Positive Health Online

Abstract

KERR and colleagues, Rehabilitation Sciences Research Group, School of Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Jordanstown, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, have studied the use of acupuncture in physiotherapy .

Background

The researchers attempted to determine the current use of acupuncture as a pain-relieving modality within physiotherapy.

Methodology

This was a two-phase study. In the first phase, the records of 599 patients who had attended an outpatient physiotherapy department over a period of 2 years were studied ; in the second phase, a patient survey was conducted amongst 200 outpatients who had received acupuncture from outpatient physiotherapy .

Results

Acupuncture appeared to have been used in patients with spinal pain and soft-tissue injuries of peripheral joints as a secondary form of treatment where other modalities failed, rather than being used for best effect . Despite this, 60% of respondents (78% of those surveyed responded) reported pain relief following the acupuncture; in 31% this lasted to the time of the survey. 80% stated that they had achieved sufficient pain relief to be able to carry out daily activities at home, and 57% were able to work . 94% of respondents were either 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with their treatment .

Conclusion

The authors concluded that further research was necessary to adequately assess the efficacy of acupuncture as a pain-relief measure in physiotherapy.

References

Kerr DP, Walsh DM, Baxter GD. A study of the use of acupuncture in physiotherapy. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 9 (1):21-7. Mar 2001.