what else might help?
TENS machine
Most physiotherapists are trained to use TENS machines which can help improve pain.
TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Small pads are stuck onto the skin that release a tiny electrical charge. The aim is to stimulate the nerves going to the brain and make your body release it’s own natural painkillers. TENS can be worth trying as it’s known to be good at helping pain (especially if it’s just in one part of the body) and it has no side effects.
complementary therapies
Some hospitals also have staff trained in complementary therapies like aromatherapy massage, acupuncture, reiki and reflexology. Some people believe complementary therapies can help improve pain. There’s no real evidence that’s true, but they can help you relax and feel better generally.
If you’re having any of these therapies at your cancer hospital that’s fine. But, if you decide to have them somewhere else it’s important to check that the people doing these treatments are qualified. There’s information on the main Macmillan website about how to find a complementary therapist. Some commonly used complementary therapies are:
aromatherapy is the use of natural oils from flowers, plants or trees. Nobody knows exactly how it works but aromatherapy massage may help improve pain. Light massage is safe for people with cancer. There are some oils that might not be a good idea to use if you’ve got cancer though and you shouldn’t put the oils on any areas of your skin that have had radiotherapy. Trained aromatherapists should know this.
acupuncture involves having thin, needles put into your skin at certain parts of the body. The needles are usually left in place for about half an hour. The person doing the acupuncture will decide how long the needles stay in. The aim is to direct the body’s energy flow so that you feel better mentally and physically. Some doctors and nurses are now trained in acupuncture.
reiki When you are having reiki you just lie down and relax. You don’t need to take your clothes off. The person doing the reiki puts their hands on or slightly above your body then moves them around the body. You might feel a warm, tingling sensation or you might not feel anything at all. It’s thought that reiki can help balance the energy in your body and make you feel better.
reflexology is a special kind of foot or hand massage. It’s thought that certain points on the sole of the foot or palm of the hand are connected to other parts of the body. In some people pressure on the right part of the foot or hand may improve pain in another part of the body.
what else can I do?
- it’s important to take your painkillers as soon as you have pain
- take your painkillers at the right time if they’re prescribed at regular times
- if you have painkillers for breakthrough pain, use them when you need to
- tell the doctor if you’re still having pain despite the painkillers
- rest if you need to
- relax-this can help but it can be difficult. You can usually get relaxation CDs and you can even download relaxation exercises on to your MP3/iPod.
