Stress Reduction
Relaxation Therapies
Relaxation therapies at St. George Hospital reduce physiological stress and support the body’s healing processes. Chronic stress impairs immune function, increases inflammation, and hinders recovery. Our relaxation programs counteract these effects.
What it is
What Are Relaxation Therapies?
Chronic stress triggers sustained cortisol release, sympathetic nervous system activation, and immune suppression. These physiological responses directly interfere with healing and treatment effectiveness. Relaxation therapies activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce cortisol levels, improve sleep quality, and create conditions that support immune function and tissue repair.
Approach
How Does It Work?
Our relaxation programs may include progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery and visualization, breathing exercises, mindfulness-based techniques, autogenic training, and therapeutic massage. These techniques are taught by trained therapists and can be continued independently after leaving the hospital.
Who it is for
What Conditions Does It Treat?
- Cancer (stress management during treatment)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Post-COVID syndrome
- Chronic pain conditions
- Anxiety and sleep disturbances related to illness
- Any condition where stress reduction supports treatment
Relaxation Support Is Available
Relaxation therapies are integrated into our treatment programs to support your overall healing.
In the room
What a session feels like
- Before The first sessions teach a technique you can use on your own later.
- During 30–45 minutes, one-to-one or in a small group, scheduled between your medical therapies.
- Afterwards You leave with something you can practise in your room, and at home.
Evidence
Evidence & Safety
The impact of stress on immune function and disease outcomes is well-documented in psychoneuroimmunology research. Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness have been studied in numerous clinical trials, demonstrating benefits for anxiety reduction, sleep improvement, immune function, and quality of life in medical patients.
Where we use it
Used in These Departments
Request a consultation
A video consultation in English before you travel. A physician reviews your findings first; we reply by email within one business day (Mon–Fri).
Mon–Thu 08:00–17:00, Fri 08:00–14:00 (CET/CEST)+49 8061 398-0info@clinicum-stgeorg.de
St. George Hospital is a specialist hospital, not an emergency department. In a medical emergency in Germany, dial 112.