The effects of Reiki and hand massage on pain and fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The effect of reiki on fatigue and sleep quality in individuals with multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled study

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of the application of Reiki on fatigue and sleep quality in people with MS. The study is a randomised controlled study. A total of 60 people (control group = 30, intervention group = 30) participated in this study. Personal Information Form, Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to collect data. It was found that the PFS and PSQI total and subcomponent scores of the intervention group decreased after Reiki compared to the control group and this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The study showed that Reiki was significantly effective in improving fatigue and sleep quality in people with MS. As Reiki is a simple, inexpensive and accessible method, it was suggested that its use in the management of MS should be encouraged and maintained in nursing practice.

The Effect of Reiki on Pain, Functional Status, and Holistic Well-Being in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease that causes pain and adversely affects functional status and holistic well-being. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of Reiki on pain, functional status, and holistic well-being in patients with knee OA. The sample consisted of 42 patients. The control group received standardized treatment only, whereas the intervention group received face-to-face Reiki (nine positions; 39 minutes) and distance Reiki on two consecutive days in addition to standardized treatment. The Reiki group had lower pain scores than the control group as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (p < .001) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index pain score (p < .001). Those participating in the Reiki group had improved holistic well-being scores specifically for the subscales of Sadness, Perception of Sadness, Spiritual Disruption, Cognitive Awareness, and General mood. Reiki is a safe, noninvasive, and cost-effective alternative treatment technique that has the potential to reduce symptoms of pain and improve holistic well-being in patients with knee OA.

The Effect of Reiki Intervention on Fatigue and Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Reiki on fatigue and anxiety in hemodialysis patients. This study was designed as a randomized controlled study. The population of the study consisted of hemodialysis patients at the hemodialysis clinic of Siirt State Hospital, Turkey, between January and August 2021. The patients were divided into 2 groups: Reiki and control, with 30 patients in each group. The patients in the Reiki group underwent their respective interventions once a day for 4 consecutive weeks (30-35 minutes). The intervention of Reiki reduced fatigue and anxiety in the hemodialysis patients.

Comparing the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and massage therapy on post laparoscopic shoulder pain: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Shoulder pain is a common clinical problem after laparoscopic surgeries. The use of non-pharmacological massage and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as an adjunct to routine treatment is increasing to provide optimal pain relief. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of TENS and massage therapy on post laparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP).

METHODS

This study was conducted on 138 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: massage plus conventional pharmacological treatment (n = 46), TENS plus conventional pharmacological treatment (n = 46), and conventional pharmacological treatment (n = 46). Massage and TENS were performed three consecutive times after the patients regained consciousness in the inpatient wards. The intensity of Shoulder pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale before and 20 min after each treatment.

RESULTS

Both massage therapy and TENS led to a significant reduction in the intensity of PLPS compared to the control group in all three measured times (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between TENS and massage at any of the three-time points.

CONCLUSIONS

This study's findings demonstrated that massage and TENS techniques could reduce PLSP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered in the Iranian registry of clinical trials ( www.irct.ir ) in 05/02/2022 with the following code: IRCT20200206046395N1.

Assessment of complementary and alternative medicine methods in the management of ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia syndrome

A wide variety of musculoskeletal, arthritic, connective tissue, and vasculitic diseases fall under the umbrella of "rheumatic diseases". Ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia syndrome are the three members of this disease group with relatively high prevalence. Pharmacological options are at the center of therapeutic algorithms in treating rheumatic diseases, particularly in reducing inflammation. Despite significant advances in pharmacological treatment in recent years, achieving complete treatment success in a group of patients is impossible. Therefore, patients with rheumatic diseases frequently utilize alternative treatment options, such as complementary and alternative medicine. Complementary and alternative medicine is a broad category of health practices not part of the leading health system. Patients with rheumatic diseases turn to complementary and alternative medicine for various reasons, including restricted access to some treatments due to high prices and rigorous regulations, worries about drug side effects, and symptoms that continue despite pharmacological treatment. In addition, because complementary and alternative medicine options are considered natural, they are frequently accepted as well tolerated and have few harmful effects. Ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia syndrome are the primary foci of this comprehensive review. First, we attempted to summarize the non-traditional physical medicine and complementary and alternative medicine options that can be utilized to manage these diseases. Second, we addressed the link between exercise and inflammation in rheumatic diseases. We briefly discussed the possible benefits of exercise-based approaches. In addition, we highlighted the benefits of cooperation between rheumatology and physical medicine-rehabilitation clinics.