The effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation therapy on postoperative pain

Abstract

Pain is the most common problem after surgery in all clients.

Aim: The main objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation therapy on postoperative pain.

Materials and methods: A total of 30 subjects between the age group of 15-75 years selected from the hospital by random sampling technique (15–orthopedic surgery, and 15 General abdominal surgeries). Inadequate postoperative pain relief may result in clinical and psychological changes that may increase the morbidity and mortality as well as the cost of treatment. As a whole, in addition to decreasing the quality of life postoperatively. It may be associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, delayed wound healing and demoralization. The need for alternative methods of pain relief is evident.

Results: An exploration of new methods of pain control is necessary to reduce suffering. It has been postulated that relaxation training can be used to decrease muscle tension, a source of postoperative pain as well as another psychological variable of anxiety. Evaluative research approach with one group pretest post design was adopted. Progressive muscle relaxation technique was taught on the previous day of surgery. Tools consist of a demographic questionnaire and numerical pain scale used to identify samples. Results among 30 subjects showed 7 (23.3%) had moderate pain and23 (76.7%) had experienced severe pain before progressive muscle relaxation. A significant difference was found before and after practicing progressive muscle relaxation (t=; 26.150 P=0.000) from the results it was interpreted that practice of progressive muscle relaxation technique helps to reduce pain among postoperative patients.

Conclusion: Study concluded that progressive muscle relaxation was effective postoperative pain management.