A simple touch into the busy work routine: progressive relaxation and posture exercises improve physical and mental health of health professionals

Aims: The aim of this study was to implement a combination of the progressive muscle relaxation technique (PMRT) along with posture exercises and assess their impact on the mental and physical well-being of health professionals with health complaints. Methods: This quasi-experimental study utilized hybrid, remote, and web-based telehealth methods, including phone calls, video recordings, and electronic documents. Thirty-eight health professionals experiencing pain engaged in PMRT twice a day, every two days, over a two-week period. Posture exercises were seamlessly integrated into their daily work routines and performed 2-3 times a day. Various parameters, including pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, kinesiophobia, sleep quality, and centrality of pain, were assessed both before and after the treatment. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the prevalence, intensity, and centrality of pain, accompanied by a reduction in fatigue, anxiety, and depression scores post-treatment (p<0.05). However, there was no notable improvement in kinesiophobia and sleep quality scores following the treatment (p>0.05). Conclusion: The integration of PMRT and posture exercises into the daily routines of health professionals, delivered through remote web-based telehealth, emerges as an effective and straightforward strategy for ameliorating certain physical complaints and enhancing mental health. This approach holds the potential to be easily adapted into both daily life and work environments, offering a valuable tool for coping with work-related disorders.