Acupuncture:

Acupressure Massage (APM)

Acupressure massage (APM) is a practice of applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve pain and promote well-being,  which like acupuncture, is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principals. Instead of manipulating large areas of the body like a typical massage, it focuses on stimulating specific “acupoints” which are points along along energy pathways called meridians. Acupressure massage can be used for various benefits, including relieving headaches, muscle pain and muscle tension, nausea, and stress. 
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic healthcare system that originated in China thousands of years ago, offering a different approach to health and wellness compared to Western medicine. TCM focuses on balancing the body’s energy, or “Qi” (pronounced “chee”), which is believed to flow along channels in the body called meridians. Any imbalance or blockage of the flow of Qi is believed to lead to illness.

 

Acupressure massage involves massaging specific acupoints (whereas acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles)  along the meridians to stmulate the flow of Qi and alleviate pain and other conditions.

For more information on TCM and acupuncture, See: Acupuncture – Introduction

See:

 

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Nutraceuticals:

 

 

Acupressure Massage (AM)

The most common reasons individuals seek acupressure massage (APM) are for symptom management of pain (especially musculoskeletal pain and menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), nausea and vomiting (including during pregnancy and chemotherapy), sleep disturbances, fatigue, and psychological symptoms such as stress and depression. The medical conditions most effectively treated with acupressure massage, based on current evidence, are primary dysmenorrhea, low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, nausea/vomiting, and sleep disturbances.

Pain management is the most common reason people seek APM. Multiple High quality research trials confirm acupressure to be effective for reducing pain severity in primary dysmenorrhea, both in adolescents and adults, with benefits also seen for related menstrual symptoms and comfort.[1][2][3][4][5] Acupressure is also effective for chronic low back pain, improving both pain and disability scores, and for knee osteoarthritis, where it reduces pain and improves function.[6][7][8]

Nausea and vomiting are other common reasons for using APM, particularly in pregnancy (including hyperemesis gravidarum) and during chemotherapy. Acupressure at the P6 point has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing nausea and vomiting compared to placebo in these populations.[9][10][11]

Sleep disturbances and fatigue are frequently targeted, especially in older adults and those with chronic pain. APM has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue, with some evidence for benefits in depression and psychological well-being in older populations.[10][12][8]

Other symptoms and conditions with supportive evidence include dyspnea, stress, and agitation, though findings are less consistent for anxiety and agitation.[9][10][12]

In summary, APM is most commonly sought for pain (especially dysmenorrhea and musculoskeletal pain), nausea/vomiting, and sleep/fatigue issues, and the strongest evidence supports its use for primary dysmenorrhea, low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and nausea/vomiting. The quality of evidence varies, and while acupressure is generally safe, more rigorous trials are needed to further define its role.[9][3][7]

References

  1. The Effects of Acupressure and Massage on Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Eryılmaz S, Uçar T. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine. 2025;31(4):378-387. doi:10.1089/jicm.2023.0721.
  2. The Effect of Acupressure on Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, and Comfort in Adolescents With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Aksoy-Can A, Buldum A, Abiç A, Vefikuluçay-Yilmaz D. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2025;25(1):221. doi:10.1186/s12906-025-04965-0.
  3. Efficacy and Safety of Acupressure for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Yu X, Liu B, Li J, et al. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2025;:103272. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103272.
  4. The Effect of Acupressure Applied to Sanyinjiao (SP6) on Primary Dysmenorrhea. Dincer Y, Oskay U. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2023;29(1):16-22.
  5. Acupuncture for Dysmenorrhoea. Smith CA, Armour M, Zhu X, et al. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016;4:CD007854. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007854.pub3.
  6. Self-Administered Acupressure for Probable Knee Osteoarthritis in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Yeung WF, Chen SC, Cheung DST, et al. JAMA Network Open. 2024;7(4):e245830. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.5830.
  7. Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Acupressure on Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Li T, Li X, Huang F, et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2021;2021:8862399. doi:10.1155/2021/8862399.
  8. Self-Administered Acupressure for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial. Murphy SL, Harris RE, Keshavarzi NR, Zick SM. Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.). 2019;20(12):2588-2597. doi:10.1093/pm/pnz138.
  9. The Efficacy of Acupressure for Symptom Management: A Systematic Review. Lee EJ, Frazier SK. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2011;42(4):589-603. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.01.007.
  10. Effect of Self-Acupressure for Symptom Management: A Systematic Review. Song HJ, Seo HJ, Lee H, et al. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2015;23(1):68-78. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2014.11.002.
  11. Treatments for Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review. McParlin C, O’Donnell A, Robson SC, et al. JAMA. 2016;316(13):1392-1401. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.14337.
  12. An Integrative Review of Acupressure Interventions for Older People: A Focus on Sleep Quality, Depression, Anxiety, and Agitation. Hmwe NTT, Browne G, Mollart L, Allanson V, Chan SW. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2019;34(3):381-396. doi:10.1002/gps.5031.

