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Abstract

Objective

To explore the perceptions and experiences of stroke survivors with pain regarding the use of mind–body therapies.

Design

Qualitative.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Fifteen Australian stroke survivors with pain; 11 women and four men, aged 28–84 years, and 5 months to 24 years post-stroke.

Main Measures

Semi-structured, one-to-one qualitative interviews, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes described participants’ perceptions and experiences of mind–body therapies. Theme 1 detailed our stroke survivors’ determination to improve, openness to mind–body therapies and desire to have these therapies provided in rehabilitation. Theme 2 collated suggestions and reasons for individualising/tailoring mind–body therapy use, including having a range of formats/modes available. Theme 3 described reported benefits of mind–body therapies for pain post-stroke, while Theme 4 summarised perceived benefits for pain-related biopsychosocial wellbeing.

Conclusions

People with pain post-stroke are open to using mind–body therapies when ready/able in order to improve ongoing post-stroke symptoms. If used, healthcare professionals should tailor mind–body therapy format and delivery to individual stroke survivors’ needs and preferences to maximise treatment benefits, which stroke survivors with pain report to include improved pain management and physical and psychosocial functioning.

Keywords

Lived-experience stroke pain mind–body therapy perception

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Perceptions and experiences of mind–body therapies among stroke survivors with pain: A qualitative interview study