Dr. Ticcy is a pseudonym for the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada National Office, which draws on information from experts across Canada and beyond to answer questions from the TS community. Please send your questions to tsfc@tourette.ca with the salutation “Dear Dr. Ticcy.”
Dear Dr. Ticcy,
Where can I find more information about relaxation techniques?
Thanks,
F.
Dear F.,
Great question.
Relaxation is important for everyone, and can be especially helpful to someone with Tourette Syndrome. Since stress, excitement and anxiety may intensify or fuel tics, relaxation can assist with symptom mitigation. That is why non-pharmaceutical treatments like Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) and Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) are often combined with relaxation therapy/techniques.
To learn more about relaxation techniques try:
1. CPRI Brake Shop Clinic
Video: http://www.cpri.ca/videos/Stress%20Techniques%20F.swf
Handouts: http://www.cpri.ca/uploads/section000162/files/handout_stress.pdf
http://www.cpri.ca/uploads/section000162/files/handout_relax.pdf
http://www.cpri.ca/uploads/section000162/files/breathing%20triangle.pdf
2. Dr. Leslie E. Packer’s website “Tourette Syndrome Plus”
http://www.tourettesyndrome.net/disorders/anxiety-disorders/relax/
3.The TSFC Forum
Try threads like these: http://www.tourettesyndrome.ca/showthread.php?7005-Teach-Yourself-Your-Child-Relaxation
http://www.tourettesyndrome.ca/showthread.php?5029-Relaxation-Techniques
4. Asking an Occupation Therapist or Another Trained Professional
Sincerely,
Dr. Ticcy
