PAIN MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
Many people find that other pain management techniques help to manage their pain and techniques can be implemented and managed by the individual without relying on medical interventions.
Aromatherapy
Some research indicates that aromatherapy can help relieve endometriosis symptoms. Individual oils and combinations that may be effective include:
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Clove, cinnamon, lavender and rose
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Lavender
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Marjoram, sage and lavender
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Clary sage, rose and lavender
A person may apply essential oils to the chest, neck, or under the nose, to breathe in the vapors. Alternately, a person could rub essential oils directly onto the lower belly.
People can also use drops of oil in a diffuser or pot of steaming water to help spread the aroma throughout the room.
Pacing
Pacing is when activity is regulated. The aim of pacing is to help achieve goals, rather than avoiding activity.
Pacing has two parts to it:
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Conserving energy for activities / tasks valued or needed to do (for example, social activities or cooking a meal
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Setting graduated activity / task quotas to help increase ability and tolerance to do activities / tasks
You can download our 'Pacing for Pain Management Information Sheet' here and our 'Pacing Plan Template' here.
Heat
Heat can help relax pelvic muscles and reduce cramping, it increases circulation, opens up blood vessels, heals damaged tissue and affects pain receptors in the body. Moist heat can come in the form of warm baths, warm wet towels, wheat bags or hot water bottles. Dry heat can come from electric heating pads, or dry heating packs.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) Machine
TENS machines are small, unobtrusive machines with electrodes that attach to the skin and send electrical pulses into the body. The electrical pulses are thought to work by either blocking the pain messages as they travel through the nerves or by helping the body produce endorphins which are natural pain-fighters.
Relaxation techniques
Stress can worsen pain sensations and practice relaxation techniques can reduce stress levels. These include:
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Meditation
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Deep breathing
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Guided relaxations
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Visualisation
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Positive affirmations
Self-hypnosis
Self-hypnosis can help with pain, anxiety, helplessness and sleeplessness. Clinical hypnotherapists provide coaching in self-hypnosis techniques.
Distraction
Keep busy doing things that are enjoyable such as reading, listening to music, dancing, exercising, gardening etc. Distraction can reduce pain by 30%.