Pain therapy in palliative care - how we effectively alleviate suffering
Nicole Larson
February 27, 2026
4 min
The worry that a loved one might be suffering is a great emotional burden for many relatives and carers - especially in the last days of life. On our specialised palliative care ward, we experience every day how much relief and reassurance targeted, individually tailored pain therapy can provide.
No two experiences are the same
Pain can have many causes. For example, it can be caused by an advanced illness, nerve irritation, pressure, inflammation or muscle tension. Mental stress such as anxiety or tension can exacerbate pain. That's why we don't just treat a symptom, but the person as a whole.
Today, modern palliative medicine means one thing above all: effectively alleviating discomfort, treating symptoms holistically and at the same time maintaining as much quality of life as possible.
Nicole Larson, Head of Specialised Palliative Care Unit (SPS), Clinic for Internal Medicine
"A central concern of many relatives and loved ones is that their loved one remains free from suffering and pain in their final days."
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Modern pain therapy - individualised and effective
Pain treatment is gradual and is constantly reviewed. Depending on the situation, the following treatment options are used:
Drug therapy
- Non-opioid painkillers
- Opioids (highly effective painkillers)
- Medication for nerve pain
- Concomitant medication to avoid side effects
Many carers and relatives are concerned when it comes to opioids. However, correctly dosed, they are used for the targeted relief of pain or respiratory distress - not to shorten life. Opioids are the most important medication for breakthrough and persistent pain. The dosage is customised and closely monitored.
Non-drug therapy
- Pain-reducing positioning
- Heat or cold applications and aromatherapy
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Psycho-oncology
- Support and counselling, also for relatives and carers
Supplementary services such as therapeutic laying on of hands or animal-assisted dog therapy can also have a positive effect and noticeably promote well-being. It is often the interplay of different measures that contributes to lasting and clearly perceptible relief.
Freedom from pain at the end of life
Thanks to modern palliative care concepts, even severe pain can usually be well controlled. If, despite intensive therapy, there is a considerable burden, additional options are available to effectively alleviate suffering.
As an interprofessional team, our aim is to provide safety - with professional expertise and a human touch.
Support and safety for carers and relatives
Distressing symptoms such as pain never only affect the person who is ill, but also those around them. That's why we take the time to talk to them, explain the treatment steps transparently and closely involve relatives and carers in the treatment process.
We work closely with regional partners such as the mobile palliative care services of the city and canton of Zurich so that care can continue seamlessly even after an inpatient stay.
Quality of life at the centre
Pain therapy means more than just symptom control. It creates
- a feeling of security
- a better quality of life
- more freedom
- relief for carers and relatives
On our palliative care ward, our primary goal is to ensure that people do not have to suffer in their final days. We ensure that pain is alleviated and that every remaining time remains as worthwhile as possible - professionally competent, empathetic and as part of an interprofessional team. We accompany patients and their relatives during this special time, so that every moment carries dignity, comfort and quality of life.
As Cicely Saunders, pioneer of modern palliative care, said so aptly:
"It's not about giving life more days, it's about giving days more life."
Clinic for Internal Medicine
Our competence centre for palliative care
In situations of severe or chronically progressive illness, we are there for you and your family and loved ones. Our specialised palliative care unit stands for pain-relieving care and attentive support - so that the last days remain as worth living as possible.
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