This article reviews the existing, peer-reviewed evidence for the use of relaxation and mindfulness in both acute and chronic pain.
There is some evidence that relaxation can reduce pain outcomes in both acute and chronic pain, however there is evidence that these improvements are not maintained over time.
More limited research suggests that mindfulness can lead to improvements in psychological measures and physical functioning and these improvements appear to be maintained at follow-up.
Further research is needed. Both researchers and practitioners need to be clearer on the outcomes that their techniques best facilitate and the processes which are active within them.
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