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Relaxation and Imagery
Relaxation techniques and imagery are used to achieve a state of mental and physical relaxation. Mental relaxation means alleviation of anxiety; physical relaxation means reduction in skeletal muscle tension. Relaxation techniques include simple focused-breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, and music-assisted relaxation.310 Simple relaxation techniques should be used for episodes of brief pain, e.g., during procedures, as well as when the patient's ability to concentrate is compromised by severe pain, a high level of anxiety, or fatigue.
Pleasant mental images can be used to aid relaxation. For example, patients mix
encouraged to visualize a peaceful scene, such as waves softly hitting the beach, or to take slow, deep breaths as they visualize pain leaving the body. Both pleasant imagery and progressive muscle relaxation have been shown to decrease self-reported pain intensity and pain distress.185
Relaxation techniques are most helpful when combined with imagery, especially when the image is individualized to the patient's needs or preferences.451 The advantages include:
They are easy to learn.
No special equipment is required.
Staff do not require extensive training.
They are often readily accepted by patients.452; 201 Tapes and other resources are available for teaching relaxation.452; 310
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