HTAR Pain Free Hospital
Your Comfort is Our Priority
Your Comfort is Our Priority
At Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR), we believe no one should suffer from pain. This comprehensive guide will help you understand pain and empower you to manage it effectively.
Just as important as your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and temperature. HTAR is a certified Pain Free Hospital by the Ministry of Health Malaysia. This means we are committed to assessing and managing your pain at every step of your care.
Know when to go to the Emergency Department right away and when to see your doctor at the clinic.
💡 Tip: If you are unsure, it is always safer to seek help. You can call the HTAR Emergency Department or visit the nearest clinic. Trust your instincts — you know your body best.
Pain is your body's way of telling you something needs attention. Everyone experiences pain differently, and your pain is real, valid, and important. Knowledge is power – understanding your pain is the first step to managing it effectively.
This type of pain comes on suddenly and is usually related to an injury, surgery, or illness. The good news is that acute pain typically gets better as your body heals.
Examples: After surgery, broken bone, dental procedures, sprains, cuts
This pain lasts for weeks, months, or even longer. It may continue even after the original injury has healed. Chronic pain requires a different management approach focusing on improving quality of life.
Examples: Arthritis, back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain
Nociceptive pain: From tissue damage (cuts, burns, sprains)
Neuropathic pain: From nerve damage (burning, shooting, tingling)
Mixed pain: Combination of both types
Nerve pain feels different from other pain. It may feel like burning, electric shocks, pins and needles, or numbness. Common causes include diabetes, shingles, injuries, or surgery. Nerve pain often needs different medicines than regular painkillers.
Tell your doctor if your pain feels like: Burning or freezing sensations, shooting or stabbing pain, tingling or "pins and needles," skin that is very sensitive to touch, or numbness with pain.
Faster healing, better mobility, improved sleep, reduced complications
Better mood, reduced anxiety and depression, improved quality of life
More energy for family and friends, return to activities you enjoy
Easier to work, exercise, take care of yourself and loved ones
Pain does not just affect your body — it affects how you feel inside. This is completely normal. Understanding this connection can help you manage both your pain and your emotions better.
Pain can make you worry about the future. This is normal. Breathing exercises and talking about your concerns can help.
Long-lasting pain can make you feel down. You are not weak — this is how the brain responds. Tell your doctor if sadness does not go away.
It is natural to feel frustrated when pain limits what you can do. Being kind to yourself and setting small goals can help you feel more in control.
Pain can be managed. Many people find that with the right treatment, support, and self-care strategies, they feel better over time. You are not alone — your healthcare team is here to help.
Long-term pain (also called chronic pain) is pain that lasts more than 3 months. It can stay even after an injury has healed. Living well with long-term pain is possible with the right approach.
Sometimes the body\'s alarm system stays switched on even after healing. The nerves keep sending pain signals to the brain. This does not mean your body is damaged — it means the pain system has become too sensitive. Understanding this can help you feel less worried.
Living with long-term pain means learning to manage it, not waiting for it to disappear completely. Small daily steps can make a big difference over time.
Break tasks into smaller parts with rest in between. Do not push through pain until you crash. Steady and slow wins the race.
Pick one small thing each day — like a short walk or cooking a meal. Celebrate these wins. Small goals build confidence and keep you moving forward.
Poor sleep makes pain worse, and pain makes sleep harder. Keep a regular bedtime, avoid screens before sleep, and talk to your doctor if pain keeps you awake.
Gentle movement like walking, stretching, or swimming helps reduce long-term pain. Start small and increase slowly. Movement is medicine — your body needs it even when it hurts.
Long-term pain can cause sadness, frustration, or anxiety. These feelings are normal. Talk to someone you trust. Ask your doctor about counselling if low mood does not improve.
Tell your doctor how pain affects your daily life — not just the score. Ask about a pain management plan that combines medicine, exercise, and coping strategies. You do not have to manage alone.
Many people with long-term pain live full and active lives. It takes time, patience, and the right support. The goal is not to remove all pain — it is to improve your quality of life so you can do the things that matter to you.
Pain that lasts a long time is real and not 'all in your head.' You deserve proper treatment and support. Your healthcare team at HTAR is here to help you manage it.
Don't let misconceptions stop you from getting proper pain relief. Here are common myths and the real facts.
