Effect of Guided Imagery on Pain and Health-Related Quality of Life in Musculoskeletal Medicine: a Comprehensive Narrative Review

Abstract

Guided imagery (GI) is a non-pharmacological method used to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety. No comprehensive review has yet investigated the application of GI in musculoskeletal medicine, its various types, and potential mechanisms. The aim of this comprehensive narrative review was to examine the types of GI used in musculoskeletal medicine and GI effect on pain and health-related quality of life. A comprehensive narrative review of the English language scientific literature. PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and PEDro databases were searched from inception until August 2020 using keywords related to GI, musculoskeletal disorders, pain, and health-related quality of life. The search results generated 133 articles. After a critical analysis, 12 publications were included in this review. GI characteristics and protocols varied significantly between studies. Based on the reviewed studies, we advocate GI as a safe, non-invasive technique that can assist in managing pain, depression, stress, fatigue, anxiety, reducing medication use, improving general well-being, wellness, and quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. We recommend further investigations of GI mechanisms.