Role of Mental Imagery in the Post-operative Management of CABG: A Case Report

Patients recuperating after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) frequently experience psychological distress, such as worry and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on long-term survival, quality of life, and rehabilitation results. Integrating mind-body techniques may offer extra advantages, even if traditional physiotherapy focusses on physical rehabilitation. This report showcases a unique case showing how mental imagery improved a 78-year-old man's physical performance, tension, anxiety, and discomfort after CABG surgery. Over the course of four weeks, the intervention included regular physiotherapy sessions along with guided visualisation techniques. Assessment conducted after the intervention showed a considerable increase in physical performance, a significant reduction in stress and anxiety, and a significant alleviation of pain. This case demonstrates how mental imagery can be used as a comprehensive approach to improve emotional health, encourage physical healing, and possibly lower psychologically related morbidity and mortality in post-CABG rehabilitation programmes.