health

Analgesic Effect

An analgesic effect is a reduction in pain intensity or how strongly pain is experienced. It may relate to pain at rest or pain brought on by movement, depending on how the outcome is assessed.

Analgesic Effect is presented as a health-related outcome for focused review.

50Practices

These are research findings, not promises. Most options have little evidence, and results differ from person to person.

What may help

What studies found for each option, best evidence first.

50 options:16 some evidence14 mixed15 not enough evidence5 no benefit found

What studies foundSize of effect

Cupping TherapypracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Small
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
34 of 39 studies found a benefit; 5 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Cupping Therapy page
Hatha YogapracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
25 of 29 studies found a benefit; 4 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Hatha Yoga page
MassagepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
21 of 22 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found that non-pharmacological nursing strategies, including massage, reduced cancer-related pain compared with usual care; 1,070 people were included in its pain analysis. Another pooled analysis of randomized trials found lower pain severity during the first 48 hours of ICU.
Open the Massage page
BreathworkpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
15 of 16 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Breathwork page
Laughter Yoga / TherapypracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 9 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Meta-analyses of randomized trials reported improvement in pain among people with cancer; one review also described benefits for people with chronic kidney disease, eczema, leukemia, and lymphoma. The abstracts did not name the pain measurement scale.
Open the Laughter Yoga / Therapy page
Mindfulness MeditationpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Small
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
17 of 20 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found a small reduction in pain among 2,534 people; the authors noted that excluding one study changed the estimate. Another pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported a small short-term benefit compared with a waiting-list control.
Open the Mindfulness Meditation page
MeditationpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Small
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
14 of 16 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Meditation page
Swedish (Classic) MassagepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
37 of 39 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A meta-analysis of randomized trials found massage superior to sham treatment for pain and physical function at both short- and long-term follow-ups. These findings came from two studies; the populations studied included people with Back Pain, Chronic Pain, Osteoarthritis, and other conditions.
Open the Swedish (Classic) Massage page

