Use Therapeutic Chinese Massage to Treat Peripheral Neuropathy in People With HIV

Using Therapeutic Chinese Massage to Treat Peripheral Neuropathy in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Randomized Control Trial Pilot Study.

Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) occurs in half of the people with human immunodeficiency virus (PHIV). Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for HIV-related PN. Only half of PHIV who take medications report a significant reduction in pain. Therapeutic Chinese Massage, structured palpations or movements of soft tissues of the body, is a promising non-harmful, and non-costly intervention that can potentially alleviate or even treat PN but relevant research is limited.

Method: Investigators conducted a single centered, two-arm, single-blinded randomized controlled trial pilot study to examine if a series of three weekly 25-minute therapeutic Chinese massage sessions by a therapist of therapeutic Chinese massage, compared with placebo massage, could reduce PN-related pain and improve lower extremity functioning in PHIV. Twenty PHIV were recruited from the AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc in Texas. Pain, lower extremity functioning, and health-related quality of life were assessed for both groups prior to and post-massage.

Inclusion Criteria:

Clinical diagnosis of HIV and peripheral neuropathy have self-reported PN-related pain in lower extremity are not taking any kind of medications to alleviate PN symptoms age at least 18 years old not pregnant or lactating

Exclusion Criteria:

have received any kind of massage in the past three months Can not give informed consent