Reiki therapy for postoperative oral pain in pediatric patients: pilot data from a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To examine the effects of Reiki as an adjuvant therapy to opioid therapy for postoperative pain control in pediatric patients.

METHODS:

This was a double-blind, randomized controlled study of children undergoing dental procedures. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Reiki therapy or the control therapy (sham Reiki) preoperatively. Postoperative pain scores, opioid requirements, and side effects were assessed. Family members were also asked about perioperative care satisfaction. Multiple linear regressions were used for analysis.

RESULTS:

Thirty-eight children participated. The blinding procedure was successful. No statistically significant difference was observed between groups on all outcome measures.

IMPLICATIONS:

Our study provides a successful example of a blinding procedure for Reiki therapy among children in the perioperative period. This study does not support the effectiveness of Reiki as an adjuvant therapy to opioid therapy for postoperative pain control in pediatric patients.

• Authors: Anjana Kundu, Yuting Lin, Assaf P Oron, Ardith Z Doorenbos
• Journal: Complementary therapies in clinical practice (Complement Ther Clin Pract) Vol. 20 Issue 1 Pg. 21-5 (Feb 2014) ISSN: 1873-6947 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24439640 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Child, Preschool
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Oral Surgical Procedures (adverse effects, methods)
• Pain Measurement
• Pain, Postoperative (therapy)
• Pilot Projects
• Therapeutic Touch (methods)