September 28, 2004 – The effects of acupressure to treat lower back pain have been shown to be superior to those of physiotherapy, in addition to lasting well after treatment, according to a study published in Preventive Medicine.
The clinical trial, conducted by Taiwanese researchers, was conducted with 146 participants aged 16 to 84, all with chronic low back pain. They were randomly divided into two treatment groups, one with acupressure, the other with physiotherapy.
After receiving six treatments in four weeks, not only was acupressure more effective than physiotherapy at reducing pain, it was still so six months later. During the follow-up conducted by the researchers, the intensity of twinges, pinches and other penetrating pains always appeared to be less in the participants who received acupressure, compared to those experienced by the participants in the physiotherapy group.
Acupressure is a method derived from acupuncture. Rather than inserting a needle into the skin, the practitioner exerts gentle, firm pressure on the same meridian points to release the tension. The physiotherapy sessions consisted of various interventions prescribed according to the needs of each participant, as identified by an experienced therapist. The application of heat, phototherapy (infrared rays), exercise, neurostimulation and manipulation of the pelvis are the main means employed.
The authors of the study point out that the success of the acupressure technique depends greatly on the skills and experience of the practitioner. They believe that this method would benefit from being standardized in order to ensure its continued effectiveness.
Marie france Coutu – PasseportSanté.net
1.Hsieh LL, Kuo CH, Yen MF, Chen TH, A randomized controlled clinical trial for low back pain treated by acupressure and physical therapy, Preventive Medicine, July 2004, Vol. 39, No. 1, 168-76.