✅ Fact: Pain is NOT normal at any age. While some conditions are more common with age, pain should always be treated. You deserve comfort regardless of age.
✅ Fact: When pain medication is used correctly under medical supervision for genuine pain, addiction is rare. Don't suffer unnecessarily because of this fear.
✅ Fact: Speaking up about your pain is IMPORTANT, not complaining. Your healthcare team needs to know about your pain to help you. Staying silent leads to unnecessary suffering.
✅ Fact: It's easier to prevent pain from getting severe than to treat severe pain. Take medication as prescribed - 'staying ahead of the pain' works better.
✅ Fact: Always tell your healthcare team about your pain. Pain is the 5th vital sign at HTAR - it's just as important as your blood pressure or temperature.
✅ Fact: Side effects like drowsiness usually decrease after a few days as your body adjusts. Your doctor can also adjust the dose or try different medications.
✅ Fact: The best pain management combines medicine with other approaches like breathing exercises, heat/cold therapy, gentle movement, and relaxation. This is called multimodal pain management.
✅ Fact: Children feel pain just like adults. They may express it differently, but their pain is real and deserves proper treatment.
Use ice pack for 15-20 minutes for new injuries or swelling. Wrap in cloth to protect skin.
Use warm pack for stiff muscles and chronic pain. Do not use on new injuries or swelling.
Light walking and stretching can help reduce pain. Staying in bed too long can make pain worse.
Try deep breathing, meditation, or listening to calming music to reduce tension.
Quality sleep helps your body heal. Use comfortable positions and pillows for support.
Watch TV, read, or talk with family. Focusing on other things can help reduce pain perception.
For sprains and swelling: Protect the area, Rest it, use Ice (15-20 min), use a bandage for Compression, and Elevate (raise) the injured part above your heart.
Pain can affect your mood and feelings. It is normal to feel sad, anxious, or frustrated. Talk to someone you trust or ask your healthcare team for support.
Knowledge is power. Understanding your rights and options helps you take an active role in your pain management.
Access to pain management is a basic human right. At HTAR, we are committed to your comfort.
Everything you need to know — before, during, and after your hospital visit.
You will be welcomed by the clinic staff. They may ask you to fill in a short form about your pain. Be honest — there are no wrong answers.
The doctor will ask about your pain: where it hurts, how long you have had it, and what makes it better or worse. They will also check your medical history. Bring your Pain Diary if you have been using one.
The doctor may gently examine the area that hurts. They may ask you to move, bend, or point to where it is painful. This helps them understand your pain better.
The doctor will discuss a plan to help manage your pain. This may include medicine, exercises, therapy, or other methods. You may be referred to other team members like a physiotherapist, pharmacist, or occupational therapist.
At HTAR, your pain care may involve several professionals working together. This includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. Each one has a special role in helping you feel better.
Finds the cause of your pain, decides on the best treatment plan, prescribes medicine, and may refer you to other specialists if needed.
Checks your pain score regularly, gives your medicine on time, monitors how well your treatment is working, and teaches you about pain management.
Makes sure your pain medicines are safe, checks that medicines do not clash with each other, advises on the right dose and timing, and answers your medicine questions.
Helps you move better and regain strength. Uses exercises, stretches, and special techniques like heat, cold, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain.
Helps you do daily activities like dressing, cooking, and working despite pain. Teaches you better posture, joint protection, and how to pace your activities.
Arrive early so you are not rushed. Bring all your medicines or a list. Write down your questions before you come. It is okay to ask the doctor to explain something again if you do not understand. You have the right to know about your treatment.
Some pain after surgery is normal, but it should be manageable. Good pain control helps you heal faster, move sooner, and reduces complications. Don't hesitate to ask for pain relief.
Pain is usually strongest. You will receive regular pain medication. Tell the nurse your pain score frequently.
Pain should gradually improve. You may switch to oral medications. Start gentle movement as advised.
Follow your medication schedule. Pain should continue to decrease. Contact your doctor if pain gets worse.
Don't wait until pain is severe. Regular medication works better than "catch-up" doses.
Gentle movement (as advised by your doctor) prevents stiffness and promotes healing.
Take deep breaths regularly to prevent lung complications and help with relaxation.
