Immediate Effects of Hegu Needling on Adhesive Scapulohumeral Periarthritis

Objective:To observe the immediate effects of Hegu needling at Ashi points in patients with adhesive scapulohumeral periarthritis (SP). Methods:A total of 60 SP cases were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 30 in each group. Cases in the treatment group were treated with Hegu needling at Ashi points and normal needling at other local points. Cases in the control group were treated with normal needling at local points alone. The therapeutic efficacy was then evaluated and analyzed using short-form of McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) shoulder scoring system. Results:Hegu needling at Ashi points can substantially alleviate pain in patients with adhesive SP, showing a statistically significant difference when compared with the control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). In addition, cases in the treatment group obtained better effects in abductor muscle strength, endurance, arm raising, internal rotation, external rotation, activities of daily living (ADL) and joint stability than those in the control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Conclusion:Hegu needling at Ashi points is effective for adhesive SP.

Therapeutic Efficacy Observation on Combining Intermittent Traction with Warm Needling for Cervical Radiculopathy

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of combined intermittent traction with warm needling for cervical radiculopathy.Methods:A total of 100 cases with cervical radiculopathy were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group.Cases in the observation group were treated with intermittent traction coupled with warm needling,whereas cases in the control group were treated with warm needling alone.The therapeutic efficacy was observed after 20-day treatment.Results:The markedly effective rate in total was 90.0%in the observation group,versus 78.0%in the control group,showing a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).Conclusion:Combining intermittent traction with warm needling is safe,convenient and significantly effective for cervical radiculopathy.It is worth further popularization in clinical practice.

Therapeutic Observation on Heat-sensitive Moxibustion plus Acupoint Injection for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus acupoint injection in treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods: Totally 116 subjects with AS were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 58 each. The treatment group was intervened by heat-sensitive moxibustion plus acupoint injection, and the control was by oral medication. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after 3 treatment courses. Results: The markedly effective rate was 38.9% and the total effective rate was 96.6% in the treatment group versus 11.9% and 67.8% in the control group. The markedly effective rate and total effective rate in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Heat-sensitive moxibustion combining with acupoint injection has better therapeutic efficacy than oral medication in treating AS, and it's easy-to-operate without adverse reactions.

Therapeutic Efficacy Observation on Combining Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Fumigation for Cervical Radiculopathy

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of needling eight neck points and Chinese herbal fumigation for cervical radiculopathy.Methods:A total of 85 cases who met the inclusion criteria of cervical radiculopathy were allocated into a Jiaji(EX-B 2)points group,an eight neck points group and a comprehensive therapy group according to single-blind randomized controlled trial design.The 27 cases in the Jiaji(EX-B 2)points group were treated with needling cervical Jiaji(EX-B 2)points.The 28 cases in the eight neck points group were treated with needling the eight neck points.The 30 cases in the comprehensive therapy group were treated with needling the eight neck points coupled with Chinese herbal fumigation over the affected area.Before and after treatment,the symptoms of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)were graded and the short-form McGill pain questionnaire(SF-MQP)was employed to test pain rating index(PRI),visual analogue scale(VAS)and present pain intensity(PPI).In addition,therapeutic efficacies were compared among three groups.Results:After treatment,all SF-MPQ scores in three groups were significantly reduced,and there were inter-group statistical significant in comparison of scores differences between before and after treatment(P<0.01);there were inter-group statistical differences in the total effective rate(P<0.05).Conclusion:Needling the cervical Jiaji(EX-B 2)points and eight neck points can both alleviate pain in cervical radiculopathy patient.However,combining needling the eight neck points and Chinese herbal fumigation can obtain the better effect.

Clinical Study on Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy by Electroacupuncture plus Tuina

Objective: To observe the clinical effects of electroacupuncture(EA) plus tuina for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Methods: One hundred and twenty cases with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were divided randomly by the digital table into the observation group and control group. The patients in an observation group were treated by EA plus tuina techniques. The patients in the control group were treated by simple tuina techniques. Results: The total effective rate was 91.7% in the observation group and 78.3% in the control group. The effective rates in the two groups were statistically different(P<0.05). Conclusion: EA plus tuina therapy is better than simple tuina therapy in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

Therapeutic Efficacy Observation on Point-toward-point Acupuncture Combined with Herbs Iontophoresis for Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of point-toward-point acupuncture combined with herbs iontophoresis in treating knee osteoarthritis.Methods:A total of 100 patients were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,50 cases in each.Patients in the treatment group received point-toward-point acupuncture with long needle combined with herbs iontophoresis treatment;while those in the control group were only treated by point-toward-point acupuncture with long needle.Clinical efficacies of the two groups were compared after treatment.Results:The total effective rate was 92.0%in the treatment group,versus 82.0%in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:The point-toward-point acupuncture with long needle combined with herbs iontophoresis treatment for knee osteoarthritis has a significant effect.

Treatment of 30 Cases of Vertigo due to Qi-blood Deficiency by Pricking Jingbailao (EX-HN 15) with Fire Needle Therapy

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of fire needle therapy on vertigo due to qi-blood deficiency by pricking Jingbailao (EX-HN 15). Methods: Thirty cases with vertigo due to qi-blood deficiency in conformity with the inclusion criteria were treated with fire needle therapy by pricking Jingbailao (EX-HN15), once every day, seven sessions as one course. The clinical effects were assessed after one course of treatment. Results: After one-course treatment, the results showed cure in 3 cases, remarkable effect in 14 cases, effect in 11 cases and failure in 2 cases out of 30 cases. Conclusion: Fire needle therapy by pricking Jingbailao (EX-HN15) can obviously relieve the clinical symptoms in patients with vertigo due to qi-blood deficiency.

Clinical Study on Puncturing Houxi (SI 3) Toward Hegu (LI 4) plus Lumbar Movement for Acute Lumbar Sprain

Objective: To observe the therapeutic efficacy of puncturing Houxi (SI 3) toward Hegu (LI 4) plus lumbar movement in treating acute lumbar sprain. Methods: A total of 212 patients with acute lumbar sprain were randomized into two groups. There were 106 subjects in the observation group who were treated with puncturing Houxi (SI 3) toward Hegu (LI 4) plus lumbar movement; the other 106 patients in the control group were treated with puncturing Houxi (SI 3) toward Hegu (LI 4) alone. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after 2 treatment courses. Results: The total effective rate was 95.3% in the observation group versus 88.7% in the control group, and the difference was statistically insignificant between the two groups (P>0.05). However, in comparing the treatment times for achieving recovery and effectiveness, differences between the two groups were statistically significant (both P<0.05), indicating that integrated use of acupuncture and exercise is faster in realizing therapeutic effectiveness. Conclusion: By selecting fewer acupoints, puncturing Houxi (SI 3) toward Hegu (LI 4) is effective in treating acute lumbar sprain, and with the help of lumbar movement, it can achieve even better treatment effect.

Clinical Study on Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy plus Electroacupuncture for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of extracorporeal shock wave plus electroacupuncture(EA) on myofascial pain syndrome(MPS) and to investigate its treatment mechanism. Methods: Ninety cases who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into an EA group, an extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT) group and a combined therapy group, 30 in each group. EA was employed in the EA group, extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the ESWT group and EA plus extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the combined therapy group. The VAS, tenderness threshold and therapeutic efficacy were evaluated after three months of treatment. Results: After 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 3 months of treatment, the VAS scores in all three groups were significantly reduced and the tenderness threshold significantly elevated. The recovery rate and total effective rate were 23.3% and 83.3% respectively in the EA group, versus 40.0% and 90.0% in the ESWT group and 63.3% and 96.7% in the combined therapy group, showing statistical differences(P<0.05). Conclusion: EA combined with EWST works remarkably well for MPS.

Warm Needling Moxibustion for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of warm needling moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis(KOA) by a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Sixty cases with KOA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The observation group was treated by warm needling moxibustion. The control group was treated by simple acupuncture. Ten sessions made one course and the two groups were treated for two courses. The scores of knee joint pain, stiffness and knee functions before and after the treatment were observed. Results: The scores of Western Ontario and Mc Master Universities osteoarthritis index(WOMAC) on pain, stiffness and joint functions before and after treatment in both groups were statistically different(all P<0.05). The comparisons of the scores in pain, stiffness and joint function after treatment between the two groups were all statistically different(all P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% in the observation group and 80.0% in the control group. The differences of the clinical effects between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusion: Warm needling moxibustion can improve the clinical symptoms and functions of the patients with KOA, and is better than ordinary acupuncture in the therapeutic effect.

Effect of Tuina on Neurodevelopment in Premature Infants with Brain Injury

Objective: To investigate the effect of tuina on promoting neuro- development of premature infants with brain injury. Methods: A total of 82 cases who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into an intervention group and a control group. In addition to early conventional intervention (Chinese medicinal bath therapy and physical training), specific tuina manipulations (aims to unblock the Governor Vessel, refresh the brain, benefit the kidney and strengthen the spleen) were combined in the intervention group, whereas comforting touch in the control group. The rehabilitation assessments were then made prior to treatment and three months after the treatment using Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), Bayley Scales of Infant Development-Ⅱ (BSID-Ⅱ) and Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) based Developmental Quotient (DQ). Results: The DQ in all GDS areas and scores of GMFM A and B dimensions were significantly increased in both groups after the treatment (P<0.01). The DQ and population mean of GMFM B dimension in the intervention group were higher than those in the control group, showing statistical differences (P<0.05). However, in terms of Mental Development Index (MDI) and Physical Development Index (PDI) in both groups, there were no statistical differences before and after treatments. Conclusion: Both methods combined with conventional early intervention can help to improve the mental and motor development of infants with brain injury. However, the specific tuina manipulations have been proved more effective in improving the infants' gross motor function, particularly the "sitting" item.

Therapeutic Effect of Warm Needling Therapy Combined with Rehabilitation Therapy for Brachial Plexus Injury after Surgery

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of warm needling therapy plus rehabilitation in treating brachial plexus injury after surgery. Methods: Thirty patients suffered from brachial plexus injury after surgery were divided into two groups randomly, 16 in each group. The treatment group was intervened by warm needling therapy together with physical rehabilitation therapy. The control group was intervened by physical rehabilitation therapy only. The warm needling was given once every other day, 3 times a week, 2 weeks as a treatment course, and 2 consecutive courses in total. The physical rehabilitation therapy was given once every day, 5 times a week, 2 weeks as a treatment course, and 2 consecutive courses in total. The Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Questionnaire were respectively used to assess pain and Ability of Daily Living (ADL). The therapeutic effects were compared and analyzed. Results: In the treatment group, 14 patients finished 2-course treatment but 2 dropped out; in the control group, 15 finished but 1 dropped out. After treatment, there were significant differences between the two groups in comparing Sensory Pain Rating Index (S-PRI), Affective Pain Rating Index (A-PRI), Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Present Pain Index (PPI), and DASH scores (P<0.01). The scores of all items in the treatment group had marked changes after 2 treatment courses in comparing the scores before treatment (P<0.01). Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of warm needling therapy combined with rehabilitation therapy is more effective than that of physical rehabilitation therapy only.

Acupuncture Combined with Tuina Treatment for Infantile Diarrhea

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with Tuina for infantile diarrhea. Methods: One hundred and twenty patients met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups at the ratio of 2:1, and there were 80 cases in the treatment group while 40 cases in the control group. The patients in the treatment group were treated with acupuncture combined with tuina, while those in the control group were treated with medication. The effects of two groups were compared after a 3-day treatment. Results: The total effective rate was 97.5% in the treatment group, versus 87.5% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After 48-hour treatments, the antidiarrheal effect of the treatment group was better than that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture combined tuina treatment is effective for infantile diarrhea and works fast.

Clinical Analysis of Acupuncture Combined with Tuina in Treating Cervical Vertigo

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with tuina in treating patients with cervical vertigo. Methods: According to the principle of randomization, 258 cases with cervical vertigo who met the inclusion criteria for the study were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 129 cases in each. The patients in the observation group received acupuncture combined with tuina therapy, while those in the control group were just treated by the same acupuncture therapy as in the observation group. After 10-day continuous treatments, the clinical efficacies of the two groups were analyzed and compared. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was 100%, versus 86.0% of the control group, and the difference was significant(P<0.05). After treatment, cervical range of motion(ROM) scores in both groups were statistically significantly different from those before treatment(all P<0.05); in addition, there was a statistically significant difference in inter-group comparison of ROM score(P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared with simple acupuncture treatment, acupuncture combined with tuina therapy has a better effect in improving the ROM of cervical vertigo patients, with higher clinical efficacy.

Effect of Electroacupuncture Combined with Tuina on Lumbar Muscle Tone in Patients with Acute Lumbar Sprain

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture(EA)combined with tuina on acute lumbar sprain and lumbar muscle tone before and after treatment. Methods: A total of 130 acute lumbar sprain cases were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group, 65 in each group. Cases in the observation group were treated with EA combined with tuina, whereas cases in the control group were treated with Diclofenac Sodium Dual Release Enteric-coated capsules. The muscle tones in two groups were tested before and after treatment. Results: The recovery rate and overall response rate in the observation group were 66.2% and 93.8% respectively, versus 56.9% and 87.7% in the control group, showing no between-group statistical significances(P>0.05). After treatment, the force-displacement area under curve(AUC) in both groups showed a significance difference(P<0.05). Conclusion: Both EA combined with tuina and aforementioned oral medication have remarkable effects for acute lumbar sprain, and the former can better improve the lumbar muscle tone in patients with acute lumbar sprain.

Clinical Observation of Fire-needle Therapy plus Tuina for Senile Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective: To observe the therapeutic efficacy of fire-needle therapy plus tuina in treating primary knee osteoarthritis(KOA) in the elderly. Methods: Twenty-three patients with KOA were intervened by pricking with fire-needle therapy plus tuina, and evaluated by using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index(WOMAC) before and after intervention. Results: After intervention, the total score, scores of pain, rigidity, and activities of daily living of WOMAC dropped significantly(P<0.05). Conclusion: Pricking with fire needle plus tuina can produce a significant therapeutic efficacy in treating KOA in the elderly, thus worth application in clinic.

Therapeutic Observation of Warm Needling plus Tuina for Senile Functional Constipation

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling plus tuina in treating senile functional constipation. Methods: Ninety elderly patients with functional constipation were randomized into two groups. Forty-six patients in the treatment group were intervened by warm needling plus tuina; the other forty-four patients in the control group were intervened by San Huang tablet. Results: In the treatment group, 19 patients were cured, 24 cases showed improvement, 3 cases failed, and the total effective rate was 93.5%; in the control group, 16 patients were cured, 18 cases showed improvement, 10 cases failed, and the total effective rate was 77.3%. There was a significant difference in comparing the therapeutic efficacy(P<0.05), and the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group. Conclusion: Warm needling plus tuina can produce a higher therapeutic efficacy than taking San Huang tablet in treating senile functional constipation.

Observation on Clinical Effect of Superficial Needling for Intractable Humeral Epicondylitis

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of superficial needling for intractable humeral epicondylitis.Methods:Sixty cases in conformity with the inclusion criteria of intractable humeral epicondylitis were randomly divided into two groups,30 cases in each.The cases in the superficial needling group were treated by superficial needling plus moxibustion,while those in the electroacupuncture(EA)group were treated by EA plus moxibustion.After treatment,the improvement of the clinical symptoms and signs were compared between the two groups.Results:The curative rate was 80.0%and the total effective rate was 96.7% in the superficial needling group.The curative rate was 60.0%and the total effective rate was 83.3%in the EA group.The differences in the clinical effects between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:The therapeutic effect of superficial needling plus moxibustion for intractable humeral epicondylitis is better than that of EA plus moxibustion.

Therapeutic Efficacy Observation on Combining Acupuncture,Tuina and Functional Exercise for Transverse Process Syndrome of the Third Lumbar Vertebra

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of combining acupuncture,tuina and functional exercise for transverse process syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra.Methods:A total of 90 cases were randomly allocated into an observation group and a medication group.The 48 cases in the observation group were treated with acupuncture,tuina and functional exercise,whereas the 42 cases in the medication group were treated with Ibuprofen sustained release capsules.Before and after treatment,the short-form McGill pain questionnaire(SF-MPQ)was employed to observe the changes in pain rating index(PRI),visual analogue scale(VAS)and present pain intensity(PPI).In addition,therapeutic efficacies were compared between two groups.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was 97.9%,versus 61.9%in the medication group,showing a statistical difference(P<0.05).After treatment,there were statistical differences between the two groups in sensory PRI score,affective PRI score,total PRI score,VAS score and PPI score(P<0.05);and there were also statistical differences between two groups in clinical sign scoring(P<0.05).After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment,there was a statistical difference between the two groups in relapse rate(P<0.05).Conclusion:Combining acupuncture,tuina and functional exercise can obtain better effects and has a lower relapse rate than Ibuprofen sustained release capsules for transverse process syndrome of the third lumbar vertebra.

Qi-guiding Needling Based on Meridian Differentiation for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Multi-centered, Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To observe the efficacy of acupoint selection by meridian differentiation plus qi-guiding needling in treating lumbar disc herniation(LDH). Methods: By using the random number table, 549 patients with LDH were randomized into two groups. Two hundred and eighty participants in the observation group were intervened by selecting acupoints by meridian differentiation associated with qi-guiding needling method, and the other 269 participants in the control group were by selecting acupoints by meridian differentiation plus electroacupuncture. At the end of intervention, the changes of conduction velocities of the common peroneal nerve, superficial peroneal nerve, and tibial nerve were observed, and the therapeutic efficacies were compared. Results: The total effective rate was 87.5% in the observation group versus 86.6% in the control group, and the difference was statistically insignificant(P>0.05). The recovery rate was 51.8% in the observation group versus 37.2% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). Conclusion: Selecting acupoints by meridian differentiation associated with qi-guiding needling can produce a similar total effective rate to selecting acupoints by meridian differentiation plus electroacupuncture, while its recovery rate is comparatively higher.