Using acupuncture to relieve pain in people with Long COVID
Official title: Pain Relief with Integrative Medicine (PRIMEe)?: Feasibility Trial of Acupuncture for Long COVID
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10789679 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether acupuncture can help people with Long COVID feel better and improve their daily lives, and it's for anyone dealing with the pain and other tough symptoms of this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | February 26, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $656,157 |
| NIH project number | 1R34AT012679-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10789679 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing persistent pain and other symptoms related to Long COVID.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Long COVID or are not experiencing pain related to this condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of acupuncture as a treatment for pain and other debilitating symptoms experienced by individuals suffering from Long COVID. The study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting a larger trial to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving quality of life and daily functioning for these patients. By focusing on the whole person, the research seeks to address the complex nature of Long COVID, which affects multiple body systems. Participants will receive acupuncture treatments at the University of Washington's Post-COVID Rehabilitation and Recovery Clinic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for pain relief in patients suffering from Long COVID.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating various types of chronic pain, suggesting potential success for this approach in the context of Long COVID.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gentile, Nikki — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Gentile, Nikki
Related research
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Multi-Site Feasibility Study to Prepare for a Clinical Trial on Battlefield Acupuncture, Battlefield Acupressure, or Sham for Acute Pain
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Advancing Long COVID Care in Our Community through Access and Collaboration
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.