Using oxytocin and massage to improve pain relief
Official title: Refining Oxytocin Therapy for Pain: Context is Key
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-11002270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a hormone called oxytocin can help manage chronic pain without using opioids, especially when combined with therapies like massage, and it aims to understand how this works in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $432,455 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS124799-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002270 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with chronic pain conditions who are seeking alternative therapies to opioids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic pain or those who are not responsive to oxytocin therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of intrathecal oxytocin as a potential alternative to opioids for chronic pain management. It explores how combining oxytocin with manual therapies, such as massage, can enhance its pain-relieving effects. The study focuses on understanding the spinal cord mechanisms involved in pain relief and how oxytocin interacts with these pathways. By conducting experiments in both animal models and human tissues, the research aims to identify specific neural circuits that mediate the analgesic properties of oxytocin.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients suffering from chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with oxytocin in pain management, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abraira, Victoria Eugenia Guadalupe — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Abraira, Victoria Eugenia Guadalupe
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.