By Thomas H. Fine & John W. Turner, Jr.,
Medical College of Ohio, Toledo,
Ohio, USA
Hypothesis:
The study hypothesizes that Flotation REST (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy) can effectively assist in relaxation training for chronic pain patients, potentially more so than biofeedback-assisted relaxation.
Model:
The model involves a multimodal treatment approach that combines individual psychotherapy, biofeedback-assisted relaxation, and REST-assisted relaxation to manage chronic pain.
Aim:
The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Flotation REST in reducing the perception of chronic pain when used as part of a multimodal treatment program.
Methodology:
Participants: 15 chronic pain patients (10 males, 5 females), referred to the Behavioral Medicine Clinic of the Medical College of Ohio.
Conditions: 10 with chronic low back pain, 3 with chronic shoulder pain, and 2 with chronic headaches.
Procedures:
Initial interviews to gather detailed patient histories.
Baseline psychophysiological measurements using EMG and peripheral temperature.
Training in autogenic relaxation techniques for home use.
Biofeedback sessions (6 to 36 sessions, average 13) followed by REST sessions (2 to 18 sessions, average 7).
REST sessions involved floating in a sensory-deprived tank with a tape recording of relaxation phrases.
Pain and relaxation levels were self-reported by patients using standardized scales.
Results:
Patients reported a significant reduction in the intensity of pain but no change in pain frequency or duration for chronic intractable benign pain patients.
Chronic recurrent pain patients experienced improvements in intensity, frequency, and duration of pain.
12 patients regularly used relaxation techniques to manage pain.
REST was rated as more relaxing and pain-relieving compared to biofeedback-assisted relaxation.
8 patients achieved complete pain remission during REST sessions, compared to 1 during biofeedback.
Conclusion:
The study suggests that Flotation REST is a powerful tool for inducing relaxation and reducing pain perception in chronic pain patients, potentially more effective than biofeedback-assisted relaxation. The findings support incorporating REST into multimodal chronic pain management programs.
Download the full paper below.
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