Find a comfortable position. Use pillows for support. Rest well but avoid staying in bed all day.
Tell your nurse if pain is not controlled. You have the right to adequate pain relief.
Contact your healthcare team if: Pain suddenly gets much worse, you have fever with increasing pain, you notice redness/swelling/discharge from wound, or pain medication is not helping at all.
Some pain after surgery is normal, but it should be managed properly. Good pain control helps you heal faster, move sooner, and prevents problems. You have the right to ask for pain relief.
Pain is usually strongest in the first day or two after surgery. Your nurse will check your pain score regularly and give medicine on schedule. Tell your nurse if your pain score is 4 or above — do not wait until it becomes unbearable.
Do not skip doses or wait for pain to get bad before taking medicine. Regular medicine keeps pain under control better than catching up later. If one medicine is not enough, tell your doctor — there are many options available.
Keep the wound area clean and dry. Follow your nurse\'s instructions on when to change dressings. Some soreness around the wound is normal, but increasing redness, swelling, or bad smell needs medical attention.
Your healthcare team will encourage you to move as soon as it is safe. This may feel uncomfortable at first, but gentle movement helps prevent blood clots, pneumonia, and stiff joints. Start with sitting up, then standing, then short walks.
Take 5 to 10 slow, deep breaths every hour while awake. This helps prevent chest infections. Hold a pillow against your tummy if breathing deeply hurts near your wound.
Before you leave hospital, make sure you understand: which medicines to take and when, how to care for your wound, what activities to avoid, when to come back for a check-up, and who to call if you have problems.
Your pain suddenly gets much worse, the wound becomes very red or swollen or leaks fluid, you develop a fever above 38°C, you have difficulty breathing, you cannot eat or drink, or you notice heavy bleeding from the wound.
Recovery takes time. Each day you will feel a little better. Follow your medicine schedule, move gently, eat well, rest when you need to, and do not be afraid to ask for help.
Sometimes doctors need to do a procedure to help you — like stitching a wound, setting a broken bone, or draining an infection. Knowing what to expect can help you feel less anxious.
Your medical team will do their best to keep you comfortable. Many procedures use numbing medicine (local anaesthetic) so you feel little or no pain. For some procedures, you may be given medicine to help you relax or feel sleepy.
Sedation means medicine to calm you down and reduce pain during a procedure. You may feel drowsy or sleepy but can usually still hear voices around you. It is different from full anaesthesia where you are completely asleep. Your breathing and heart will be watched closely.
You have the right to: understand what will be done before it starts, ask questions at any time, request more pain relief if you feel pain, have the procedure explained in your language, and give your consent before any procedure begins.
Your doctor will explain what will happen. You may need to stop eating or drinking for a few hours before. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, any allergies, and if you are pregnant. Ask any questions — no question is too small.
A nurse will be with you to check your comfort. Machines will monitor your heart and breathing. If you feel pain during the procedure, tell the team immediately — they can give you more medicine. You can ask to stop at any time if you are too uncomfortable.
You will rest until the medicine wears off. A nurse will check your pain and vital signs. You may feel drowsy or sleepy for a few hours. Do not drive or make important decisions until the next day if you had sedation. Ask your nurse when you can eat and drink.
Children can feel very scared about medical procedures. Parents can usually stay with their child. The medical team will use child-friendly explanations. Distraction with toys, videos, or bubbles can help. Numbing cream may be applied before needles. Tell the nurse if your child is especially anxious.
You have the right to comfort during any medical procedure. Good pain management during procedures means better recovery afterwards. Never be afraid to speak up about your pain.
Know when to contact your healthcare providers about your pain.
Caring for someone in pain can be challenging. This comprehensive guide will help you recognize pain signs and provide effective support for your loved ones.
Important: Never restrain children during painful procedures. Use positions of comfort that provide security, not restraint.
Watch your child for 2-5 minutes and answer each question. This helps measure pain in children who cannot tell you how they feel.
Ask your child: "Point to the face that shows how much you hurt right now."
Children can feel pain from birth. Even very young babies respond to pain.
Children may not use the word "pain" — they may say "ouchie," "boo-boo," or just cry and become withdrawn.
Comfort your child by holding them, speaking softly, and using distraction like songs, toys, or videos.
