Relaxation and Imagery for Chronic, Nonmalignant Pain: Effects on Pain Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Mental Health

Nonpharmacologic treatments are being increasingly adopted as alternative or primary approaches to chronic pain management. We present results of a pilot study examining the effect of a 6-week combined abbreviated progressive relaxation technique (APRT) and guided imagery (GI) intervention for the management of chronic pain (N = 19) and, using power analysis, explore recommended sample sizes for future clinical trials. Results indicated consistent and clinically significant trends of improvement on pain (McGill Pain Questionnaire, visual analog scale), mental health (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale), all domains of quality of life (RAND-36 Health Survey), and sleep for the treatment group only. Owing to inadequate power in this study, these results were not statistically significant. Methodologic concerns, along with suggestions for an improved intervention protocol, are discussed. It is concluded that there is strong preliminary evidence for the efficacy of APRT and GI as an adjunct to conventional treatment options for chronic pain.