Abstract
Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) suffer from both acute and chronic pain. The latter includes avascular necrosis of the hip joints mostly in the adult population. It has a negative impact on the quality of life of affected individuals and is often associated with depression, disability, unemployment and dependence on opioid analgesics. In this study, we show that a non-pharmacologic approach to management with deep tissue/deep pressure massage therapy technique, including neuromuscular trigger point treatment with acupressure, in patients with SCD has a salutary effect on pain relief and quality of life.