Shiatsu for Chronic Non-Inflammatory Pain in Children and Adolescents

The Efficacy of Adjunctive Shiatsu Therapy for Non-Inflammatory Chronic Pain in Pediatric Patients: A Single-Arm Prospective Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if adding Shiatsu therapy to standard treatment can improve quality of life in children and adolescents with chronic pain that is not caused by inflammation. The main question it aims to answer is: Does Shiatsu therapy help improve the quality of life in children with long-lasting pain?

All participants will continue their regular treatment and will also:

• Receive a 30-minute Shiatsu session once a week for six weeks
• Complete questionnaires about their quality of life and family impact before, during, and after the treatment period

The study includes about 40 participants between the ages of 10 and 18, who are already being followed at the pediatric pain and rheumatology clinics at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children and adolescents aged 10-18 years
• Diagnosed with non-inflammatory chronic pain syndromes
• Actively followed by the Pediatric Rheumatology and/or Pediatric Pain Clinics at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (at least twice a year)
• Informed consent signed by at least one legal guardian (or both guardians in cases of separated parents)
• If participant is 16 years or older, they must also sign the informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Informed consent cannot be obtained from the participant or their legal guardians
• Legal guardians unable to provide informed consent
• Patients with severe conditions (e.g., bone metastasis)
• Patients unable to participate in Shiatsu therapy sessions
• Participation in Shiatsu therapy within 6 months prior to study enrollment
• Participant or legal guardian refuses participation