A Comparison between the Use of Patient-worn Virtual Reality in Wound Care and Hand Surgery: How Does Virtual Reality Work? by Sean K. Park, MD, MS, Tannur C. Oakes, MD, Judith C. Lin, MD, MBA, Ruby Chahal, DPM, James H.W. Clarkson, MD

“…VR seems to be more effective in higher anxiety settings, could VR work via a neurological mechanism akin to the Melzack and Wall gate control theory of pain? VR may act primarily on the anxiety axis, providing negative feedback via cortical pathways to the amygdala.…”
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The Use of Locally Applied Vibration to Minimize Pain during Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy in Living Liver-Donor Scar Management by Sinyoung Song, Dong Hoon Choi, Tae Suk Oh

“…This study analyzed the impact of a vibrating device to nonpharmacologically reduce the acute pain of laser treatment, in accordance with the gate control theory of pain management. Methods This is a prospective study performed from May 2013 through March 2014. …”
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Low-threshold mechanoreceptors play a frequency-dependent dual role in subjective ratings of mechanical allodynia by Löken, L, Duff, E, Tracey, I

“…These results provide a framework to resolve the apparent paradox of how touch can inhibit pain, as proposed by the Gate Control Theory and the existence of dynamic mechanical allodynia.…”

The Role of Acupressure in Labor Pain Management: A Comprehensive Analysis of Efficacy and Maternal Outcomes by Meng Zhang, Yu Wang, Huixian Zhou, Siyuan Song, Jie Mu

“…Mechanistically, acupressure alleviates pain through the gate control theory, stimulation of endogenous opioid release, and modulation of pain-related brain regions, such as the anterior cingulate cortex and insula. …”
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Spinal Cord Stimulation for Refractory Angina Pectoris: Current Status and Future Perspectives, a Narrative Review by Roberto Gazzeri, Jacopo Mosca, Felice Occhigrossi, Marco Mercieri, Marcelo Galarza, Matteo Luigi Giuseppe Leoni

“…Proposed mechanisms include modulation of pain signals via the gate control theory, enhancement of autonomic balance, and redistribution of myocardial perfusion. …”
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Transnasal endoscopy-guided percutaneous access to the sphenopalatine ganglion for neurostimulation in the treatment of primary headache: operative technique and feasibility by Miguel Soares Tepedino, Pedro Mino Vianna, Carlos Henrique A.B. Baptista, Daniel Lopes Marques Simoes Ferreira, Mariana Mafra Junqueira

“…Invasive therapies targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion have been performed in these headache syndromes and can have a medication-sparing effect, especially in refractory, difficult-to-manage cases. The gate control theory of pain suggests that electric pulses delivered to nerve tissues can modulate neuronal activity, thus aiding in management of nociceptive or neuropathic pain, and studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of sphenopalatine ganglion neurostimulation. …”
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Effect of a Vibration System on Pain Reduction during Injection of Dental Anesthesia in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial by Muhanad AlHareky, Jehan AlHumaid, Sumit Bedi, Maha El Tantawi, Mazin AlGahtani, Yousef AlYousef

“…Background. The ‘‘gate control’’ theory suggests pain can be reduced by simultaneous activation of larger diameter nerve fibers using appropriate coldness, warmth, rubbing, pressure, or vibration. …”
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Spinal cord stimulation: beyond pain management by J.H. Tapias Pérez

“…Introduction: The gate control theory of pain was the starting point of the development of spinal cord stimulation (SCS). …”
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