Never ignore changes in behaviour — a child who stops playing or eating may be in pain.
Pain is NOT a normal part of aging. If you have pain, please tell your doctor or family members. You deserve to be comfortable.
You may be taking several medicines. Some pain medications need to be adjusted to work safely with your other medicines.
Conditions like diabetes, kidney, or heart problems may affect which pain treatments are best for you.
Some older adults may not complain about pain or may express it differently. Family members can help identify signs of pain.
Watch for these signs that your elderly family member may be in pain:
Facial grimacing
Changes in sleep
Loss of appetite
Moaning or crying
Reduced movement
Irritability or agitation
Gentle Yoga
Tai Chi
Massage
Heat/Cold
Music Therapy
Relaxation
For patients who cannot tell you about their pain (e.g. dementia). Watch the person for 5 minutes and select what you see for each item.
Being a caregiver is demanding. Taking care of yourself is not selfish — it is necessary. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
Sleep when the patient sleeps. Even short naps help. Ask family members to take turns with night duties.
Do not skip meals. Keep water and healthy snacks nearby. Your body needs energy to keep going.
When people offer to help, say yes. Share tasks with family. You do not have to do everything alone.
It is okay to feel tired, frustrated, or sad. Talk to a friend, family member, or the hospital's social worker. Your feelings are valid.
Step outside for fresh air. A 10-minute walk or a cup of tea can recharge you. Taking a break does not mean you care any less.
Information for expecting mothers about managing pain during childbirth. Knowledge about labour pain can help improve your experience.
Labour pain is a natural part of childbirth. While contractions are necessary for delivery, your comfort matters. HTAR supports pain-free labour as part of our Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.
Try these natural methods first, especially when pain score is less than 4:
Slow, deep breathing during contractions helps you stay calm and reduces pain perception.
Walking, swaying, or changing positions can help ease discomfort and may help labour progress.
Back massage, hand holding, or gentle stroking from your partner or doula can provide comfort.
Calming music, meditation, or visualization can help you relax between contractions.
Warm compresses on your back or a cool cloth on your forehead can provide relief.
Sip water or clear fluids to stay hydrated and maintain energy during labour.
When pain score is 4 or higher, these options are available:
For mild to moderate pain. Safe for mother and baby.
Tramadol or Pethidine can be given by injection for stronger pain relief.
Regional anaesthesia for effective pain relief. Discuss with your doctor if this is suitable for you.
Always inform your nurse or doctor when your pain increases. You have the right to request pain relief. Higher pain scores need closer monitoring of your labour progress and baby's wellbeing.
Track how long your contractions last and the time between them. Press Start when a contraction begins and Stop when it ends.
Pain after giving birth is common and treatable. Your comfort matters as you recover and care for your newborn.
You may feel cramps as your womb returns to its normal size. Soreness in the area between your legs is common, especially if you had stitches. Use a pillow when sitting for comfort.
Your wound will feel sore for several days. Take your pain medicine on time. Hold a pillow against your belly when coughing or laughing. Start gentle walking as soon as your doctor allows.
Some breast tenderness is normal in the first week. Paracetamol is safe to take while breastfeeding. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicine.
Paracetamol and some anti-inflammatory medicines are usually safe. Your doctor will choose the best option for you. Always take the amount your doctor prescribed and do not skip doses — regular medicine works better than waiting until pain is bad.
You have heavy bleeding that soaks a pad in less than an hour, fever with chills, foul-smelling discharge, severe headache or blurred vision, chest pain or difficulty breathing, your wound becomes red, swollen, or has pus, or pain that gets worse instead of better.
If your loved one is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), this guide will help you understand how the medical team monitors and manages their pain and comfort.
Even when a patient cannot speak or respond, the ICU team checks their pain and comfort regularly — at least every few hours. Special tools and careful observation are used to make sure they are not in pain.
Nurses use special pain assessment tools to check for signs of pain even when the patient cannot talk. They look at facial expressions, body movements, and vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure.
Pain medicine is given through a drip (IV line) so it works quickly. The team adjusts the amount based on the patient's needs. Some patients may have a special pump that delivers medicine steadily.
The machines and tubes may look frightening, but they are there to help. Monitors show the heart rate and breathing. Tubes may help with breathing or give medicine and food. Alarms do not always mean something is wrong.
