It can help you fall asleep, give you more energy, make you less tired, reduce your anxiety, and make other pain relief methods work better. Relaxation can include quiet breathing, deep breathing, or progressive relaxation. Progressive relaxation is a technique used to reduce cancer pain in specific areas of the body. This technique entails lying down and successively clenching and releasing individual muscle groups, eventually focusing on those involved with the pain. This can work especially well while waiting for pain medications to take effect.
Audiotapes are widely available to teach imagery and visualization skills.
Skin stimulation is the use of pressure, friction, temperature change, or chemical substances such as menthol to excite the nerve endings in the skin. When the skin is stimulated so that pressure, warmth, or cold is felt, the pain sensation is lessened or blocked. A physical therapist can prescribe an exercise program that may include stretching, strengthening, and conditioning. Several devices are available that may improve function and relieve pain such as wraps, pressure stockings, or pneumatic pump devices. Orthotic devices can immobilize and support painful or weakened areas of the body.