Non-Pharmacological Methods in Reducing Injection Pain

ShotBlocker is a flat, horseshoe-shaped device used to reduce pain during subcutaneous or intramuscular (IM) injections. It features short, blunt, non-sharp projections approximately 2 mm in height and is designed to be placed against the skin, with a central opening that exposes the injection site. The device is applied to the skin just prior to injection, with its textured surface making contact with the skin. Although the projections do not penetrate the skin, they are believed to create a sensory stimulus associated with pain modulation based on the gate control theory.

Helfer Skin Tap Technique: After determining the injection site, gently tap the skin several times with the fingertips of the dominant (most commonly used) hand for approximately 5 seconds to relax the muscle. After the skin is wiped with antiseptic solution and stretched, the cap of the syringe in the dominant (most commonly used) hand is opened. A large V is made with the thumb and index finger of the non-dominant hand. The skin is tapped three times quickly using the whole hand to stimulate the major muscle fibers. The nurse/midwife counts to 3, and the needle is inserted into the muscle at a 90-degree angle simultaneously. To remove the needle from the skin, the skin is tapped three times quickly (again in a V shape) with the whole non-dominant hand, and the needle is withdrawn simultaneously with the final tap (tapping).

The Palm Stimulator is 1.6 cm in diameter and 4 cm in length, and has a cylindrical, non-slip, and easy-to-grip structure designed to maximize palm contact. The Palm Stimulator is used by gripping it in the palm during injection. The device has blunt protrusions all around the palm to provide tactile stimulation. These blunt protrusions do not penetrate the skin but, according to gate control theory, create stimulation and close the pain gate in the spinal cord, reducing the pain perceived during injection. The researcher will show the Palm Stimulator, the device providing tactile stimulation, and allow examination. Twenty seconds before the injection, the Palm Stimulator will be placed in the palm of the child's dominant hand so that the child can grasp it. The child will be instructed to hold the device firmly in their palm throughout the procedure. After the injection is complete, the device will be removed from the child.