Alternative Pain Relief

I use the term Alternative Pain Relief to include the wide range of non-medical options for managing pain. So Alternative Pain Relief does NOT include pain medication, surgery, or injections.

When looking at options for treatment, it's important to realize that this is not an "either-or" decision. Many people successfully utilize a combination of traditional and alternative methods for managing pain.

Pain Relief Alternatives in Action

Prior to using this routine with success, they had six sessions of acupuncture, which helped bring down the intensity and frequency of pain.

Occasionally, because of excess activity, other illness, or stress, the client experiences a increase in pain intensity. They've found that a brief period of a prescription pain medicine like Tramadol (TM) or Flexeril (TM) for muscle spasms, along with rest and gentle progressive stretching, helps them get back to their baseline.

This "sample" client, a synthesis of many of my actual clients, uses a combination of alternative pain relief and traditional techniques that work best for them, and is able to successfully manage their pain, enjoy time with their kids, and engage in a range of recreational activities.

Sound good? This could be you!

The Wellness Mindset

Alternatives for Pain Relief
What's Possible?

Acupuncture - Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate various accupressure points on the body. The exact way that acupunture works is not readily explainable in Western medicine terms, but it is a very important part of many people's pain management program. Read More on Acupuncture Here

Relaxation Training - Any of several different ways of helping the body relax physically, including specific techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation. Relaxation training helps in a number of ways. It interrupts the cycle of muscle tension and increased pain by directly decreasing the tension in affected muscles. The increase in blood flow that occurs with relaxation also stimulates actual tissue healing. As an added benefit, relaxation decreases the anxiety and fear response that often accompanies chronic pain, and results in increased peace of mind and decreased depression.

Heat and Cold. Use of heat and cold are an important part of of a pain management program. A product like Corn Bags give you maximum flexibility.

Corn Bags are simple to use. Just place in your microwave for 1 to 3 minutes (depending on your wattage) and you are ready for soothing 120 degree heat. This handcrafted product is the best for all kinds of aches, and pains. No cords needed.

Pain Education - Ah, does it get any more basic (or neglected) than this? Education on the basics of chronic pain is one of the foundations of successful pain management. It's difficult to find understandable resources that present information in a direct way (that's the reason for this site). Pain education decreases anxiety, reduces fear of the unknown, and gives a feeling of increased control and hope. Learn to Ask the Right Questions and Get Answers

Nutritional Supplements - For those who don't react well to prescription medications, or would just rather try to minimize their use, there are a wide range of supplements touted as possibly effective in reducing pain. There are so many of these it's difficult to tell what's legitimate and what's a rip-off.

Read about the research and opinions about MSM on our MSM benefits page.

Cognitive Therapy for Depression

Massage Therapy - is proving to be one of the more effective alternative treatments for chronic pain. Visit the Massage for Chronic Pain page to find out more.

Hypnosis - has many of the same stress management benefits as techniques like relaxation training and guided imagery. There's quite a bit more to it though, and you can read more about hypnosis pain relief here.

Physical Therapy




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