Dr. Sawynok's research interests include the development of novel topical analgesics for treatment of neuropathic pain. They also include complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for chronic pain, especially practices considered to be meditative movement (qigong); this work is collaborative with clinical colleagues and community-based instructors.

J. Sawynok, M. Lynch (2014) Qigong and fibromyalgia: Randomized controlled trials and beyond. Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2014, Article ID 379715, 14 pages M. Lynch, J. Sawynok, C. Hiew, D. Marcon (2012) A randomized controlled trial of qigong for fibromyalgia. Arthritis Research & Therapy 14(4):R178 L. Liu, A. Reid, J. Sawynok (2013) Spinal serotonin-5HT7 and adenosine A1 receptors, as well as peripheral adenosine A1 receptors, are involved in antinociception by systemically administered amitriptyline. Eur J Pharmacol 698:213-219 J. Sawynok, M. Lynch, D. Marcon (2013) Extension trial of qigong for fibromyalgia: A quantitative and qualitative study. Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine Article ID 726062, 1-12 J. Sawynok, J. Liu (2014) Contributions of peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal actions to analgesia. Eur J Pharmacol 734C:114-121 J. Sawynok (2014) Topical and peripheral ketamine as an analgesic. Anesthesia & Analgesia 119:170-178