Talk gently to your loved one — hearing a familiar voice can be comforting. Hold their hand if the nurse says it is okay. Tell the nurse about your loved one's pain habits or preferences. Your presence matters.
Is my family member in pain right now? What pain medicine are they receiving? How do you check for pain if they cannot speak? Is there anything I can do to help them feel more comfortable? When can I visit and for how long?
Having a loved one in the ICU is stressful. Remember to eat, rest, and ask for help. The hospital may have a social worker or counsellor who can support you during this time. You cannot care for them if you do not care for yourself first.
Deep breathing can help reduce pain and stress. Follow the guided exercise below.
Press Start to begin
A guided body scan to help you relax, reduce stress, and manage pain. Choose your session length and follow the gentle instructions.
💡 If you prefer not to use the phone voice, you can ask a family member or friend to gently read the instructions aloud for you.
A simple technique to reduce pain and tension by tensing and relaxing different muscle groups. This can help you manage pain naturally.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) helps reduce muscle tension, lower anxiety, improve sleep, and can decrease pain perception. It's recommended by healthcare professionals worldwide.
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Close your eyes. Take 3 slow, deep breaths.
Make fists with both hands. Squeeze tight for 5 seconds. Feel the tension. Then relax and let go for 10 seconds. Notice the difference.
Raise your shoulders up to your ears. Hold for 5 seconds. Then drop them down and relax for 10 seconds.
Scrunch up your face - squeeze eyes shut, wrinkle nose, clench jaw. Hold 5 seconds. Then relax completely for 10 seconds.
Tighten your stomach muscles as if someone is about to poke you. Hold 5 seconds. Then relax for 10 seconds.
Stretch your legs out. Point your toes. Tense your thigh muscles. Hold 5 seconds. Then relax for 10 seconds.
Take a deep breath and tense your whole body. Hold for 5 seconds. Then exhale slowly and relax completely. Enjoy the feeling of relaxation.
Use this timer to help with the tense (5s) and relax (10s) phases:
Using heat or cold correctly can provide significant pain relief. Here's when to use each one.
Gentle movement helps reduce pain and stiffness. Here are safe exercises you can do at home. Always stop if any exercise causes sharp pain.
⚠️ Important: Start slowly, breathe normally, and never push through sharp pain. Consult your doctor before starting if you have any health conditions.
Neck Tilts: Slowly tilt head to one side (ear toward shoulder), hold 15-30 seconds, repeat other side. Do 3 times each side.
Chin Tucks: Pull chin straight back (make a 'double chin'), hold 5 seconds, relax. Repeat 10 times.
Neck Rotation: Slowly turn head to look over one shoulder, hold 15 seconds, repeat other side. Do 3 times each side.
Shoulder Rolls: Roll shoulders forward in circles 10 times, then backward 10 times.
Shoulder Shrugs: Raise shoulders toward ears, hold 5 seconds, relax. Repeat 10 times.
Arm Across Chest: Bring one arm across chest, gently pull with other hand, hold 15-30 seconds. Repeat other side.
Knee to Chest: Lie on back, bring one knee to chest, hold 15-30 seconds. Repeat other side. Do 3 times each.
Cat-Cow Stretch: On hands and knees, arch back up (cat), then let belly drop down (cow). Repeat 10 times slowly.
Pelvic Tilts: Lie on back with knees bent. Flatten lower back against floor, hold 5 seconds, relax. Repeat 10 times.
Ankle Circles: Rotate ankles in circles, 10 times each direction, each foot.
Calf Stretch: Stand facing wall, one foot forward. Lean into wall keeping back heel down. Hold 30 seconds. Switch legs.
Seated Leg Raise: Sit in chair, slowly straighten one leg, hold 5 seconds, lower. Repeat 10 times each leg.
Pacing helps you stay active while managing pain. Learn to balance activity and rest for better pain control.
Pacing means planning your activities to avoid 'boom and bust' - doing too much on good days and then suffering on bad days. It helps you maintain a steady level of activity.
On good days, you do too much → This causes a pain flare-up → You rest completely for days → You feel better and overdo it again → The cycle repeats
Do a moderate amount every day → Take regular breaks → Gradually increase activity over time → Maintain steady progress
Break tasks into smaller parts: Instead of cleaning the whole house, do one room at a time with breaks.
