13 September 2010
Relaxation and guided imagery are techniques that can be used to calm a patient in a stressful situation, and to help them get through a particularly painful episode.
Progressive muscle relaxation is a form of medical relaxation techniques. In progressive muscle relaxation, the patient is taught to become more aware of muscle tension and consequent muscle relaxation in their body. Through actively and intentionally tensing and relaxing the muscle groups throughout the body, the patient can learn how to instantly relax all muscles in the body into a “deep relaxation.” This can help immensely for chronic pain patients, as when pain is present, the body has the tendency to tense up. By learning to consciously relax the body, the patient can learn to counteract more pain caused by tensing.
According to Walden (2007), a study was done on patients receiving spine surgery. One group received a one-hour relaxation intervention the night prior to their surgery, the other group did not. It was seen that those who received the relaxation intervention had shorter hospital stay durations and were able to function on lower doses and frequencies of pain medications than those in the control group. It was also noted by the attending nurses that those who had received the relaxation intervention reported less pain in general than those who had received no intervention at all. This definitely shows the benefits of relaxation therapy.
Guided imagery is another technique that can be learned by the patient and can aid in relieving pain. According to Raj (2008), a person can use either visualization or their imagination, and are prompted to “evoke specific images that they find pleasant and engaging.” This helps the chronic pain patient learn to redirect their focus away from their pain and onto more positive, pleasant thoughts. It is recommended for patients to think of images that engage all five senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, smell), as these have been seen to be most effective. Through guided imagery, patients can be taught to consciously and actively relax, and this can aid in pain relief as well.
By learning and utilizing relaxation and guided imagery techniques, a patient can become empowered, and can feel more in control of their pain and their painful condition. They are able to take an active role at lowering their pain level themselves, and for a chronic pain patient, this can be a powerful tool.
Waldman, S.D. (2007) Pain Management, Volume II. 324-325. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier
Raj, (2008) Raj’s Practical Management of Pain.415. (Benzon, Rathmell, Wu, Turk, Argoff Eds.)Philadelphia: Mosby Elsevier