Acupressure Massage vs Acupuncture

Both acupressure massage and acupuncture have evidence supporting their effectiveness for symptom management, particularly pain, but the quality and quantity of evidence for acupuncture is generally stronger and more consistent across conditions.

For pain management, especially in chronic pain and cancer populations, High quality research shows that both acupuncture and acupressure are associated with statistically significant reductions in pain intensity. For example, a meta-analysis in cancer pain found that acupuncture (including auricular acupuncture) and acupressure (including auricular acupressure and acupoint massage) both produced clinically meaningful pain reductions.

For other conditions, such as low back pain, dysmenorrhea, and premenstrual syndrome, acupressure massage shows benefit for symptom reduction, but the evidence is limited.[3][4][5][6][7]  Acupuncture, in contrast, has a larger body of moderate- to high-quality evidence supporting its efficacy for chronic pain, migraine, tension-type headache, and postoperative nausea and vomiting, with systematic reviews and meta-analyses consistently showing benefit, though some conditions still have equivocal or low-certainty evidence.[8][9][10][11]

In summary, acupuncture has a broader and more robust evidence base for efficacy across multiple conditions, while acupressure massage demonstrates promising but generally less well-established benefits, especially for pain and symptom management. Both modalities are safe and may be considered as complementary approaches, but acupuncture is more likely to be supported by higher-certainty evidence for a wider range of indications.

References

  1. Invasive or Noninvasive? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Acupuncture and Acupressure to Treat Cancer Pain. Wei W, Yao B, Sun X, et al. Supportive Care in Cancer : Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. 2025;33(11):997. doi:10.1007/s00520-025-10068-w.
  2. Clinical Evidence for Association of Acupuncture and Acupressure With Improved Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. He Y, Guo X, May BH, et al. JAMA Oncology. 2020;6(2):271-278. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2019.5233.
  3. Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Acupressure on Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Li T, Li X, Huang F, et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2021;2021:8862399. doi:10.1155/2021/8862399.
  4. The Efficacy of Acupressure for Symptom Management: A Systematic Review. Lee EJ, Frazier SK. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2011;42(4):589-603. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.01.007.
  5. Acupuncture and Acupressure for Premenstrual Syndrome. Armour M, Ee CC, Hao J, et al. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2018;8:CD005290. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005290.pub2.
  6. The Effects of Acupressure and Massage on Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Eryılmaz S, Uçar T. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine. 2025;31(4):378-387. doi:10.1089/jicm.2023.0721.
  7. Self-Administered Acupressure for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial. Murphy SL, Harris RE, Keshavarzi NR, Zick SM. Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.). 2019;20(12):2588-2597. doi:10.1093/pm/pnz138.
  8. The State of Evidence in Acupuncture: A Review of Metaanalyses and Systematic Reviews of Acupuncture Evidence (Update 2017-2022). Hempen M, Hummelsberger J. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2025;89:103149. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2025.103149.
  9. Acupuncture for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain. Mu J, Furlan AD, Lam WY, et al. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2020;12:CD013814. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD013814.
  10. Acupuncture: Theory, Efficacy, and Practice. Kaptchuk TJ. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2002;136(5):374-83. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-136-5-200203050-00010.
  11. Use of Acupuncture for Adult Health Conditions, 2013 to 2021: A Systematic Review. Allen J, Mak SS, Begashaw M, et al. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(11):e2243665. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.43665.

Acupressure Massage (AM) – Trigger Points and Myofascial Pain 

At Accurate Clinic and most pain management programs, the most common source of chronic pain is myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), including (trigger points (MTrPs) and localized muscle pain). MPS is characterized by regional pain and dysfunction due to MTrPs in muscle and fascia, both acutely or chronically.[1]

MPS frequently accompanies chronic spine pain of the neck and back related to their arthritis and/or disc problems. Myofascial pain also frequently accompanies joint pain, especially the shoulder muscles that elevate and move the shoulder .

Effectiveness:

  • Acupressure massage (APM) demonstrates efficacy for pain reduction and functional improvement in chronic low back pain and myofascial pain, outperforming physical therapy and massage.[2][3] APM improves pain scores and disability indices at medium-term (6 months) follow-up, but evidence for direct effects on myofascial pathology (e.g., trigger point resolution or tissue remodeling) is limited. Combined therapy (acupressure plus acupuncture) may enhance outcomes over either modality alone.[2] Most studies focus on symptomatic relief rather than objective tissue changes, and evidence quality is often downgraded due to research limitations.[2]

References

  1. Probable Mechanisms of Needling Therapies for Myofascial Pain Control. Chou LW, Kao MJ, Lin JG. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2012;2012:705327. doi:10.1155/2012/705327.
  2. Evidence-Based Clinical Guidelines For Multidisciplinary Spine Care. D. Scott Kreiner MD, Paul Matz MD, Daniel K. Resnick MD MS, et al. American Academy of Pain Medicine (2020).
  3. Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Acupressure on Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Li T, Li X, Huang F, et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2021;2021:8862399. doi:10.1155/2021/8862399.

