Acupuncture for Muscle and Joint Pain
At Soma Clinic, we regularly see patients coming in for a variety of muscle and joint pain issues. We share more below.
Have you been diagnosed with cervical spondylosis and considered acupuncture as a way to treat it?
Research references:
1.Acupuncture intervention may be effective and safe for relieving neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis, as demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. [Source]
2.Optimized acupuncture treatment alleviates cervical spondylosis-related neck pain and improves quality of life, with effects persisting for at least 3 months. [Source]
Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain and Strain
Shoulder pain can result from injuries, overuse, or underlying conditions such as rotator cuff tears or frozen shoulder syndrome.
Acupuncture targets trigger points and muscle imbalances, relieving tension and restoring mobility in individuals with shoulder pain.
Clinical trials have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment for shoulder pain, offering significant pain relief and improving shoulder function.
Research references:
1.Acupuncture may be an effective treatment for chronic shoulder pain, with no difference in efficacy between individualized and standardized acupuncture treatment. [Source]
2.Acupuncture shows some benefit in improving shoulder function at four weeks, but its clinical significance diminishes by four months. [Source]
3.Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for shoulder pain when used alongside other management strategies, but its effectiveness as a stand-alone treatment cannot be justified. [Source]
Acupuncture for Migraine
Migraines are severe headaches characterized by intense throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Acupuncture modulates pain pathways and releases neurotransmitters, providing relief from migraine symptoms and preventing future attacks.
Peer-reviewed studies support acupuncture as a safe and effective therapy for reducing the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraines, improving overall quality of life.
At our clinic, for some patients who request, we also use effectively Chinese medicine to treat migraine headaches.
Research references:
1. A 6-week course of acupuncture is not inferior to 6-month prophylactic drug treatment for migraines, and should be integrated into existing migraine therapy protocols. [Source]
2. Acupuncture may reduce migraine pain by altering abnormal neuroplasticity and brain activity, potentially preventing pain signal transmission. [Source]
3. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for shoulder pain when used alongside other management strategies, but its effectiveness as a stand-alone treatment cannot be justified. [Source]
Acupuncture for TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ is short for Temporal Mandibular Joint. TMJ dysfunction is strongly related to jaw pain. Acupuncture is very effective for TMJ pain and dysfunction.
Research references:
1. Acupuncture may be a complementary treatment for temporomandibular dysfunction, eliminating painful symptoms and promoting physical, mental, and emotional balance. [Source]
2. Acupuncture and flat occlusal plane appliance both reduce pain intensity in myogenic temporomandibular dysfunction patients, potentially aiding in chronic pain management. [Source]
3. Acupuncture shows promise in preventing gag reflex and TMJ pain, as well as decreasing anxiety and reducing anxiety in dental conditions like temporomandibular joint dysfunction and facial pain. [Source]
Acupuncture for Knee Pain
Knee pain is a common complaint worldwide, affecting millions and leading to disability and lost productivity. Acupuncture targets trigger points and releases endorphins, providing pain relief and restoring mobility in individuals with knee pain
Acupuncture is also useful for recovery and rehab after an operation. Integrating acupuncture into post-ACL recovery plans can optimize outcomes, reduce recovery time, and enhance overall rehabilitation progress.
Research references:
1. Acupuncture improves pain and joint function more than minimal acupuncture or no acupuncture after 8 weeks, but this benefit decreases over time. [Source]
2. Acupuncture is significantly superior to sham acupuncture and no additional intervention in improving pain and function in patients with chronic knee pain. [Source]
3. Acupuncture is an effective and safe adjunctive therapy for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, improving pain and function without adverse effects. [Source]
Acupuncture for Ankle Injuries
Ankle injuries, such as sprains or fractures, can result from sports activities, accidents, or repetitive strain, causing pain and instability.
Acupuncture accelerates ankle injury recovery by reducing swelling, improving circulation, and promoting tissue repair, facilitating a quicker return to normal function.
Research references:
1. Acupuncture is an effective, safe, and cost-effective treatment for ankle sprain, providing pain relief and functional improvement. [Source]
2. Acupuncture shows some evidence of being a safe and effective treatment for relieving pain and improving functional status in the foot and ankle, with no reported adverse events. [Source]
3. Electroacupuncture effectively reduces ankle sprain pain by suppressing spinal dorsal horn neuron activities through -adrenergic descending inhibitory systems. [Source]