Complementary therapies in clinical practice
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Complement Ther Clin Pract · Feb 2016
ReviewKnee osteoarthritis pain in the elderly can be reduced by massage therapy, yoga and tai chi: A review.
This is a review of recently published research, both empirical studies and meta-analyses, on the effects of complementary therapies including massage therapy, yoga and tai chi on pain associated with knee osteoarthritis in the elderly. ⋯ Larger, randomized control trials are needed on each of these therapies using more standardized protocols and more objective variables in addition to the self-reported WOMAC pain scale, for example, range-of-motion and observed range-of-motion pain. In addition, treatment comparison studies should be conducted so, for example, if the lower-cost yoga and tai chi were as effective as massage therapy, they might be used in combination with or as supplemental to massage therapy. Nonetheless, these therapies are at least reducing pain in knee osteoarthritis and they do not seem to have side effects.
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Complement Ther Clin Pract · Feb 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effects of aromatherapy with lavender essential oil on fatigue levels in haemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial.
This study was intended to examine the efficacy of lavender essential oil for the alleviation of fatigue in haemodialysis patients. ⋯ Our result does not support other studies suggesting that lavender essential oil is effective on fatigue in haemodialysis patients. This conflicting result can mostly be ascribed to a variety of factors such as duration of aromatherapy and differences in concentrations of lavender essential oil.
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Complement Ther Clin Pract · Nov 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialComplementary and alternative therapies to relieve labor pain: A comparative study between music therapy and Hoku point ice massage.
Pain is a common experience for women during labor. In the present study, we compared the effect of two types of non-pharmacological pain relief methods "music therapy" and "Hoku point ice massage" on the severity of labor pain. ⋯ Music therapy and Hoku point ice massage are easily available and inexpensive methods and have a similar effect in relieving labor pain.
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Complement Ther Clin Pract · Aug 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of massage therapy on pain, anxiety, relaxation, and tension after colorectal surgery: A randomized study.
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of postoperative massage in patients undergoing abdominal colorectal surgery. One hundred twenty-seven patients were randomized to receive a 20-min massage (n = 61) or social visit and relaxation session (no massage; n = 66) on postoperative days 2 and 3. ⋯ In conclusion, massage may be beneficial during postoperative recovery for patients undergoing abdominal colorectal surgery. Further studies are warranted to optimize timing and duration and to determine other benefits in this clinical setting.
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Complement Ther Clin Pract · Aug 2015
Yoga attitudes in chronic low back pain: Roles of catastrophizing and fear of movement.
Chronic low back pain is a significant public health problem and, although underused, yoga may be an effective complementary treatment. The current study examined associations of pain catastrophizing and fear of movement with attitudes toward yoga in adults with chronic low back pain. Participants completed three quantitative questionnaires assessing specific constructs: beliefs about yoga, fear of movement, and pain catastrophizing. ⋯ Consistent with the fear-avoidance model of chronic pain, catastrophizing and fear of movement were negatively associated with yoga attitudes. Specifically, fear of movement was a mediator between catastrophizing and attitudes toward yoga. Individuals with higher levels of catastrophizing and fear of movement may be less likely to consider a pain treatment involving physical movement.