The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy with Lavender Essential Oil in Relieving Post Arthroscopy Pain

Abstract

Research literature regarding the effectiveness of lavender essential oil aromatherapy in reducing postoperative surgical wound pain is limited and the results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of aromatherapy with 2% lavender essential oil via bottle necklace for postoperative arthroscopic knee wound pain relief. This was a time series experimental design study comprised of two groups. Twenty eight patients comprising the experimental group were given bottle necklaces filled with 0.5ml of 2% lavender essential oil, while thirty two participants of the control group were given empty bottle necklaces to wear. Aromatherapy with 2% lavender essential oil via bottle necklace effectively reduced pain for a long term (72 hours) use, and there were differences in the rate of pain decline between the experimental and control groups. There are no significant findings of groups (experimental group/control group) at 15 minutes, 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours. However, the reduction slope of pain score at the 72th hour after recovery from anesthesia in the experimental group was significantly greater than that of the control group. The pain scores of the experimental group decreased from 6.9 to 1.8, while the pain ratings of the control group decreased to 3.5 from 6.4. This approach to postoperative arthroscopic surgery knee wound pain relief is not recommended for immediate effect, but for a long term use (at least 72 hours after recovery from anesthesia). Future research should aim at establishing standards of aromatherapy care.

The effect of topical application of lavender essential oil on the intensity of pain caused by the insertion of dialysis needles in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial

“…39 The inhalation of lavender essence creates an emotional response and is therefore a natural emotional regulator that reduces stress and increases hormonal coordination in the body. 40 Through stimulating the limbic system, aromatherapy can stimulate the nervous physiological response, the immune system or the endocrine and affect the heart rate, blood pressure, respiration or brain wave activities and release various hormones from the body. 41 These effects on the brain can sedate or stimulate the nervous system and potentially help hormone secretions get to normal levels.…”

Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy On Arteriovenous Fistula Puncture Pain and the Level of State and Trait Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In addition, its pleasant scent might reinforce analgesia as the limbic areas are involved in pleasant feelings ( Linck et al, 2009 ). The inhalation of lavender essence creates an emotional response and is therefore a natural emotional regulator that reduces stress and increases hormonal coordination in the body ( Huang et al, 2014 ) Studies about benefits of lavender's aroma have shown that linalool and linalyl acetate existing in this plant can stimulate the parasympathetic system. In addition, linalyl acetate has narcotic effects and linalool acts as a sedative.…”

Using Aromatherapy and Reflexology for Pain and Fatigue Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…Yapılan araştırmalarda aromaterapinin; kanserli hastalarda ağrı, yorgunluk, anksiyete ve depresyonu azalttığı [28] , yaşlılarda ortaşiddetli düzeyde diz ağrısını azalttığı ve ziksel fonksiyonu artırdığı [29] , post-operatif dönemde ve diz artroskopi işleminden sonra ağrıyı hafiflettiği [30,31] , nöbet tutan hemşirelerde ve hemşirelik öğrencilerinde anksiyete ve yorgunluğu azalttığı [32,33] belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, aromaterapinin ağrı algısını ve analjezik gereksinimini azalttığı da belirtilmektedir.…”