Can pressing these points ease sickle cell pain?

NCT ID NCT06511453

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Indiana University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether people with sickle cell disease can reduce their pain by doing acupressure on themselves at home using a simple tool called AcuWand. Three hundred adults will either perform real or sham acupressure every other day for five weeks. The goal is to see if this technique lowers pain intensity and interference in daily life.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Acupressure using a tool called AcuWand
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to manage chronic pain in sickle cell disease at home.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with a sham comparison, so results may show no benefit. Pain is subjective, and the effect may vary widely among participants.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain sickle cell disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Indiana University School of Medicine

Indianapolis, Indiana, 46075, United States
University of California, Irvine

Irvine, California, 92868, United States

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