A review of several studies involving 671 adults with Multiple Sclerosis looked at the effects of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). This technique involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to help the body relax. The researchers looked at how PMR affected common symptoms like fatigue, pain, and sleep, as well as overall quality of life.
The analysis showed that people who practiced PMR experienced a significant reduction in both fatigue and pain. The results also showed consistent positive effects on overall well-being. This includes improvements in areas like daily activities, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. These findings suggest that PMR can be a helpful tool for managing the daily challenges of living with MS.
Because this was a meta-analysis of existing studies, the results show a link between the practice and improved symptoms rather than a direct cause. Some studies were excluded due to different methods, which means the evidence is not complete. While PMR is a non-drug technique, you should talk with your healthcare team to see if it is a good addition to your current care plan.
