Relaxation techniques for pain management

Relaxation techniques aim to decrease anxiety and muscle tension. Although they can be useful for all pain conditions, there is specific evidence for their efficacy for cancer pain and recurring headaches. Relaxation techniques should be used as a component of a multidimensional approach—they should never be used in isolation.

Simple relaxation techniques include mental imagery, diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Mental imagery and diaphragmatic breathing may be preferred because progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing of specific muscle groups, which can aggravate some painful conditions. For relaxation technique instructions, see Relaxation techniques and mindfulness produced by the Pain management network website.

Other techniques that may induce relaxation include mindfulness, hypnosis and biofeedback. These techniques require specific training and achieve other outcomes in addition to relaxation.

Encourage patients to use relaxation techniques when they experience increased stress or pain. Initially, it can be difficult to apply relaxation techniques in stressful or painful situations, so patients should practise the techniques during periods of low stress to learn the technique more effectively. Audio recordings with instructions on how to use relaxation techniques may be helpful initially. However, learning to use the technique without an external prompt (ie self-induction) has the practical advantage of ready application.