How to Relieve Pain Without Pharmaceuticals

Updated on May 10, 2022

When it comes to effective pain relief in patient care, many healthcare professionals are quick to prescribe medication. However, a holistic approach can be just as effective. In some instances, natural remedies can offer similar results to pharmaceuticals, and many patients are becoming more aware of the advantages of alternative pain relief. Not to mention, holistic care can benefit the healthcare system in many ways, such as providing positive patient outcomes without pharmaceutical-related expenditure. Here are a few effective pain relief methods patients can adopt that don’t involve taking medication.

Exercise

Leading an active lifestyle with regular physical exercise is one of the most natural ways you can get rid of pain and aches. Those who exercise regularly will find that their body will naturally produce chemicals that provide pain relief. Endorphins are natural painkillers that not only take away pain and increase feelings of pleasure, but they also elevate your body’s pain threshold by changing your perception of pain.

Mindfulness Techniques

There is scientific evidence that mindfulness techniques, such as breathing exercises and meditation, can reduce negative emotions and feelings of pain. Mindfulness is all about increasing your awareness of your senses, emotions, and the world around you. By gaining control over your thoughts, you also gain a sense of control over the way you perceive pain.

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years. It is a mind and body practice that incorporates controlled breathing, self-awareness, and performing a series of poses. The physical aspect of yoga strengthens muscles, increases flexibility, and improves the balance of those who practice it. Furthermore, studies show that yoga can aid pain management when it comes to certain conditions like chronic pain, arthritis, and migraines. This low-impact exercise also has a meditative element to it, which makes yoga great for managing pain mentally and emotionally too. When practicing yoga, patients simply require comfortable clothing and a quality mat, such as a Manduka yoga mat. A quiet space can also help patients practice yoga successfully.

Therapeutic Massage

Massage therapy might sound like an indulgence, but regular therapeutic massages can help ease physical pain. An experienced massage therapist can identify areas of pain in the body and apply pressure to specific points to help relieve tension from joints and muscles. Additionally, therapeutic massages can also reduce stress and anxiety levels while aiding relaxation. In turn, patients can feel less discomfort as feelings of pleasure override their feelings of pain.

Physical Therapy

Qualified physical therapists can identify the reasons behind a patient’s physical pain and tailor a series of exercises to get rid of their pain. These exercises are designed to strengthen certain parts of your body and help preserve mobility. Physical therapy not only offers pain relief, but can also stop it from returning. This type of therapy is effective in reducing strain and risks of injury and can improve the way muscles function in the body. Additionally, occupational therapy can help patients perform daily activities without worsening their pain.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.