Nasal Irrigation (Neti Pot)practiceSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
10 of 11 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found an analgesic effect in patients with headache. In a separate randomized trial of 576 people, headache and body or muscle pain were reported less frequently in the active group, with differences around 0.3 to 0.4.
Open the Nasal Irrigation (Neti Pot) page
Foam RollingpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Small
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
28 of 34 studies found a benefit; 6 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials involving 148 people found a 6.0% reduction in perceived muscle pain. Another pooled analysis found a small change in local pressure pain thresholds after rolling.
Open the Foam Rolling page
CardiopracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
5 of 6 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Pooled analyses of randomized trials found lower pain intensity, including a result for aerobic exercise measured on a 0–10 cm VAS. That analysis reported substantial heterogeneity, and the studied conditions included migraine and osteoarthritis.
Open the Cardio page
DancepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Dance page
Finnish SaunapracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 7 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2018 pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported a 44% reduction in headache intensity in 6 weeks, with a mean change between sauna and control groups of 1.27 points; its outcome analysis included 37 people. A 2015 randomized trial also found a difference in headache intensity between groups of 1.27 points.
Open the Finnish Sauna page
Thai MassagepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
11 of 12 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Thai Massage page
Binaural BeatspracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a systematic review of studies.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found that 5 to 10 min of listening to delta-to-alpha-range beats or a pure alpha tone was followed by less pain from hemostat or painful laser stimuli in healthy participants. In a separate pilot, average pain at night improved by 0.5 points from baseline.
Open the Binaural Beats page
Yoga NidrapracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Yoga Nidra page
PsychotherapypracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Not known
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
3 of 6 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found that psychotherapy improved vulvar pain in women with vulvodynia among 689 people in its pain analysis. A systematic review also reported reduced pain intensity with internet-based emotional awareness and expression therapy compared with a waiting list, with depressive symptoms mediating the effect.
Open the Psychotherapy page
PilatespracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Medium
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
65 of 74 studies found a benefit; 9 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found lower pain scores with Pilates among 7,705 people. Results are not fully consistent: another pooled analysis of randomized trials found no statistically significant effect on subjective pain intensity among 366 people.
Open the Pilates page
AcupuncturepracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Medium
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
38 of 43 studies found a benefit; 5 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Pooled randomized trials found migraine duration was 4.36 h shorter with acupuncture than with sham acupuncture; another review found lower leg-pain scores among 868 people. Results were not consistent across pain outcomes: a pooled analysis of 418 people found no significant improvement in WOMAC pain.
Open the Acupuncture page
Tai ChipracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Medium
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
17 of 20 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Pooled analyses of randomized trials found reduced pain scores, including an SMD of -0.64 in 2025 and a 1.87-point reduction in WOMAC pain scores among 980 people in an outcome analysis. Findings were mixed: another pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found no statistically significant improvement among 351 people.
Open the Tai Chi page
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)practiceMixed resultsSize of effect: Medium
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
11 of 14 studies found a benefit; 3 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) page
Strength TrainingpracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Small
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
10 of 12 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Pooled analyses found pain reductions in people with osteoarthritis and after knee replacement; one analysis of 1,712 people reported an SMD of −0.48. Results are not uniform: another pooled analysis reported pain improvement in 2/4 (50%) comparisons.
Open the Strength Training page
TENS / EMS TherapypracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Medium
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
92 of 105 studies found a benefit; 13 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found lower pain intensity during or immediately after TENS than with placebo. The studies disagree: another pooled analysis found no significant difference in pain relief between groups.
Open the TENS / EMS Therapy page
Heating Pads / Warm CompressespracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Medium
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
27 of 33 studies found a benefit; 6 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Heating Pads / Warm Compresses page
YogapracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Medium
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
26 of 31 studies found a benefit; 5 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A 2024 pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found reduced pain among 651 people. Studies disagree for some pain-related outcomes: a 2026 pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies could not establish a clear direction for pain related to lymphedema.
Open the Yoga page
QigongpracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Small
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
24 of 26 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A 2025 meta-analysis of randomized trials found reduced pain intensity with Qigong and Tai Chi among 729 people in its analysis. A 2023 review of randomized and non-randomized human studies, however, found no clear improvement in cancer-related pain, so results differ across reviews.
Open the Qigong page
Ice Bath / Cold PlungepracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Medium
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
9 of 20 studies found a benefit; 11 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Pooled analyses reported reduced muscle pain intensity and less muscle soreness after exercise at 24 hour. Findings are not consistent: a pooled analysis involving 283 people estimated a small reduction, but its confidence interval was wide.
Open the Ice Bath / Cold Plunge page
Hot BathpracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Large
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
11 of 18 studies found a benefit; 7 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found that hydrotherapy reduced labor pain by −0.97 VAS points (or analgesic use) among 840 people in its labor-pain analysis. Results depend on the type of pain: a pooled analysis found that hot- and cold-water immersion did not relieve delayed-onset muscle soreness better than control.
Open the Hot Bath page
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)practiceMixed resultsSize of effect: Not known
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
5 of 9 studies found a benefit; 4 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A review of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported that HIIT can reduce pain and cancer-related fatigue. In a trial of 93 people with peripheral neuropathy, neuropathy scores decreased in both the HIIT and moderate-intensity continuous training groups; findings across other studies varied, with pain scores unchanged in most studies in one review.
Open the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) page
SwimmingpracticeMixed resultsSize of effect: Not known
Studies disagree: some found a benefit, others found none. Do not count on it.
2 of 3 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A review reported improved pain compared with non-exercise controls. In a randomized trial of 30 people with Back Pain, backstroke was associated with lower average pain than breaststroke.
Open the Swimming page
Anusara YogapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 4 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Open the Anusara Yoga page
Mobility TrainingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
5 of 7 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Mobility Training page
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
108 of 135 studies found a benefit; 27 found none. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
A 2026 meta-analysis of randomized trials found pain intensity was 0.89 points lower with photobiomodulation among 373 people in the outcome analysis; another found greater pain relief with high-intensity laser therapy than with topical corticosteroids among 203 people. Results differed across studies: a separate analysis of 162 people found a trend toward pain reduction that was not statistically significant.
Open the Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) page
Infrared SaunapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
3 of 5 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2009 review of randomized and non-randomized human studies described fair evidence from a single study for infrared sauna therapy in chronic pain. In a 2023 randomized trial involving 16 participants, muscle soreness scores were lower after infrared sauna than after PAS at the postREC- and post14h-measurements.
Open the Infrared Sauna page
Box BreathingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a systematic review of studies.
A pooled review of randomized trials reported decreased postpartum pain, alongside improvements in some lactation-related outcomes.
Open the Box Breathing page
Expressive WritingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
1 of 2 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a systematic review of studies.
A review pooling randomized and non-randomized human studies reported modest short-term reductions in pain intensity with expressive writing protocols centered on emotional disclosure, across conditions including Fibromyalgia, Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Open the Expressive Writing page
Latin Dance FitnesspracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
2 of 3 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2014 trial of 107 participants found that neck-shoulder pain intensity on a scale from 0 to 10 fell by 1.3 points in the Zumba group after 12 weeks. Results differ across trials: a 2020 study of 65 participants found no post-intervention group difference for bodily pain.
Open the Latin Dance Fitness page
Grounding / EarthingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
2 of 3 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Findings disagree: a 2019 randomized trial involving 16 participants reported less pain while grounded, whereas a 2015 randomized trial involving 32 participants found pain in both groups and no between-group differences.
Open the Grounding / Earthing page
Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana) page
Oil PullingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A randomized trial in people with cancer found lower overall pain scores in the treatment group than in the control group: 4.85 versus 7.48, a difference of -2.63 VAS points.
Open the Oil Pulling page
Vinyasa YogapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
2 of 3 studies found a benefit; 1 found none. Strongest study: a small pilot study.
A 2024 pilot study reported an average pain decrease of 0.19 units per week on a scale of 0-10. However, a 2023 randomized trial found no significant interaction for sensitivity to heat pain or endogenous pain modulation.
Open the Vinyasa Yoga page
Transcendental MeditationpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
In an RCT involving 131 people with migraine, headache frequency fell in all groups from 18.9 days per month to 12.5 and 10.5 at 3 and 9 months, respectively; there were no significant differences between groups.
Open the Transcendental Meditation page
Focused Attention MeditationpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a study that followed people over time.
In a cohort study involving people with IBS, pain scores improved in the PD group compared with TAU. Pain improved in 93% (28/30) and resolved in 47% (14/30) of the PD group.
Open the Focused Attention Meditation page
Coherent BreathingpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a small pilot study.
In a 15-person pilot, the SHC musculoskeletal pain score was lower at six weeks and lower again at three months.
Open the Coherent Breathing page
Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit. Strongest study: a small pilot study.
In a pilot study of 12 participants with a clinical condition, pain severity scores were lower after treatment than at enrollment and treatment baseline.
Open the Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta) page
Brisk WalkingpracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
0 of 2 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
A 2015 trial found no between-group difference in self-reported pain at 3 or 12 months. The studies did not support an analgesic effect.
Open the Brisk Walking page
CyclingpracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
0 of 2 studies found a benefit; 2 found none. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Cycling page
Jump Rope TrainingpracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
The one study found no benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Studies did not support a pain-reducing effect in people with arthritis: an RCT found that pain did not increase during the fitness and exercise programme, which was well tolerated.
Open the Jump Rope Training page
Hot YogapracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
The one study found no benefit. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Human studies have not demonstrated an analgesic effect from Hot Yoga.
Open the Hot Yoga page
Wim Hof Method BreathingpracticeNo benefit found
Studies looked for a benefit and did not find one.
0 of 2 studies found a benefit; 2 found none.
The studies did not support an analgesic effect: a 2023 randomized trial of 42 participants detected no significant time × group interaction in perceived pain.
Open the Wim Hof Method Breathing page

