Randomized controlled trial of energy healing effects on pain and anxiety in AIS posterior surgery: a pilot study

Objectives Energy healing (EH) is a part of the diverse group of Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of EH therapy prior to and following posterior surgical correction for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) compared to controls. Methods Patients were prospectively randomized to one of two groups: standard operative care for surgery (controls) vs. standard care with the addition of three EH sessions. The outcomes included visual analog scales (VAS) for pain and anxiety (0-10), days until conversion to oral pain medication, and length of hospital stay. For the experimental group, VAS was assessed pre- and post-EH session. Results Fifty patients were enrolled-28 controls and 22 EH patients. The controls had a median of 12 levels fused vs. 11 in the EH group (p = 0.04). Pre-operative thoracic and lumbar curve magnitudes were similar (p > 0.05). Overall VAS pain scores increased from pre- to post-operative (p < 0.001), whereas the VAS anxiety scores decreased immediately post-operative (p < 0.001). The control and pre-EH assessments were statistically similar. Significant decreases in VAS pain and anxiety scores from pre to post-EH assessment were noted for the EH group. Both groups transitioned to oral pain medication a median of 2 days post-operative (p = 0.11). The median days to discharge was four in the controls and three in the EH group (p = 0.07). Conclusion In this pilot study, EH therapy resulted in a decrease in patient's pre-operative anxiety. Offering this CAM modality may enhance the wellbeing of the patient and their overall recovery when undergoing posterior surgical correction for AIS.