Evaluating Helfer Skin Tap and ShotBlocker Techniques to Reduce Pain from Intramuscular Injections in Adolescents with Menstrual Pain

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating non-drug methods to manage menstrual pain dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls aged 12 to 18. The study focuses on two techniques the Helfer Skin Tap Technique HSTT and the ShotBlocker device, which aim to reduce pain during intramuscular injections in the emergency department. The study compares these methods to standard injection procedures without pain management to understand their effects on pain intensity and emotional well-being. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups one group receives the Helfer Skin Tap Technique involving gentle skin taps before injection, another group uses the ShotBlocker device which applies pressure to block pain signals, and the control group receives a standard intramuscular injection without any additional pain relief methods. The study runs from October 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025, at a hospital emergency department. During the study, pain levels are measured using the Visual Analog Scale immediately after the injection and at 10 and 30 minutes post-injection. Researchers also assess emotional well-being and quality of life related to menstrual pain. All participants are monitored for any adverse effects. The goal is to find effective non-pharmacological options to help adolescents manage menstrual pain and improve their daily functioning.

The Effect of Distraction Techniques Used in Intramuscular (IM) Injections on Pain in Adolescents Presenting to the Emergency Department With Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Study