Show all 50

Comparing practices

BreathworkSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large15 trials
Swedish (Classic) MassageSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large30 trials
Nasal Irrigation (Neti Pot)Some evidence it helpsSize of effect: Large7 trials

The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.

What may help

Linked to improving it50 listed

Start here

Most likely to help, from the evidence we have

PracticesBreathworkCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisLarge effect16 other sources
Pooled analyses of randomized trials found lower pain scores with breathing exercises, including for back pain; one pain analysis included 698 people and reported SMD -0.87. The Visual Analog Scale finding also reflects improvement when scores decrease.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Back Pain
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Coronary Artery Disease
Kidney Disease
Pregnancy
Study result
The meta-analysis results demonstrated a significant effect of breathing exercises on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score (SMD =-0.84, 95% CI: -1.24 to -0.45). VAS is an inverted instrument: the decrease is an improvement.
Open Breathwork
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PracticesCupping TherapyCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisSmall effect40 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found lower pain intensity with Cupping Therapy among 656 people in its analysis of CMP’s pain intensity (SMD=−1.17; 95% CI=−1.93 to −0.42; p=0.002). Another pooled analysis found that electroacupuncture combined with cupping reduced pain scores in people with post-herpetic neuralgia (WMD = –2.65, 95% CI [–2.97, –2.32], P = .000).
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Acne
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Asthma
Back Pain
Chronic Pain
Chronic Urticaria
+12 more
Study result
cupping therapy (SMD=−1.17; 95% CI=−1.93 to −0.42; p=0.002; I^2=94%) had a significant reduction effect on patients with CMP’s pain intensity
Open Cupping Therapy
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PracticesHatha YogaCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisModerate effect30 other sources
Pooled analyses of randomized trials found small reductions in pain at three to four months: one analysis included 810 people and reported MD -4.55 on a 0-100 scale, while another included 946 and reported MD -4.53. Both findings were described as clinically unimportant or below the predefined clinically significant threshold of 15 points.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Addiction
Back Pain
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Endometriosis
Multiple Sclerosis
+3 more
Study result
very low- to moderate-certainty evidence that yoga was slightly better for pain at three to four months (MD -4.55, 95% CI -7.04 to -2.06); the predefined clinically significant threshold of 15 points was not met
Open Hatha Yoga
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PracticesMassageCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisModerate effect23 other sources
A pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found that non-pharmacological nursing strategies, including massage, reduced cancer-related pain compared with usual care; 1,070 people were included in its pain analysis. Another pooled analysis of randomized trials found lower pain severity during the first 48 hours of ICU.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Cancer
Diabetes
Hiv Aids
Neuropathy Peripheral
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Study result
The pooled effect size demonstrated that all evaluated non-pharmacological nursing strategies, including aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, acupressure and acupuncture significantly reduced cancer-related pain compared to usual care (p < 0.001)
Open Massage
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PracticesLaughter Yoga / TherapyCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysis9 other sources
Meta-analyses of randomized trials reported improvement in pain among people with cancer; one review also described benefits for people with chronic kidney disease, eczema, leukemia, and lymphoma. The abstracts did not name the pain measurement scale.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Cancer
Chronic Kidney Disease
Eczema
Leukemia
Lymphoma
Study result
The results showed that laughter therapy can effectively improve cancer patients'... pain (scale not named in abstract)
Open Laughter Yoga / Therapy
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PracticesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)CertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisModerate effectconflicting findings14 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found a reduction in pain intensity (SMD -0.45 [-0.62, -0.27]) among 1,962 people in its pain-intensity analysis. Results differ across studies: another pooled analysis of randomized trials involving 488 people in its pain analysis found the effects on pain were not statistically significant.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Diabetes
Obesity
Prostate Cancer
Study result
-0.45 (95% CI: -0.62, -0.27) for pain intensity, favoring ACT (pain intensity scale, lower score = improvement).
Open Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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PracticesAcupunctureCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisModerate effectconflicting findings44 other sources
Pooled randomized trials found migraine duration was 4.36 h shorter with acupuncture than with sham acupuncture; another review found lower leg-pain scores among 868 people. Results were not consistent across pain outcomes: a pooled analysis of 418 people found no significant improvement in WOMAC pain.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Back Pain
Cancer
Depression
Dysmenorrhea
Endometriosis
+5 more
Study result
Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture reduced migraine duration (MD: −4.36 h; 95% CI: −8.07, −0.64)
Open Acupuncture
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Medium probability(23)

PracticesPilatesCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisModerate effectconflicting findings74 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found lower pain scores with Pilates among 7,705 people. Results are not fully consistent: another pooled analysis of randomized trials found no statistically significant effect on subjective pain intensity among 366 people.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Arthritis
Back Pain
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Chronic Pain
+10 more
Study result
Pilates training showed optimal pain relief effects (SMD = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.58–0.92)
Open Pilates
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PracticesStrength TrainingCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisSmall effectconflicting findings12 other sources
Pooled analyses found pain reductions in people with osteoarthritis and after knee replacement; one analysis of 1,712 people reported an SMD of −0.48. Results are not uniform: another pooled analysis reported pain improvement in 2/4 (50%) comparisons.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Back Pain
Cancer
Osteoarthritis
Surgery Post
Study result
reduced knee pain after knee replacement (SMD 0.40; high GRADE). Pain scale is inverted: a reduction is an improvement.
Open Strength Training
→
PracticesTai ChiCertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysisModerate effectconflicting findings21 other sources
Pooled analyses of randomized trials found reduced pain scores, including an SMD of -0.64 [-0.96, -0.34] in 2025 and a 1.87-point reduction in WOMAC pain scores among 980 people in an outcome analysis. Findings were mixed: another pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found no statistically significant improvement among 351 people.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Back Pain
Fibromyalgia
Intellectual Disability
Osteoarthritis
Parkinsons Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Study result
Tai Chi significantly improved pain (Cohen's d -0.64; 95% CI -0.96 to -0.34; n=11 studies)
Open Tai Chi
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PracticesMeditationCertaintyMediumSourceRCTSmall effect16 other sources
A pooled analysis of observational studies found improved pain intensity at follow-up among 323 people (SMD = -0.73). Compared with a waiting list, another pooled analysis found a small reduction in pain severity at short follow-up (SMD −0.2966 [95% CI −0.4939, −0.0992]), but not at long-term follow-up (SMD −0.0271 [95% CI −0.3034, 0.2492]).
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Headache Disorder
Migraine
Osteoarthritis
Parkinsons Disease
Pms
Pulmonary Hypertension
Study result
There were significant within group improvements in pain intensity ... effect sizes at follow-up were moderate to large (e.g., ... pain intensity SMD = -0.73)
Open Meditation
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PracticesMindfulness MeditationCertaintyMediumSourceRCTSmall effect20 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found a small reduction in pain among 2,534 people; the authors noted that excluding one study changed the estimate. Another pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported a small short-term benefit compared with a waiting-list control.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Autism Spectrum
Breast Cancer
Female Infertility
Fibromyalgia
Hypertension
Migraine
+1 more
Study result
MBSR significantly reduced pain (SMD: -0.308, 95% CI: -0.563 to -0.054, 95% PI: -1.159 to 0.543); pain scales are inverted, so a decrease is positive. The authors note that excluding Rahmani et al. changed this estimate.
Open Mindfulness Meditation
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PracticesSwedish (Classic) MassageCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect40 other sources
A meta-analysis of randomized trials found massage superior to sham treatment for pain and physical function at both short- and long-term follow-ups. These findings came from two studies; the populations studied included people with Back Pain, Chronic Pain, Osteoarthritis, and other conditions.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Addiction
Back Pain
Cancer
Chronic Pain
Endometriosis
Multiple Sclerosis
+5 more
Study result
Massage was compared to an inert therapy (sham treatment) in two studies that showed that massage was superior for pain and function on both short and long-term follow-ups.
Open Swedish (Classic) Massage
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PracticesNasal Irrigation (Neti Pot)CertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect12 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found an analgesic effect in patients with headache (SMD = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.38, 1.26; p < 0.01). In a separate randomized trial of 576 people, headache and body or muscle pain were reported less frequently in the active group, with differences around 0.3 to 0.4.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Allergies
Common Cold
Covid 19
Sinusitis
Study result
patients with headache (SMD = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.38, 1.26; p < 0.01)
Open Nasal Irrigation (Neti Pot)
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PracticesFoam RollingCertaintyMediumSourceRCTSmall effect35 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials involving 148 people found a 6.0% reduction in perceived muscle pain. Another pooled analysis found a small change in local pressure pain thresholds after rolling.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Arthritis
Back Pain
Fibromyalgia
Fracture
Hemophilia
Osteoarthritis
Study result
It also reduced muscle pain perception (+6.0%, g = 0.47)
Open Foam Rolling
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PracticesCardioCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effect6 other sources
Pooled analyses of randomized trials found lower pain intensity, including a result for aerobic exercise measured on a 0–10 cm VAS (SMD = −1.07; 95% CI: −1.57 to −0.57; p < 0.0001). That analysis reported substantial heterogeneity (I² = 86.4%), and the studied conditions included migraine and osteoarthritis.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Migraine
Osteoarthritis
Study result
Liuzijue showed the greatest benefit for pain intensity (MD = -3.69; 95% CI [-5.37, -2.02])
Open Cardio
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PracticesPsychotherapyCertaintyMediumSourceRCT6 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found that psychotherapy improved vulvar pain in women with vulvodynia among 689 people in its pain analysis. A systematic review also reported reduced pain intensity with internet-based emotional awareness and expression therapy compared with a waiting list, with depressive symptoms mediating the effect.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Female Infertility
Neuropathy Peripheral
Study result
Psychotherapy significantly improves vulvar pain, psychological adjustment, and sexual function in women with vulvodynia. (Pain instrument not named in abstract.)
Open Psychotherapy
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PracticesDanceCertaintyMediumSourceRCT3 other sources
A pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found lower pain scores 30 min after the intervention in the dance group than in the control group (SMD = −2.55, 95% CI [−4.69, −0.42], P = 0.02); the analysis included 1,032 people. A separate pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies also reported positive effects on pain severity and pain interference.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Cancer
Study result
The pain scores at 30 min (SMD = −2.55, 95% CI [−4.69, −0.42], P = 0.02) after the intervention were lower in the dance group than in the control group. [pain scale not named in paper; higher = worse]
Open Dance
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PracticesHeating Pads / Warm CompressesCertaintyMediumSourceRCTModerate effectconflicting findings34 other sources
A 2025 pooled analysis of randomized trials found lower pain scores with thermotherapy (SMD −0.68). A 2024 pooled analysis also reported lower pain on the second day postpartum (MD = −0.64); results vary across comparisons, including menstrual pain studies comparing heat patches with analgesic medication.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Back Pain
Cancer
Chronic Kidney Disease
Coronary Artery Disease
Dysmenorrhea
