Researchers from the University of Wisconsin School of Nursing in Eau Claire investigated whether Therapeutic Touch (TT) decreased pain in elders with degenerative arthritis, as compared with routine treatment and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR).

Eighty-two noninstitutionalized subjects, age 55 or older, were randomly assigned to TT or PMR treatments. Subjects served as their own controls for 4 weeks and then received six treatments at 1-week intervals. Visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain intensity and distress were used.

Significant differences from baseline to post-sixth treatment were found within groups. TT decreased pain (t(46) = 7.60, p = < .001) and distress (t(44) = 7.08, p = < .001). PMR decreased pain (t(36) = 6.58, p = .005) and distress (t(36) = 6.90, p = < .001). Scores were lower for PMR, showing that pain and distress were more improved by Therapeutic Touch.

Citation: Eckes Peck SD. The effectiveness of therapeutic touch for decreasing pain in elders with degenerative arthritis. Journal of Holistic Nursing. 1997 Jun;15 (2): pages 176-98.

Posted: 11/11/2006



This article provided by The International Hypnosis Research Institute.

Enter your email address to subscribe to the IHRI Newsletter.

Freedom From Panic Attacks Freedom from Panic Attacks!This session is extremely effective because you’ll learn techniques to quickly and easily relax, even when you feel an attack coming on. Live yourlife without ever being blindsided by panic attacks again.

Alcohol Addiction No More Is your life out of control because of excessive reliance of alcohol? Are you reluctant to deal with this addiction in a public setting?Quit drinking in the privacy of your own home and you’ll learn how to strengthen the sober, non-alcoholic you.

Harness The Law of Attraction Your dominant thoughts become your reality. In fact, your brain and body actually restructure to fit how you think.This session will show you how to change your thoughts and change your life in ways that you’ve probably never imagined.