What Can Help My Loved One To Relax During Treatments And Tests?

Relaxation techniques can reduce distress during certain treatments (such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy). Relaxation also has helped people reduce their perception of pain. One can start simply by using self-taught relaxation techniques, such as simple deep breathing techniques, which can be very effective. People with cancer may bring calm music CDs or tapes to treatments or a hospital stay. (Which also may be used to drown out the snoring patient next to them!)

To obtain further guidance in using more advanced relaxation techniques, such as  hypnosis or  progressive relaxation, you can ask the physician, nurse, or social worker for a referral to licensed practitioners of yoga, massage, relaxation training, hypnosis, reflexology, and other methods of complementary therapies. Some hospitals and private centers provide comprehensive services that can work in conjunction with the medical treatment. Many books are available describing methods of stress-reduction and relaxation techniques.

No matter what you and your partner choose to do, discuss the plan first with the doctor to avoid any complications. For example, some types of  touch therapy, such as mas-sage, may not be recommended by doctors if a person has cancer metastases in his or her bones or certain other conditions. Complementary therapy can begin after it has been approved by the doctor.

As a family member, you can learn to be an effective “relaxation coach” for the patient. We have seen family members learn basic touch therapy, and other relaxation techniques such as guided visualization, that dramatically help the patient cope with pain, nausea, and periods of high distress. You may find using the relaxation techniques for yourself helpful, too.