Fibromyalgia
+4 more
Study result
The effect size of thermotherapy, expressed as SMD, was −0.68 (−1.08 to −0.29), Z = 3.37, p < .001; pain measured by various pain scales (lower score = less pain)
Open Heating Pads / Warm Compresses
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PracticesHot BathCertaintyMediumSourceRCTLarge effectconflicting findings19 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found that hydrotherapy reduced labor pain by −0.97 VAS points (or analgesic use) [−1.91, −0.03] among 840 people in its labor-pain analysis. Results depend on the type of pain: a pooled analysis found that hot- and cold-water immersion did not relieve delayed-onset muscle soreness better than control.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Cancer
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Urticaria
Pregnancy
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Study result
Hydrotherapy significantly reduced pain during labor with a mean difference of −0.97 (95% CI: −1.91 to −0.03; I^2 = 97.32%, p < 0.001).
Open Hot Bath
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PracticesIce Bath / Cold PlungeCertaintyMediumSourceRCTModerate effectconflicting findings21 other sources
Pooled analyses reported reduced muscle pain intensity and less muscle soreness after exercise at 24 hour. Findings are not consistent: a pooled analysis involving 283 people estimated a small reduction, but its confidence interval was wide.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Depression
Gout
Study result
CWI significantly reduced muscle pain intensity (SMD = -0.53, 95% CL: -0.91 to -0.10, 8 trails)
Open Ice Bath / Cold Plunge
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PracticesQigongCertaintyMediumSourceRCTSmall effectconflicting findings26 other sources
A 2025 meta-analysis of randomized trials found reduced pain intensity with Qigong and Tai Chi among 729 people in its analysis. A 2023 review of randomized and non-randomized human studies, however, found no clear improvement in cancer-related pain, so results differ across reviews.
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Addiction Drugs
Atrial Fibrillation
Back Pain
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
+8 more
Study result
Qigong and Tai Chi significantly reduced pain intensity (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.07, 95%CI: -1.64 to -0.49, I² = 93%) compared to control groups.
Open Qigong
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PracticesTENS / EMS TherapyCertaintyMediumSourceRCTModerate effectconflicting findings106 other sources
Pooled analyses whose designs were not recorded found lower pain intensity during or immediately after TENS than with placebo (SMD=−0.96, 95% CI −1.14 to −0.78; 4,841 people in this outcome’s analysis). The studies disagree: another pooled analysis found no significant difference in pain relief between groups (SDM = −0.20; 95% CI, −0.58 to 0.18; P = 0.293).
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Back Pain
Breast Cancer
Cancer
Coronary Artery Disease
Depression
Diabetes Type2
+16 more
Study result
Pain intensity (standard subjective scales, e.g. NRS or VAS) was lower during or immediately after TENS compared with placebo (91 RCTs, n=4841, SMD=−0.96, 95% CI −1.14 to −0.78), moderate-certainty evidence.
Open TENS / EMS Therapy
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PracticesYogaCertaintyMediumSourceRCTModerate effectconflicting findings31 other sources
A 2024 pooled analysis whose designs were not recorded found reduced pain among 651 people (SMD = -0.92; 95% CI = -1.64 ~ - 0.20). Studies disagree for some pain-related outcomes: a 2026 pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies could not establish a clear direction for pain related to lymphedema.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Addiction Drugs
Anxiety Disorder
Arthritis
Back Pain
Breast Cancer
Cancer
+20 more
Study result
Yoga exercise showed significant improvements in alleviating pain (SMD = -0.92; 95% CI = -1.64 ~ - 0.20; P = 0.01, I^2 = 94%)
Open Yoga
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PracticesHigh-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)CertaintyMediumSourceRCTconflicting findings9 other sources
A review of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported that HIIT can reduce pain and cancer-related fatigue. In a trial of 93 people with peripheral neuropathy, neuropathy scores decreased in both the HIIT and moderate-intensity continuous training groups; findings across other studies varied, with pain scores unchanged in most studies in one review.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Asthma
Cancer
Copd
Coronary Artery Disease
Diabetes Type2
+12 more
Study result
HIIT decreases pain, improves VO2max, but not QoL... HIIT and combined HIIT can reduce pain and cancer-related fatigue.
Open High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
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PracticesBinaural BeatsCertaintyMediumSourceRCT2 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found that 5 to 10 min of listening to delta-to-alpha-range beats or a pure alpha tone was followed by less pain from hemostat or painful laser stimuli in healthy participants. In a separate pilot, average pain at night improved by 0.5 points from baseline.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Listening to binaural auditory beats with a combination of tones within the delta to the alpha range or a pure alpha tone for 5 to 10 min has resulted in the perception of less pain induced by hemostat or painful laser stimuli in healthy subjects.
Open Binaural Beats
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PracticesFinnish SaunaCertaintyMediumSourceClinical7 other sources
A 2018 pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies reported a 44% reduction in headache intensity in 6 weeks, with a mean change between sauna and control groups of 1.27 points (95% CI 0.48–2.07; p = 0.002); its outcome analysis included 37 people. A 2015 randomized trial also found a difference in headache intensity between groups of 1.27 points (95% confidence interval, 0.48-2.07; F=10.17; df=1, 117; p=0.002).
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Allergic Rhinitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Back Pain
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Common Cold
Copd
+5 more
Study result
Kanji et al. 2015: 44% reduction in headache intensity in 6 weeks; mean change in headache intensity between sauna and control group = 1.27 points (95% CI 0.48–2.07; p = 0.002)
Open Finnish Sauna
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PracticesThai MassageCertaintyMediumSourceClinical13 other sources
A trial of 105 people found that Thai Massage reduced pain during defecation (−5.55 ± 1.92); another trial of 70 people reported pain falling by about four measurement points, with an effect of MD -2.43 points. The findings are not consistent: a trial of 59 people found no difference in pain scores between groups.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Angina
Back Pain
Headache Disorder
Osteoarthritis
Parkinsons Disease
Pregnancy
Study result
Significant reductions in pain during defecation were reported in the Thai massage group (−5.55 ± 1.92).
Open Thai Massage
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PracticesSwimmingCertaintyMediumSourceClinical4 other sources
A review reported improved pain compared with non-exercise controls. In a randomized trial of 30 people with Back Pain, backstroke was associated with lower average pain than breaststroke (mean difference, MD -0.63; 95% CI: -1.17 to -0.10).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Back Pain
Study result
Based on the results of this review, aquatic exercise significantly improved... pain... compared to non-exercise controls (p < 0.05).
Open Swimming
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PracticesYoga NidraCertaintyMediumSourceClinicalLarge effect2 other sources
A pooled analysis of randomized and non-randomized human studies found lower pain compared with passive comparators, with a large effect (SMD -2.05 [-3.64, -0.47]) among 1,176 people in its pain analysis. The finding came from studies of people experiencing menopause.
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Menopause
Study result
Between-group analyses revealed that YGN significantly reduced pain compared to passive comparators (Hedge's g: −2.05, p = 0.01)
Open Yoga Nidra
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Low probability(15)

