Reiki for the Management of Neuropathic Pain

Sixty participants will be randomized to either receive three 30-minute standardized treatments per week for two weeks of Reiki therapy (n=30) or a placebo intervention (n=30). All participants will complete the same outcome measures (Brief Pain Inventory, Neuropathic Pain Scale, Patient Global Impression of Improvement Scale, Pittsburgh Quality of Sleep Scale, and McGill Pain Questionnaire-SF) at established times. Any opioid and other analgesic requirements will also be collected. Aim 1: Test the efficacy of a 2-week course of Reiki therapy on pain outcomes (present, average and worst pain intensity levels and perceptions of pain relief from the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) and Patient Global Impression of Improvement-PGI-I) compared to placebo Reiki interventions in combat-injured service members with major limb trauma experiencing neuropathic pain. Aim 2: Examine effects of a 2-week course of Reiki therapy compared to placebo Reiki interventions on the quality of sleep measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), pain interference (BPI), character and quality of pain (Neuropathic Pain Scale and McGill Pain Questionnaire-Short Form) in combat-injured service members with major limb trauma experiencing neuropathic pain. Aim 3: Describe the differences in pattern of responses to Reiki therapy and placebo Reiki interventions for pain outcomes (pain intensity, perception of relief and PGI-I) based on neuropathic pain type, pain duration, and the presence or absence of a diagnosis of PTSD.