Relaxation for Chronic Pain
To prepare for any chronic pain coping technique, it is important to learn how to use focus and deep breathing to relax the body. Learning to relax takes practice, especially when you are in pain, but it is definitely worth it to be able to release muscle tension throughout the body to start to remove your focus from the pain.
Coping techniques for chronic pain begin with controlled breathing, as follows:
Once you feel yourself slowing down, you can begin to use imagery techniques. Here are ten specific imagery and chronic pain control techniques that are effective for pain control:
Coping techniques for chronic pain begin with controlled breathing, as follows:
- Try putting yourself in a relaxed, reclinig position in a dark room. Either shut your eyes or focus on a point
- Then begin to slow your breathing. Breathe deeply, into your stomach. If you find your mind wandering or you are distracted, then think of a word, such as the word "relax" or "calm" and think it in time with your breathing.
- Continue with about 2 to 3 minutes of controlled breathing.
Once you feel yourself slowing down, you can begin to use imagery techniques. Here are ten specific imagery and chronic pain control techniques that are effective for pain control:
- Altered Focus
- Dissociation
- Sensory Splitting
- Mental Anesthesia
- Mental Analgesia
- Transfered Sensation
- Age Progression / Regression
- Symbolic Imagery
- Positive Imagery
- Pain Movement
More About Chronic Pain:
Want to learn how to manage your pain? contact Samantha at AQUA Psychology today on 1300 811 499