Non-pharmacological Management of Pain

Massage - Muscle relaxation

Ice fomentation - not more than for 20 mts. If done for more than for 20 mts rebound phenomenon will occur and pain will increase. For greatest immediately after injury.

Application of heat - increases blood supply - speeds up healing - both dry and moist

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

consistent with the gate control theory of pain. Applied in the same area as injury

Distraction

Focusing the patient's attentio on something other than the pain - watching TV, listening to music

visits from family and friends

Relaxation techniques

Skeletal muscle relaxation

Abdominal breathing at a slow rhythmic rate