Use a timer: Work for 20-30 minutes, then rest for 10 minutes, even if you feel fine.
Alternate activities: Switch between tasks that use different body parts or energy levels.
Plan ahead: Schedule rest periods and spread difficult tasks across several days.
Listen to your body: Learn your early warning signs of overdoing it.
Be consistent: Do similar amounts on good days and bad days.
Sit instead of stand when possible
Use tools and aids to reduce strain
Ask for help with heavy or difficult tasks
Organize your space to reduce unnecessary movement
Prioritize - decide what really needs to be done today
Remember: Pacing is not about doing less - it's about doing things smarter so you can do more in the long run.
How you sit, stand, and move can affect your pain. Simple changes to your daily habits can help reduce pain and prevent it from getting worse.
Keep your back supported against the chair. Your feet should be flat on the floor. Do not cross your legs for long periods. Take a short break every 30 minutes to stand and stretch.
Stand tall with shoulders relaxed. Keep your weight balanced on both feet. Avoid standing in the same position for too long. Shift your weight or take short walks.
Bend your knees, not your back. Hold objects close to your body. Do not twist while carrying something heavy. Ask for help if an object is too heavy for you.
Use a pillow that supports your neck in a natural position. If you have back pain, try placing a pillow between or under your knees. A firm mattress usually provides better support.
Hold your phone at eye level to avoid bending your neck. Keep your computer screen at arm's length and at eye height. Take regular breaks from screen time to rest your eyes and neck.
Plan your day so heavy tasks are spread out. Sit down for tasks when you can. Use tools or aids to make tasks easier. Do not push through severe pain — rest and try again later.
Good posture is not about being stiff or rigid. It is about keeping your body balanced and supported. Even small changes can make a big difference over time. Ask your physiotherapist or occupational therapist for advice specific to your situation.
Pain and sleep affect each other. Poor sleep makes pain worse, and pain disrupts sleep. Here's how to improve both.
Pain can keep you awake, and lack of sleep lowers your pain tolerance, creating a difficult cycle. Breaking this cycle is important for managing pain.
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps your body's natural sleep rhythm.
Keep your room dark, quiet, and cool. Use comfortable pillows to support painful areas. Consider a mattress that suits your needs.
Take pain medication as prescribed. Use heat or cold therapy. Do gentle stretches. Try relaxation exercises.
Limit caffeine after noon. Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime. Reduce screen time 1 hour before bed. Avoid alcohol as a sleep aid.
Back pain: Try sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees. Neck pain: Use a supportive pillow that keeps your neck aligned. Hip pain: Sleep on the non-painful side with a pillow between knees.
Create a calming bedtime routine: warm bath, gentle stretches, reading, or relaxation exercises. This signals your body it's time to sleep.
Talk to your healthcare team if you regularly cannot sleep due to pain, or if you feel exhausted despite sleeping.
Distraction is a proven way to reduce pain perception. Use these tools to shift your focus and feel better.
When you focus on something enjoyable, your brain has less capacity to process pain signals. This doesn't make the pain imaginary - it's a real technique used in hospitals worldwide.
Tap a sound to play. Tap again to stop.
Tap the button as many times as you can in 10 seconds. Focus on the game!
taps
Close your eyes and imagine yourself in these peaceful places:
Imagine warm sand, gentle waves, and a cool breeze. Feel the sun on your skin.
Picture tall green trees, birds singing, and a peaceful path. Breathe the fresh air.
Imagine standing on a mountain, looking at the beautiful view below. Feel calm and free.
Picture colorful flowers, butterflies, and sweet scents. Feel peaceful and happy.
Malaysia's diverse cultural heritage offers various traditional medicine options that can complement modern pain treatment.
Traditional & Complementary Medicine (T&CM) services are available at selected Ministry of Health hospitals in Malaysia as part of integrated healthcare.
Traditional massage techniques passed down for generations. Can help with muscle pain, tension, and promote relaxation.
Chinese medicine technique using thin needles at specific points. Helps regulate energy flow and relieve various types of pain.
Traditional Indian therapy that applies pressure to vital points. Used for pain relief and energy balance.
Ancient Indian healing system including Shirodhara (oil therapy) and External Basti treatments for pain and relaxation.
