Best Alternative Pain Treatment

Published

I know there's a number of non-pharmacological pain treatments out there but as a sr. nursing student, I lack experience with them. As an experienced nurse, what has worked for you?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Utilization Management.

Biofeedback, hypnosis, and Yoga.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Care, Hospice, OB.

i have a hospice background (chpn) and some chronic pain issues of my own, so here are a few of my favorites (personally and/or professionally)

*hot or cold packs

*massage

*distraction (music, comedy, company of friends)

*hydrotherapy (bath, shower, whirlpool)

* biofeedback/yoga/progressive relaxation

*controlled breathing (think lamaze)

*aromotherapy

*position changes/stretching

hope this helps get you going!

pat

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, ED.

when people are in acute pain and losing control, I have them take slow deep breaths, and have them look at me. We breathe together and I talk quietly, so that they have to be quiet to hear me. We concentrate on breathing. Its a very short-term solution, but it works when the meds are being readied.

Creative visualization is a technique I have used with success as well.

Reiki is an amazing pain reliever as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

Heat, heat, heat!

And massage/exercises.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Day Surgery, Agency, Cath Lab, LTC/Psych.

Relaxation techniques, controlled breathing, position changes, heat, ice, distraction.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

my favorites are massage and controlled breathing/meditation.

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in private duty/home health, med/surg.

Controlled breathing, massage, heat.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Put on soothing music, add lavender oil to lotion, and give patient a massage. I've done this on screamers and they'll fall right to sleep.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion