Positive Health Online

Abstract

FINK, KUNSEBECK and WIPPERMANN, Abteilung Physikalische Medizin und Rehabilitation Med. Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany examined the effectiveness of needle acupuncture in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the hip .

Background

Methodology

This was a randomized, controlled, patient- and examiner-blinded clinical trial in 67 patients with osteoarthritis of the hip. One group of patients received traditional acupuncture needle placement and manipulation, while a second group received placement of needles away from classic acupuncture positions and the needles were not manipulated. In both groups, the needles were placed within dermatomes L2 to L5. Scores for pain, functional impairment, daily living activities, and overall satisfaction were made before treatment and 2 weeks and 2 months after treatment.

Results

Significant improvements were recorded on all scores in both groups at 2 weeks and 2 months compared with before treatment, and there were no significant differences between the classical acupuncture and the sham-acupuncture groups.

Conclusion

Needle placement in the area of the affected hip improves the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Following the rules of traditional acupuncture techniques appears to be less important.

References

Fink MG et al. Einfluss der Nadelakupunktur auf Schmerzwahrnehmung und Funktionseinschrankung bei Patienten mit Koxarthrose (Effect of needle acupuncture on pain perception and functional impairment of patients with coxarthrosis). Zeitschrift fuer Rheumatologie 59 (3): 191-9. Jun 2000.