PracticesAnusara YogaCertaintyLowSourceRCTLarge effect4 other sources
For back pain and osteoarthritis, a meta-analysis whose study designs were not recorded found improved pain scores on the WOMAC and VAS (SMD = -0.92; 95% CI = -1.64 ~ -0.20; P = 0.01, I^2 = 94%). A separate pooled analysis whose study designs were not recorded found reduced labor pain among women receiving yoga and reflexology compared with non-users (SMD:−1.13 (95% CI:−1.99,−0.27)).
How big is the effect
Large effectA big difference on average. Check how strong the evidence is.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Back Pain
Osteoarthritis
Study result
Yoga exercise showed significant improvements in alleviating pain (SMD = -0.92; 95% CI = -1.64 ~ -0.20; P = 0.01, I^2 = 94%) — instruments: WOMAC and VAS
Open Anusara Yoga
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PracticesBox BreathingCertaintyLowSourceRCT1 other source
A pooled review of randomized trials reported decreased postpartum pain, alongside improvements in some lactation-related outcomes.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Surgery Post
Study result
Clinical results were a decrease in postpartum pain and an enhancement in some lactation-related outcomes
Open Box Breathing
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PracticesMobility TrainingCertaintyLowSourceClinical8 other sources
In a randomized controlled trial of 68 people, discomfort decreased by more than 76 ± 6% in the MR group and 73 ± 11% in the CT group; both groups also had reductions in pain and tension. Another randomized controlled trial found lower VAS pain scores in the observation group than the control group 8 weeks after surgery (MD -1.27 points, P < 0.05).
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Fracture
Study result
Both groups experienced significant reductions in pain, tension, and discomfort. ... In the MR group, discomfort decreased by more than 76 ± 6%, whereas a similar reduction of 73 ± 11% was observed in the CT group.
Open Mobility Training
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PracticesInfrared SaunaCertaintyLowSourceClinical6 other sources
A 2009 review of randomized and non-randomized human studies described fair evidence from a single study for infrared sauna therapy in chronic pain. In a 2023 randomized trial involving 16 participants, muscle soreness scores were lower after infrared sauna than after PAS at the postREC- and post14h-measurements.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Chronic Pain
Coronary Artery Disease
Heart Failure
Major Depressive Disorder
Obesity
+1 more
Study result
fair evidence, from a single study, supporting FIRS therapy in chronic pain
Open Infrared Sauna
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PracticesExpressive WritingCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
A review pooling randomized and non-randomized human studies reported modest short-term reductions in pain intensity with expressive writing protocols centered on emotional disclosure, across conditions including Fibromyalgia, Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Fibromyalgia
Lupus
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Study result
Expressive writing protocols centred on emotional disclosure have shown modest short-term reductions in pain intensity across several conditions.
Open Expressive Writing
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PracticesLatin Dance FitnessCertaintyLowSourceClinical3 other sources
A 2014 trial of 107 participants found that neck-shoulder pain intensity on a scale from 0 to 10 fell by 1.3 points in the Zumba group after 12 weeks. Results differ across trials: a 2020 study of 65 participants found no post-intervention group difference for bodily pain.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Study result
After 12 weeks, both the soccer (−1.9, 95% CI, −3.0, −0.8, P=0.001) and the Zumba group (−1.3, 95% CI, −2.3, −0.3, P=0.01) reduced the pain intensity (on a scale from 0 to 10) in the neck-shoulder region
Open Latin Dance Fitness
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PracticesGrounding / EarthingCertaintyLowSourceClinical3 other sources
Findings disagree: a 2019 randomized trial involving 16 participants reported less pain while grounded, whereas a 2015 randomized trial involving 32 participants found pain in both groups and no between-group differences.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Covid 19
Study result
significant decreases in fatigue, depressed mood, tiredness and pain while grounded as compared to not being grounded.
Open Grounding / Earthing
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PracticesAlternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)CertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
In a 2025 randomized trial of 69 people undergoing hemodialysis, average pain intensity after breathing exercises was 0.4 ± 1.19 in the experimental group and 4.06 ± 3.1 in the control group. A 2014 randomized trial reported that Jala Neti, Pranayama and Trataka therapy was equally effective as Headache Saptamrata Lauha therapy.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Chronic Kidney Disease
Study result
Following the application, the average pain intensity in the control group (4.06 ± 3.1) was found to be statistically significantly higher than the average in the experimental group (0.4 ± 1.19) (p... Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is inverted: a decrease is an improvement.
Open Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
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PracticesOil PullingCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
A randomized trial in people with cancer found lower overall pain scores in the treatment group than in the control group: 4.85 versus 7.48, a difference of -2.63 VAS points.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Cancer
Study result
The mean of overall pain score in the treatment group is 4.85 and in the control arm, it is 7.48. So, the difference in the overall pain score in both groups is very highly significant (p < 0.001).
Open Oil Pulling
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PracticesVinyasa YogaCertaintyLowSourceClinical4 other sources
A 2024 pilot study reported an average pain decrease of 0.19 units per week on a scale of 0-10. However, a 2023 randomized trial found no significant interaction for sensitivity to heat pain or endogenous pain modulation.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Study result
Participants reported an average pain decrease of 0.19 ... units per week on a scale of 0-10 ... pain scores consistently decreased over the course of the study.
Open Vinyasa Yoga
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PracticesTranscendental MeditationCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
In an RCT involving 131 people with migraine, headache frequency fell in all groups from 18.9 days per month to 12.5 and 10.5 at 3 and 9 months, respectively; there were no significant differences between groups.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Migraine
Study result
Headache frequency was significantly reduced in all groups from 18.9 days per month to 12.5 and 10.5 at respectively 3 and 9 months (p<0.001), with no significant differences between the groups.
Open Transcendental Meditation
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PracticesFocused Attention MeditationCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
In a cohort study involving people with IBS, pain scores improved in the PD group compared with TAU. Pain improved in 93% (28/30) and resolved in 47% (14/30) of the PD group.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Ibs
Study result
Changes in pain scores from baseline showed improvement in the PD group, 0.67 ± 0.13 vs. TAU 1.39 ± 0.11 (p = 0.0003). Pain improved in 93% (28/30) and resolved in 47% (14/30).
Open Focused Attention Meditation
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PracticesCoherent BreathingCertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
In a 15-person pilot, the SHC musculoskeletal pain score (0–100) was lower at six weeks (95% CI 0.8–17.2 points, p = 0.032) and lower again at three months (95% CI 11.1–25.3 points, p < 0.001).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
The SHC musculoskeletal pain score (scale 0–100) is also reported lower at six weeks (95% CI 0.8–17.2 points, p = 0.032) and is further decreased at three months (95% CI 11.1–25.3 points, p < 0.001).
Open Coherent Breathing
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PracticesLoving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)CertaintyLowSourceClinical1 other source
In a pilot study of 12 participants with a clinical condition, pain severity scores were lower after treatment than at enrollment and treatment baseline.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
BPI Pain Severity was significantly reduced at post-treatment compared to enrollment and treatment baseline; t(11) = 3.75, p = 0.003 and t(11) = 2.45, p = 0.03 respectively
Open Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)
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PracticesWim Hof Method BreathingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical3 other sources
The studies did not support an analgesic effect: a 2023 randomized trial of 42 participants detected no significant time × group interaction in perceived pain (p = 0.231).
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Open Wim Hof Method Breathing
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Very low probability(5)

PracticesRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)CertaintyVery lowSourceMeta-analysisModerate effectconflicting findings136 other sources
A 2026 meta-analysis of randomized trials found pain intensity was 0.89 points lower with photobiomodulation among 373 people in the outcome analysis; another found greater pain relief with high-intensity laser therapy than with topical corticosteroids among 203 people. Results differed across studies: a separate analysis of 162 people found a trend toward pain reduction that was not statistically significant.
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Alopecia Androgenetic
Als
Alzheimers Disease
Anemia Sickle Cell
Back Pain
Breast Cancer
+34 more
Study result
Pain intensity was improved with PBM compared to control [MD = −0.89, 95% CI (−1.38, −0.40), I^2 46%, p = 0.0004].
Open Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
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PracticesBrisk WalkingCertaintyVery lowSourceRCT2 other sources
A 2015 trial found no between-group difference in self-reported pain at 3 or 12 months (0.01 points; 95% CI −0.15 to 0.18). The studies did not support an analgesic effect.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Osteoarthritis
Open Brisk Walking
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PracticesCyclingCertaintyVery lowSourceClinical2 other sources
The studies did not support an analgesic effect: a randomized trial found no 'time' × 'session' interaction for local muscular measures (p=0.588), with a 4.5 ± 16.6 % relative change after exercise and 0.7 ± 10.8 % in the control group.
Who was studied
Healthy people
Open Cycling
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PracticesJump Rope TrainingCertaintyVery lowSourceClinical1 other source
Studies did not support a pain-reducing effect in people with arthritis: an RCT found that pain did not increase during the fitness and exercise programme, which was well tolerated.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Arthritis
Open Jump Rope Training
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PracticesHot YogaCertaintyVery lowSourceClinical1 other source
Human studies have not demonstrated an analgesic effect from Hot Yoga.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Open Hot Yoga
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Practices compared

