Massage Therapy After Thoracic or Lumbar Surgery
Launched by COOK CHILDREN'S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM · May 20, 2024
Trial Information
Current as of August 23, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is studying how massage therapy can help reduce pain, anxiety, and improve the quality of life for young patients recovering from spinal fusion surgery, specifically for conditions like scoliosis. The trial includes patients aged 7 to 19 years who are scheduled for their first thoracic or lumbar spinal fusion surgery at Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. If eligible, participants will be randomly assigned to either receive massage therapy or standard recovery care after their surgery.
Participants will be monitored during their hospital stay and will have follow-up visits at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after surgery to see how they are feeling. The study will conclude with a phone or mail questionnaire about their quality of life at 16 weeks post-surgery. It’s important to know that this trial is focused on patients who are able to participate in massage therapy and who do not have certain medical conditions that might complicate their recovery. The goal is to see if massage therapy can make a positive difference in their recovery experience.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Patients scheduled to undergo their first thoracic or lumbar spinal fusion surgery
- • Able to participate and perform in a massage therapy as a recovery option
- • Participant needs to be verbal
- • Ability to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Prospective patients scheduled to undergo any spinal fusion other than a thoracic or lumbar spinal fusion surgery.
- • Prospective patients scheduled to undergo a second or multiple thoracic or lumbar spinal fusion surgery
- • Previous cardiac surgery
- • Chronic pain syndromes
- • Chronic opioid usage
- • History of psychosis
- • Prolonged bleeding
- • Intubation greater than 24 hours
- • Illicit/recreation drug use
- • Paralysis diagnosis
- • History of chronic pain requiring medical intervention
- • Neuromuscular scoliosis diagnosis
- • Cerebral palsy diagnosis
- • Developmental delay characteristics
About Cook Children's Health Care System
Cook Children's Health Care System is a leading pediatric healthcare provider dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families through innovative clinical care, education, and research. Based in Fort Worth, Texas, the system encompasses a comprehensive network of services, including a renowned children's hospital, outpatient clinics, and specialty care facilities. Committed to advancing pediatric medicine, Cook Children's actively engages in clinical trials to explore new treatments and therapies, fostering a collaborative environment that supports the development of evidence-based practices. By prioritizing patient-centered care and leveraging cutting-edge research, Cook Children's Health Care System aims to enhance treatment options and outcomes for children globally.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Meredith Brooks, MD
Principal Investigator
Cook Children's Health Care System
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported