Managing Post-Op Pain at Home: Non-Medication Relief
Medications are not the only way to manage pain after surgery. Try the following techniques.
Visualization or Guided Imagery
Visualization helps take your mind off the pain:
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Close your eyes. Breathe deeply.
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Picture yourself in a quiet, peaceful place.
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Imagine how you feel in that place.
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If other thoughts enter your mind, take a deep breath and try again.
Progressive Body Relaxation
Relaxation helps relieve stress and pain:
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Close your eyes. Clench your foot muscles.
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Hold for a few seconds. Release.
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Repeat with the muscles in your calves.
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Work slowly up your body.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing relaxes your whole body:
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Inhale slowly and deeply.
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Hold your breath for a couple of seconds.
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Exhale through your mouth slowly and deeply.
