ABSTRACT
Application of Benson Relaxation Therapy to Reduce Pain in Elderly Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Experiencing Acute Pain
At UPT Pelayanan Sosial Tresna Werdha Magetan
Umi Nur Afifah
Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Ponorogo
E-mail: uminurafifah1010@gmail.com
Pain is a common issue among the elderly with Rheumatoid Arthritis, potentially compromising their comfort and ability to perform daily activities. One non-pharmacological intervention available is Benson relaxation therapy. This scientific paper aims to apply Benson relaxation therapy to reduce pain in elderly patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis experiencing acute pain at UPT Pelayanan Sosial Tresna Werdha Magetan.
Nursing care was administered at UPT Pelayanan Sosial Tresna Werdha Magetan over a seven-day period, utilizing the nursing process approach. Assessment results indicated that the client (Pm. NI), aged 67, was experiencing pain in both knees with a pain scale of 7; the pain was intermittent and triggered by walking or physical activity. The intervention consisted of Benson relaxation therapy for approximately 20–30 minutes daily for seven days, accompanied by monitoring of pain intensity and the client's response. Following the therapy, pain intensity decreased from a scale of 7 to a scale of 2. Additionally, signs such as grimacing, protective behavior, and restlessness diminished, while the ability to perform activities, feelings of relaxation, and the quality of rest and sleep improved.
This nursing care for elderly patients with acute pain serves as a reference for healthcare professionals and caregivers regarding the application of Benson relaxation therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention to help reduce pain intensity, enhance comfort, and support the functional abilities of elderly individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Keywords: Elderly, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Pain, Benson Relaxation.