Are relaxation techniques effective in relief of chronic pain?

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Cathleen Lecky,

Affiliations: 686 Saw Mill Brook Parkway, Newton, MA 02459, USA. Tel.: +1 617 965 3775; Fax: +1 617 969 6664; E-mail: clecky@bu.edu

Abstract: Alternative therapies are becoming more popular in the United States despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting that they are effective treatments. Some alternative therapies used in the relief of chronic pain are relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and biofeedback. Overall, the existing research suggests that relaxation techniques are effective in reducing pain [6,8,21]. Research concerning guided imagery has also suggested that it is helpful in reducing pain [19,22,23]. Finally, most of the research concerning biofeedback and the reduction of pain in people with chronic pain has been positive [7,10,14,20]. Despite these findings, one can not conclude that relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and biofeedback are effective in reducing pain in individuals with chronic pain. There were many problems with most of the studies, including small sample sizes and unstated reliability and validity of assessments. These limitations lower the significance of the studies, which makes it impossible to draw conclusions from the research as a whole. More research needs to be conducted to determine the effectiveness of relaxation techniques, guided imagery, and biofeedback concerning chronic pain. Information regarding the transference of these learned techniques to one's roles and daily activities should also be incorporated into the research by occupational therapists.

Keywords: guided imagery, biofeedback, alternative therapies

Journal: Work, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 249-256, 1999