Yoga
Tai Chi
Breathing Exercises
Music Therapy
Aromatherapy
Always inform your doctor about any traditional medicine you are using. Some treatments may interact with your medications. T&CM works best when combined with modern medical care, not as a replacement.
Understanding how to take your pain medicine safely helps you get the best relief with fewer problems.
Take your pain medicine at the times your doctor told you. Do not wait until the pain is very bad. It is easier to control pain when you take medicine on schedule. If your doctor says "every 6 hours," try to take it at the same times each day.
Always take the amount your doctor told you. Taking more medicine does not always mean faster relief and can be harmful. Never take extra doses unless your doctor says it is okay. If the medicine is not working, tell your doctor instead of taking more.
If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for it.
Some pain medicines should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset. Others work better on an empty stomach. Check with your pharmacist or read the label. Drink a full glass of water when taking medicine unless told otherwise.
Keep medicine in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Do not store medicine in the bathroom as heat and moisture can spoil it. Keep all medicine out of reach of children. Do not use medicine past the expiry date printed on the package.
Tell your doctor about ALL medicines you take, including traditional medicine, supplements, and medicines you buy without a prescription. Some medicines do not work well together and may cause harmful effects. Always check before adding any new medicine.
😴 Feeling sleepy or dizzy — do not drive or use machines. This is common with strong pain medicines.
🤢 Stomach upset or nausea — try taking medicine with food. Tell your doctor if it does not improve.
🔒 Constipation — drink more water, eat fruits and vegetables, stay active. Ask your doctor about a stool softener.
🔴 Signs of allergy (rash, swelling, trouble breathing) — stop the medicine and go to the Emergency Department immediately.
Call if: the pain medicine is not helping, you have side effects that bother you, you are unsure how to take your medicine, or you want to stop taking your medicine. Do not stop taking prescribed medicine suddenly without asking your doctor first.
Doctors follow this step-by-step guide from the World Health Organization. Tap each step to learn more.
Simple pain relief like Paracetamol, sometimes with anti-swelling medicine.
Mild pain relief plus a stronger medicine like Tramadol.
Strong medicine like Morphine, combined with simple pain relief.
Special pain team will be called for advanced treatment.
Watch these helpful videos to learn pain management techniques you can practice at home.
Learn the proper technique for deep breathing to reduce pain and stress.
Follow along with this guided relaxation session to ease pain and tension.
Safe, gentle movements you can do to manage chronic pain.
Learn when and how to use heat or cold packs for pain relief.
Tips for parents and caregivers on managing children's pain.
Important information about using pain medication safely and effectively.
We hope these video tutorials help you better understand and manage your pain. We are continuously adding more helpful videos to support your journey to comfort. Practice these techniques at home and share them with your loved ones.
Tap any question to see the answer. Each answer has a 🔊 button to listen.
Telling your healthcare team your pain level helps us help you better. Use this interactive scale to communicate your pain.
Place: Where exactly does it hurt? Does it spread to other areas?
Aggravating factors: What makes it worse? (movement, certain positions, eating, stress)
Intensity: Your pain score (0-10)
Nature: How does it feel? (sharp, dull, burning, throbbing, shooting)
Tap on the body diagram below to show where you feel pain. This helps you communicate better with your healthcare team.
Tap the areas where you feel pain:
Front
Back
💡 Tip: Show this to your doctor or nurse to help them understand where you feel pain.
Fill this card before your appointment. Show it to your doctor — it helps them understand your pain faster.
Keep track of your daily medicines. This is your personal organiser for medicines your doctor has prescribed.
This is NOT a prescription tool. Only take medicines as prescribed by your doctor.
No medicines added
No medicines added
No medicines added
No medicines added
Track your recovery after surgery or a hospital stay. Know what to expect each day.
When was your surgery or discharge date?
Track your pain to help your healthcare team provide better care. Your entries are saved on this phone only.
Set a target pain level you want to reach. This helps you and your doctor track your progress.
Your goal: Keep pain at or below this level
Your pain diary is saved only on this phone. It is not sent to any server. If you clear your browser data or use a different phone, your diary will not be available. We recommend showing your diary to your doctor during your visit.
This app works best in portrait mode. Please rotate your phone upright to continue.