Relaxtion Therapy
Relaxation Therapy
Relaxation therapy is a mind-body technique that provides many people pain and anxiety relief. Therapies such as guided imagery and breath work can help lower stress hormones such as cortisol in your body that worsen pain and inflammation and prevent healing. Try using relaxation techniques before surgery and every day during the first couple weeks following surgery.
‘Guided imagery’ aka ‘visualization’ involves envisioning a scene in which you feel peaceful, happy, or alive where you are doing something that you enjoy. (Who knows, maybe this activity is what you plan to return to after healing!) Success in imagining yourself fully immersed in this scene can decrease stress and pain perception.
Breath work aims to release toxins and stress during your exhale and nourish your mind and body during the inhale.
Resources: The Cleveland Clinic has free guided podcast videos on breath work and imagery. There are many guided podcasts on Spotify and the apple podcast app as well. You can also purchase relaxation media online, at a bookstore, or rent from a library.