In hospice and palliative care settings, nonpharmacologic approaches to pain control may be of great benefit. There are currently few well-designed, randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of these treatments in terminally ill patients; however, research methodology is evolving and an evidence base is growing.
Many safe and low-cost techniques are easy to provide and can complement any other pain-relieving modality. These include music, art, movies, reading, and books on tape. Guided Imagery or hypnosis can also be helpful in addition to progressive relaxation and meditation.
Other nonpharmacologic treatments include massage therapy/therapeutic touch, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), acupuncture, and radiation therapy.