Progressive Muscular Relaxation

Relaxation is a state of physical and mental relief, where tension, fear and anxiety are released and replaced with calm and peaceful feelings. Progressive rhythmical breathing to relax muscles is useful as part of a pain management programme. It has been found to be particularly effective in relieving chronic pains resulting from spinal injury.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a system in which electronic instruments provide information about the body that might not otherwise be immediately obvious. It is particularly good for achieving long-lasting pain relief from pain associated with nervous disorders such as fibromyalgia. It has also proved effective at reducing pain caused by stress.

Flotation and Sensory Deprivation

A flotation tank is an enclosed chamber in which the patient floats in water at skin temperature and in total darkness and silence. There is some evidence that this might stimulate the release of the body’s natural painkillers, endorphins.