U of A finds music, massage, relaxation techniques reduce stress for ICU patients

The psychological stress critically ill patients experience in ICUs is known to be nearly as lethal as the injury or illness that put them there but there are no formal treatment guidelines for it. After discharge from the ICU, 70% of them experience debilitating mental health problems including PTSD, anxiety and depression. A syndrome known as post-intensive care syndrome includes physical weakness, cognitive changes and severe mental health issues. U of A researchers are testing relaxation techniques, massage and music therapy for ICU patients to improve recovery and reduce physical and mental health problems after discharge. Early results show patients are feeling less pain after the treatment and this is consistent with results from an earlier pilot study of the treatment protocol.