
- Previous case reports suggest benefits for headache sufferers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of functional relaxation as a complementary treatment for chronic tension headaches.
- To determine if patients report reduced pain after learning the technique.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, prospective, single-blind, controlled trial compared functional relaxation to a placebo (isotomic hand exercise).
- Twelve matched pairs of patients with chronic tension headaches participated.
- Pain diaries recorded pain intensity over 60 days pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- The functional relaxation group showed a statistically significant decrease in total pain hours.
- A notable reduction in high- and medium-intensity pain was observed in the treatment group.
Conclusions:
- Functional relaxation is a viable psychosomatic therapy for alleviating tension headaches.
- This technique is easily learned and can be used prophylactically or as an adjunct to medication.