12.01.09
Posted in Acupressure, Back Pain at 6:45 pm by Dr. Pharm Tao
Background:
Shiatsu: a type of massage (or acupressure) using thumb and finger pressure at acupuncture points (Brady et al., 2001).
Methods:
A full-body shiatsu treatment for 50 to 60 minutes (Brady et al., 2001).
Clinical trial records:
66 patients with low back pain.
Evaluation:
Each individual was measured before and after four shiatsu treatments on:
- State/trait anxiety, using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.
- Pain level, self-report using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).
Comparisons:
- After the treatment, both pain and anxiety reduced significantly.
- The results have no difference considering variables of: gender, age, gender of therapist, length of history with lower back pain, and medications taken for lower back pain.
Effects:
Shiatsu massage is effective for relieving lower back pain.
Reference and data source:
Brady, L. H., Henry, K., et al. (2001) The effects of shiatsu on lower back pain. J Holist Nurs 19, 57-70.
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Posted in Acupressure, Back Pain at 4:09 pm by Dr. Pharm Tao
Methods:
8-session relaxation acupoint stimulation with electrodes followed by acupressure with lavender oil for 35–40 min each time, over a 3-week period (Yip and Tse, 2004).
Protocol:
- On arrival, patients were asked to empty their bladder.
- Patients sit and relax for 5–10 min., with a digital Electronic Muscle Stimulator under a “soothing mode” (7.69 Hz at 0.05 mA).
- Place 5 pairs of medium sized (2.5 cm) electrode pads on 5 bilateral acupoints: Shousanli (LI10), Quchi (LI11), Naoshu (SI10), Tianliao (TW15) and Tianzhu (BL10).
- Acupressure massage using a light to medium finger press with 3% aromatic natural lavender oil with grape seed oil as the base on 8 fixed acupoints (4 bilateral points) for 2 min each: Sanjiaoshu (UB22), Shenshu (UB23), Dachangshu (UB25) and Weizhong (UB40).
- The acupressure effect (Deqi) was confirmed based on the patient’s feeling of sore, numb, heavy, distended, and/or warm.
- The applied pressure is decided based on feedback from the patient: the point before they had unpleasant and unbearable feelings.
Clinical trial records:
Patients with sub-acute or chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP).
Evaluation:
Changes from baseline to the end of treatment were evaluated in pain intensity by
- Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and duration.
- Lateral fingertip-to-ground distance in centimeters.
- Walking time and interference on daily activities.
Control:
Usual care only.
Comparisons:
One week after the end of treatment, compared with the control group, the acupressure group had
- 39% greater reduction in VAS pain intensity.
- Better walking time.
- Improved lateral spine flexion range.
- No adverse effects were reported.
Effects:
- Acupoint stimulation followed by acupressure with aromatic lavender oil was an effective method for short-term LBP relief.
- The combination therapy of acupoint stimulation and acupressure with aromatic lavender oil may complement mainstream medical treatment for sub-acute LBP.
Reference and data source:
Yip, Y. B. and Tse, S. H. (2004) The effectiveness of relaxation acupoint stimulation and acupressure with aromatic lavender essential oil for non-specific low back pain in Hong Kong: a randomised controlled trial. Complement Ther Med 12, 28-37.
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Posted in Acupressure, Back Pain at 2:42 pm by Dr. Pharm Tao
Methods:
Acupressure or physical therapy for one month (Hsieh et al., 2006).
Clinical trial records:
129 patients with chronic low back pain.
Evaluation:
Standard outcome measures for low back pain after treatment and at six month follow-up, primary outcomes measured using Roland and Morris disability questionnaire.
Comparisons:
- In the acupressure group, the mean total Roland and Morris disability questionnaire score after treatment was significantly lower than in the physical therapy group.
- Compared with physical therapy, acupressure had an 89% reduction in significant disability.
- The improvement in the acupressure group sustained at six month follow-up.
- Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in all domains after treatment and at six month follow-up: the core outcome, pain visual scale, and modified Oswestry disability questionnaire.
Effects:
Acupressure was effective in relieving low back pain regarding disability, pain scores, and functional status. The benefit was remained for six months.
Reference and data source:
Hsieh, L. L., Kuo, C. H., et al. (2006) Treatment of low back pain by acupressure and physical therapy: randomised controlled trial. Bmj 332, 696-700.
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