Progressive muscle relaxation in postoperative pain therapy

Early and optimal treatment of postoperative pain based on a multimodal treatment concept is very important so that subsequent chronification can be avoided. This study investigated the influence of progressive muscle relaxation on the sensation of pain and the need for analgesics after orthopedic interventions. This nonrandomized pilot study tested 104 patients in the Clinic of Orthopedics at the Saarland University Medical Center in Homburg, Germany. The patients underwent total endoprosthesis (TEP) of the or the knee or spine surgery (laminectomy), and they had the option of choosing to use the technique of progressive muscle relaxation. All patients completed a questionnaire on the first, fourth, and ninth postoperative day. Data were collected on the maximum and minimum intensity of pain, duration of strong pain, length of hospital stay, and use of pain medication. These were compared by means of t tests for the group with progressive muscle relaxation and the group without progressive muscle relaxation. No significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding pain sensation analgesic dosage. There was a tendency for the length of hospital stay to be shorter in the group with progressive muscle relaxation. The positive effect of progressive muscle relaxation cannot be confirmed on the basis of the study data. Owing to the varying study design and implementation as well as the inclusion of heterogeneous patient groups, no conclusion can be drawn at present regarding the effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation in common practice; therefore, further research is necessary.