Complementary Therapies. Emerging Strategies for Pain Management

2002 ◽  
Vol 10 (s1) ◽  
pp. s70-s73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gwen Wyatt
Author(s):  
Kylie Bernstein ◽  
Mohammad Karkhaneh ◽  
Liliane Zorzela ◽  
Hsing Jou ◽  
Sunita Vohra

Abstract Background Pain is a common paediatric problem, and procedural pain, in particular, can be difficult to manage. Complementary therapies are often sought for pain management, including massage therapy (MT). We assessed the evidence for use of MT for acute procedural pain management in children. Methods We searched five main databases for (i) primary studies in English, (ii) included children 0 to 18 years of age, (iii) compared MT for procedural pain management to standard care alone or placebo, and (iv) measured pain as the primary or secondary outcome. The data were extracted by one author and verified by a second author. Randomized controlled trials were evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results Eleven paediatric trials of procedural pain in neonatal, burn, and oncology populations, a total of 771 participants, were identified. Eight reported statistically significant reductions in pain after MT compared to standard care. Pain was measured using validated pain scales, or physiologic indicators. The studies were heterogeneous in population, techniques, and outcome measures used. No adverse events associated with MT were identified. Conclusion MT may be an effective nonpharmacologic adjunct for management of procedural pain in children.


Author(s):  
Gary Deng ◽  
Barrie R. Cassileth

Complementary therapies are modalities that are not traditionally part of Western medical care. Some of these therapies have demonstrated a favourable benefit:risk ratio in recent research and many can be incorporated into a multimodality pain management plan. In general, complementary therapies reduce pain by interfering with the processing of pain signals or lessen the impact of pain on the patient’s emotional state. Mind-body therapies, such as hypnosis, meditation, yoga/qigong, and music therapy, can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress-all common in patients experiencing pain. Acupuncture appears to have direct analgesic effects and reduce nausea and vomiting, which are potential side effects from opioid therapy. Massage therapy may reduce anxiety, and to a lesser degree, depression and pain. Complementary therapies are generally safe when provided by trained practitioners, although certain safety precautions still need to be exercised. The origin of pain, the factors complicating it, burdens and risks to patient, and each patient’s belief system and cultural background should all be considered when selecting from among the complementary modalities for pain.


Author(s):  
Sarah R. Martin ◽  
Lonnie K. Zeltzer

There is increasing pediatric use of complementary therapies, especially for pediatric pain. This chapter reviews the key literature on studies that pertain to the use of complementary therapy in pediatric pain management. Though limited evidence exists for many complementary therapy modalities, initial evidence is promising. Currently, the strongest evidence supports the use of hypnotherapy, which will have its own chapter, and biofeedback for headaches. Acupuncture research is growing, but there are few well-designed studies in children. Most data indicate that complementary therapy use is safe in children when administered by a trained practitioner using good clinical judgment (e.g., avoiding massage in children aversive to touch).


2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 8-11
Author(s):  
Heather J. Jackson ◽  
Marcelaine Reneau

The Oxford Textbook of Paediatric Pain brings together an international team of experts to provide an authoritative and comprehensive textbook on all aspects of pain in infants, children and youth. Divided into nine sections, this resource analyses pain as a multifactorial problem and gives the reader a comprehensive understanding of this challenging subject. Topics covered include the biological, social, and psychological basis of pain, pain in specific populations, pain measurement, pharmacology, psychosocial and physical interventions, complementary therapies, education, and ethics of pain control in youths, children, and infants. Evidence-based chapters look in depth at areas ranging from the long-term effects of the pain in children, to sociodemographic differences in paediatric pain management. Case examples and online materials including scales, worksheets, and videos are provided to aid learning and illustrate the application of knowledge.


1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARION GOOD

The review of acute pain describes the problem of unresolved pain and its effects on the neural, autonomic, and immune systems. Conceptualizations and mechanisms of pain are reviewed as well as theories of pain management. Descriptive studies of patient and nurse factors that inhibit effective pain management are discussed, followed by studies of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions. Critical analysis reveals that most studies were atheoretical, and therefore, this proliferation of information lacked conceptual coherence and organization. Furthermore, the nature and extent of barriers to pain management were described, but few intervention studies have been devised, as yet, to modify the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of nurses and patients that are barriers to pain management. Although some of the complementary therapies have sufficient research sup port to be used in clinical pain management, the physiological mechanisms and outcomes need to be studied. It is critical at this time to design studies of interventions to improve assessment, decision making, attentive care, and patient teaching.


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