title: Non-pharmacologic management of sickle cell pain.
abstract: Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) suffer from both acute and chronic pain. The latter includes avascular necrosis of the hip joints mostly in the adult population. It has a negative impact on the quality of life of affected individuals and is often associated with depression, disability, unemployment and dependence on opioid analgesics. In this study, we show that a non-pharmacologic approach to management with deep tissue/deep pressure massage therapy technique, including neuromuscular trigger point treatment with acupressure, in patients with SCD has a salutary effect on pain relief and quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Bodhise Holistic Healing Group, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Paul Brown
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Bodhise
authors.forename: Marjorie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dejoie
authors.forename: Zemoria
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Brandon
authors.forename: Stanley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Simpkins
authors.forename: Samir K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Ballas
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid