Benson relaxation technique to reduce pain in patient with congestive heart failure

Abstract

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, resulting in systemic fluid accumulation and pulmonary congestion. A primary and distressing symptom of CHF is chest pain, which necessitates a comprehensive management approach involving both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Among these, the Benson relaxation technique serves as a potent complementary therapy designed to modulate pain perception by inducing a relaxation response. This case study describes the clinical application of the Benson technique in alleviating pain for a CHF patient admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Harapan Hospital Magelang. Utilizing a descriptive case study design, the intervention was administered consistently over three consecutive days, with data triangulated through clinical interviews, direct observation, and medical record documentation. The results of the intervention demonstrated a significant clinical improvement, as the patient’s pain intensity decreased from a scale of 6 to 3 on the Numeric Rating Scale. Beyond the reduction in physical pain, the patient exhibited marked improvements in emotional stability and reported a heightened sense of overall comfort. These findings suggest that the Benson relaxation technique effectively mitigates chest pain in the context of acute heart failure management. Consequently, this technique should be integrated into standard nursing care plans as a non-invasive, cost-effective complementary intervention. By addressing the psychophysiological aspects of pain, nurses can enhance the quality of life and recovery trajectory for patients transitioning through critical care environments.

Keywords: Benson relaxation technique, complementary therapy, heart failure, nursing care, pain management