Physical interventions for pain in palliative care

Healthcare professionals (eg nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists) can teach patients with palliative care needs self-management strategies for pain, such as simple physical interventions (eg heat and cold therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]). For some patients with palliative care needs, simple stretching and gentle mobilisation or physical activity within the limits of their illness may be helpful. Some strategies can be taught to family and carers, such as simple massage or positioning and manual handling practices to minimise the patient’s discomfort. Other physical interventions may require input from practitioners (eg acupuncture)Lau, 2016.