The effect of relaxation on postoperative muscle tension and pain.

Relaxation training has been postulated to decrease abdominal muscle tension, a source of postoperative pain, as well as alter the psychological variables of anxiety and perceived control. A two-group pre- and posttest experimental design was used to determine if abdominal muscle tension, self-report of pain and distress differ in adult cholecystectomy patients in two treatment conditions. Six patients received relaxation training, and six patients, serving as a control, received standard preoperative instruction. Results showed the distress caused by painful sensations was lower for patients who learned the relaxation technique.