Energy healing or meditation: new hope for knee pain?

NCT ID NCT05541718

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Utah Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether Reiki, a hands-off energy therapy, or mindfulness meditation can reduce pain and stiffness in people with knee osteoarthritis. 164 adults were randomly assigned to receive Reiki, sham Reiki, mindfulness meditation, or no treatment for four weekly sessions. Researchers measured changes in symptoms, depression, and anxiety to see if these mind-body approaches offer real relief.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Reiki, sham Reiki, and mindfulness meditation
What this could lead to: If effective, these approaches could offer drug-free options for managing knee osteoarthritis pain and related mood symptoms.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with subjective outcomes. Results may not be generalizable, and placebo effects are common in pain studies.

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.

osteoarthritis, knee

As listed by the trial registrant

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

KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112, United States

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