The pain after surgery is excruciating, and every step from getting out of bed to moving can be accompanied by a tingling or sore sensation. Faced with this distress, many people resort to various therapies. But what exactly are the effective methods? We've put together 4 effective post-operative pain relief methods to help you recover faster and get back to your normal life. Whether it's medication, physical therapy, psychotherapy, or alternative therapy, you'll find something that's right for you.
Medication: effective in relieving postoperative pain
Medication is one of the most straightforward and effective ways to relieve postoperative pain, and depending on the degree and type of pain, there are different medications available:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs reduce inflammation and pain sensation by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Common medications include ibuprofen and aspirin, which relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation. However, these drugs can cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract and can cause side effects such as stomach ulcers with long-term use. Therefore, it should be used under the guidance of a doctor and pay attention to dose control.
Opiates: For moderate to severe pain, opioids can act as a strong analgesic. Drugs include morphine, oxycodone, etc., which inhibit pain signaling by acting on the central nervous system. However, opioids carry a risk of addiction and dependence, and long-term use may also lead to side effects such as nausea and constipation. Therefore, it is important to be extra cautious when using these drugs and communicate with your doctor regularly.
Local anesthetics: These drugs directly suppress local pain by blocking nerve signaling. Medications such as lidocaine can be applied to the surgical site or surrounding areas. Local anesthetics have fewer side effects on other sites than systemic medications, but caution should be taken for possible local allergic reactions.
Physical Therapy: A natural way to relieve pain
Physical therapy is a non-pharmacological form of pain relief, including cold compresses, heat compresses, massages, and more:
Cold & Hot Compresses: Cold compresses can reduce swelling and inflammation after surgery, especially in the early postoperative period, while hot compresses can relax muscles and improve blood circulation in the later postoperative period. The two should be used alternately for a suitable period of time, each lasting about 20 minutes to avoid damage to the skin.
Massage & Physical Therapy: Massage or the use of instruments by a professional therapist can effectively relieve muscle stiffness, spasms and other problems. Physical therapy includes electrical stimulation, ultrasound and other means to directly stimulate the tissues around the affected area and speed up recovery. Patients should be guided by professionals to avoid secondary injuries caused by improper operation.
Exercise: Moderate exercise and stretching, such as walking, light yoga, etc., can help the body regain muscle strength and improve flexibility. Exercise should be done gradually to avoid fatigue or injury caused by overdoing it.
Psychotherapy: Unlock the healing power of the mind
Psychotherapy can effectively relieve patients' pain feelings and psychological stress, and provide motivation for recovery from the inside out. Several common types of psychotherapy include:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT reduces pain sensation by changing the patient's perception of pain. Patients can learn how to recognize and correct negative thoughts and avoid a vicious cycle of anxiety and distress. For example, when postoperative pain leads to insomnia, CBT can help patients cope better by teaching relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, etc. In addition, CBT can also help patients develop coping plans and improve their tolerance to pain.
Relaxation Therapy: Relaxation therapy relieves tension and pain in the body by guiding the patient into a state of relaxation. Deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) are all effective relaxation methods. For example, progressive muscle relaxation reduces muscle tension and pain sensation by sequentially tensing and relaxing the muscles of various parts of the body.
Support groups: During post-operative rehabilitation, support groups can provide psychological support to patients and ease their loneliness. Communicating with other patients who are going through similar experiences can help share experiences and coping strategies, which can enhance the patient's positive mindset and increase their confidence in recovery.
Alternative Therapies: A Diverse Approach to Healing
In addition to psychotherapy, alternative therapies can also provide a variety of ways to relieve postoperative pain, providing more options for patients' recovery.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture relieves pain by stimulating specific acupuncture points that affect the nervous system and the secretion of chemicals in the body. Studies have shown that acupuncture can raise the patient's pain threshold and reduce pain sensation by releasing substances such as endorphins. Acupuncture is suitable for a variety of post-operative pains, including muscle pain, nerve pain, etc.
Herbal remedies: Some traditional herbs are believed to have pain-relieving effects, such as turmeric, white willow bark, etc. The curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, while the salicin in white willow bark can be converted to salicylic acid, which has an aspirin-like effect. However, patients should consult their doctor before using herbal remedies to avoid drug interactions or side effects.
Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy reduces pain by using aromatic substances such as essential oils to guide patients into a state of relaxation. For example, lavender essential oil can help relieve anxiety and reduce psychological stress, and when used in combination with massage, it can further relax muscles and relieve pain.
Massage Therapy: Professional massage can help relieve muscle tension and pain by stimulating muscles, joints and other areas. At the same time, massage therapy can promote blood circulation, accelerate metabolism in the body, and help patients recover. In addition, massage can be combined with aromatherapy to enhance the therapeutic effect.