Applied Relaxation as a Method of Coping with Chronic Pain: A Therapist's Guide

Based on clinical experience, a training program in applied relaxation for chronic pain patients is presented. The objective of the training is to teach the client to relax rapidly in the situations where pain occurs to provide the client with a method of controlling the pain. Special problems associated with teaching pain patients this technique are discussed. Suggestions for indications of a probable high versus low chance of benefit from applied relaxation are also provided. It is believed that applied relaxation can be an effective treatment for some pain patients. However, there is a very evident need for research concerning the use of applied relaxation.