Practices with at least one trial of their own for this goal. Ranked by how sure the evidence is, then effect size.Top 10 of 42

Practice	How sure	Effect size	Own trials	What worked in trials
Swedish (Classic) Massage	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Large effect	30 trials or pooled analyses	10–30 min · 1–2×/week · 0.4–5 weeks
Breathwork	CertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysis	Large effect	15 trials or pooled analyses	10 min · 4–10.5×/week · 0.3–5 weeks
Nasal Irrigation (Neti Pot)	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Large effect	7 trials or pooled analyses	14–20.3×/week · 2–12 weeks
Hot Bath	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Large effect	6 trials or pooled analyses	20–40 min
Cardio	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Large effect	4 trials or pooled analyses	30–50 min · 1.5–3×/week · 11–12 weeks
Yoga Nidra	CertaintyMediumSourceClinical	Large effect	1 trial or pooled analysis
TENS / EMS Therapy	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Moderate effect	79 trials or pooled analyses	1–30 min · 2–5×/week · 0.4–4 weeks
Pilates	CertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysis	Moderate effect	64 trials or pooled analyses	25–60 min · 1–2×/week · 3–8 weeks
Acupuncture	CertaintyMediumSourceMeta-analysis	Moderate effect	35 trials or pooled analyses	20–30 min · 1–3×/week · 2–6 weeks
Heating Pads / Warm Compresses	CertaintyMediumSourceRCT	Moderate effect	25 trials or pooled analyses	20–25 min · 2–8.5×/week · 0.7–4 weeks

What worked in trials: From the smallest to the typical amount in the trials that found this benefit. Not the most anyone did, not a target and not a limit.

How to read the evidence

Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound

StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.

Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real

Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence

Source — where the data comes from

Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
ClinicalA human clinical study
Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested

Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)

AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only

Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding

A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement

Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.

Full write-up

What is it

An analgesic effect is a reduction in pain intensity or how strongly pain is experienced. It may relate to pain at rest or pain brought on by movement, depending on how the outcome is assessed. This outcome describes pain relief itself; it does not necessarily mean that the underlying condition causing the pain has been resolved or that all pain will disappear. Examples studied in relation to this outcome include Collagen, TENS / EMS Therapy, Tai Chi, and Yoga.

How interventions help

The interventions linked with analgesic effects span movement-based approaches, electrical stimulation, nutritional products, topical or inhaled preparations, and acute procedures. Yoga and Tai Chi were evaluated as ongoing exercise approaches, while TENS / EMS Therapy was evaluated as an active treatment against placebo or no treatment. These options differ in how they are delivered, so their findings should not be treated as interchangeable or as evidence that one approach works for every type of pain.

Timing also varies. Some findings involve an immediate response, such as Magnesium given as a 2 g IV acute single infusion or Lavender Extract at 3 drops inhaled. Other interventions were assessed over days or weeks: Curcumin was studied for 21 days, Sodium Bicarbonate for 6 weeks, Milk Thistle (Silymarin) at 300 mg/day for 8 weeks, and Omega-3 at ≥1500 mg/d for 4-26 weeks. Collagen was studied over 3 years, illustrating that some outcomes are linked to longer-term use rather than a single treatment episode. A daily schedule was not required in the records for several interventions, but that does not show that intermittent use is generally equivalent to continuous use.

The reported changes also use different pain measures and comparisons. For example, TENS / EMS Therapy was associated with a greater reduction in movement-evoked pain than placebo TENS and no TENS, while Omega-3 was compared with placebo and Yoga with comparison care. These results apply to the populations and pain settings studied, which ranged from mixed health statuses to specific conditions such as Migraine, Nociceptive Pain, Osteoarthritis, and Osteoporosis; they should not automatically be extended to unstudied pain causes or situations.

Choosing guidance

The options differ substantially in how quickly they were studied to act and how long they were used. Some were examined as acute, one-time approaches, while others involved repeated use over days, weeks, months, or longer. This makes a short-term intervention difficult to compare directly with an option intended for ongoing use. Route also matters: the evidence includes exercise-based approaches, device-based therapy, inhaled or topical products, injections, and oral products, so the practical experience and exposure are not equivalent.

For evidence that is most directly applicable to people, prioritize options supported by human studies and consider whether the studied population resembles the intended use. Tai Chi was studied in people with a clinical condition, while TENS / EMS Therapy and Yoga included mixed health-status populations. Swimming and Finnish Sauna were also examined in human research, but their findings relate to particular activity or clinical contexts rather than every type of pain.

Interpretation should be more cautious when findings come from animal studies, reviews without confirmed human evidence, anecdotal reports, or pharmacology references. Passionflower, Quercetin, and Black Seed Oil fall into these less directly applicable categories, while CBD and Ginger have review-level findings that should not be treated as equivalent to direct human trial evidence.

Some options also have uncertainty across studies rather than a uniformly consistent result. Magnesium and Ice Bath / Cold Plunge have conflicting evidence, and the Yoga findings show substantial variation between studies. These choices may be more appropriate for readers who value a particular route or activity, but they should not be selected on the assumption that a reported effect will apply equally across pain types or populations.