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Systematic relaxation to relieve postoperative pain
Varunyupa Roykulcharoen1, Marion Good
1Surgical Nursing Department, College of Nursing, The Thai Red Cross Society, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand. vroykul@yahoo.com
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|September 17, 2004
Summary
Systematic relaxation significantly reduced postoperative pain sensation and distress. While not significantly impacting anxiety or opioid use, patients reported improved pain control and reduced discomfort.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Psychological Interventions
- Surgical Recovery
Background:
- Unrelieved postoperative pain complicates recovery and prolongs hospital stays.
- Opioid side effects necessitate non-pharmacological pain management strategies.
- Managing patient discomfort and anxiety is crucial for optimal surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of systematic relaxation on sensory and affective pain components.
- To assess the effect of relaxation on postoperative anxiety levels.
- To determine the influence of relaxation on opioid consumption after ambulation.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial design was employed.
- 102 adult abdominal surgery patients participated in Thailand.
- Systematic relaxation (15 minutes) was administered post-ambulation, with pain, anxiety, and opioid intake measured.
Main Results:
- The relaxation group showed significantly lower pain sensation (26 mm) and distress (25 mm) compared to the control group (P=0.001).
- No significant reduction in anxiety or 6-hour opioid intake was observed.
- A trend towards reduced anxiety and fewer opioid requests was noted in the relaxation group.
Conclusions:
- Systematic relaxation effectively reduces postoperative pain sensation and distress.
- The intervention improved patients' sense of control and pain management.
- Nurses are encouraged to implement systematic relaxation alongside analgesics, considering cultural factors.