Reiki for pain after lumbar fusion surgery

Evaluation of the Effect of Reiki on Pain After Spinal Fusion: A Comparative, Randomized, Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional Clinique Bizet · NCT07062146

This trial will test whether Reiki can reduce pain, lower painkiller use, and improve comfort for adults after lumbar fusion surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorClinique Bizet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Paris)
Trial IDNCT07062146 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional trial compares Reiki, an energy-based touch therapy, with a sham/no-treatment control in adults undergoing lumbar arthrodesis of up to three levels. Reiki sessions are delivered in the perioperative/postoperative period while researchers record pain scores, analgesic consumption, and patient-reported comfort during recovery. Key exclusions include neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, recent professional therapeutic touch or massage, and inability to complete follow-up. The single-site study is conducted at Clinique Bizet in Paris and requires participants to be affiliated with a social security scheme.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (18+) scheduled for a lumbar fusion of up to three levels who do not have neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia, have not recently received professional therapeutic touch or massage, can complete follow-up, and are affiliated with a social security scheme.

Not a fit: Patients with neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia, those who recently received therapeutic touch or professional massage, adults under legal protection, or those requiring fusion of more than three levels may not receive benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, Reiki could provide a non-drug option to reduce postoperative pain and decrease reliance on painkillers, improving patient comfort during recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials of Reiki and related energy-touch therapies for perioperative or chronic pain have produced mixed results with generally modest and short-term benefits, so evidence remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \- Subject aged 18 years or older;
* Referred for a lumbar fusion of up to 3 levels.
* Absence of participation in another clinical study.
* Subject affiliated with a social security scheme or beneficiary of such a scheme

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neuropathic patient
* Presence of neuropathic pain
* Diagnosis of fibromyalgia
* Received therapeutic touch, polarity therapy, or professional massage therapy in the past four weeks
* Unable to undergo medical follow-up for the study
* Adult subject protected by law, under guardianship or trusteeship

Where this trial is running

Paris

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chirurgical Intervention
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.