 

Durability of Benefits with APM

Acupressure, often combined with manual therapy, provides significant pain reduction and functional improvement in chronic low back pain and myofascial pain, with effects observed up to 3–6 weeks post-treatment.[9] In a large cohort, two sessions of manual therapy plus acupressure led to a mean pain reduction of 36 mm on a 100 mm VAS at 3 weeks, with sustained improvement in disability and daily function.[9] However, there is a lack of longitudinal imaging or biomarker studies directly demonstrating tissue remodeling (e.g., changes in muscle stiffness or trigger point resolution) after acupressure. Most evidence focuses on symptomatic relief rather than objective tissue changes, and durability beyond several weeks is less well characterized.

Comparative summary:

– Dry needling and acupuncture: Strong evidence for both pain relief and tissue normalization, with durable effects up to 6 months; supported by imaging and histology.[1][2][5][8]

– Acupressure massage: Effective for pain and function up to several weeks; durability and tissue effects less well documented, with a need for more objective studies.[9]

In summary, dry needling and acupuncture offer more robust and durable pain relief and tissue changes for myofascial pain, as demonstrated by longitudinal imaging and biomarker studies, while acupressure is effective for short- to medium-term symptom relief but lacks direct evidence for sustained tissue remodeling.

References

  1. Is Dry Needling Applied by Physical Therapists Effective for Pain in Musculoskeletal Conditions? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sánchez-Infante J, Navarro-Santana MJ, Bravo-Sánchez A, Jiménez-Diaz F, Abián-Vicén J. Physical Therapy. 2021;101(3):pzab070. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzab070.
  2. Effectiveness of Dry Needling for Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized, Single-Blinded, Clinical Trial. Cerezo-Téllez E, Torres-Lacomba M, Fuentes-Gallardo I, et al. Pain. 2016;157(9):1905-1917. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000591.
  3. The Effect of Dry Needling in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial. Tekin L, Akarsu S, Durmuş O, et al. Clinical Rheumatology. 2013;32(3):309-15. doi:10.1007/s10067-012-2112-3.
  4. Clinical Effectiveness of Dry Needling in Patients With Musculoskeletal Pain-an Umbrella Review. Chys M, De Meulemeester K, De Greef I, et al. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023;12(3):1205. doi:10.3390/jcm12031205.
  5. Acupuncture Versus Sham Acupuncture: A Meta-Analysis on Evidence for Longer-Term Effects of Acupuncture in Musculoskeletal Disorders. Lenoir D, De Pauw R, Van Oosterwijck S, Cagnie B, Meeus M. The Clinical Journal of Pain. 2020;36(7):533-549. doi:10.1097/AJP.0000000000000812.
  6. Acupuncture Therapy on Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Xiong J, Zhou X, Luo X, et al. Frontiers in Neurology. 2024;15:1374542. doi:10.3389/fneur.2024.1374542.
  7. Acupuncture for Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Network Meta-Analysis of 33 Randomized Controlled Trials. Li X, Wang R, Xing X, et al. Pain Physician. 2017;20(6):E883-E902.
  8. Ultrasound Features of Myofascial Trigger Points: A Multimodal Study Integrating Preliminary Histological Findings From the Upper Trapezius. Cao W, Yin L, Sun H, et al. Scientific Reports. 2025;15(1):20510. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-05869-2.
  9. Assessment of a Manual Therapy and Acupressure Method as a Treatment of Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Prospective, Observational and Non-Interventional Cohort Study. Ducret G, Guillaume M, Fardini Y, Vejux S, Chaabi H. Medicine. 2024;103(51):e40891. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000040891.

Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs)

Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are associated with distinct pathophysiologic changes in muscle and fascia, including increased muscle stiffness, localized contraction knots, muscle fiber atrophy, adipose tissue hyperplasia, and altered perfusion. Objective imaging—especially ultrasound elastography—can reliably detect these changes and monitor their resolution following interventions such as acupuncture or dry needling.

Pathophysiology:

MTrPs are hyperirritable nodules within taut bands of skeletal muscle, often resulting from muscle overuse, trauma, or postural imbalance. Histologically, affected muscle shows fiber atrophy, increased connective tissue (including glycosaminoglycan infiltration), and sometimes contraction knots, with altered local biochemistry (e.g., increased inflammatory mediators, low pH, and abnormal calcium handling).[1][2][3] Fascia may also thicken and stiffen, contributing to pain propagation and chronicity.[4]

Imaging and Biomarker Evidence:

Ultrasound elastography and Doppler imaging are the most validated modalities for assessing MTrPs. Studies show that affected muscles are thicker and stiffer (higher Young’s modulus), with increased deep fascia thickness and altered vascular parameters compared to healthy tissue.[5][6][7][8] For example, in patients with upper trapezius MTrPs, ultrasound revealed increased muscle and fascia thickness and stiffness, which decreased after dry needling, alongside improved perfusion and reduced pain scores.[5] Similarly, elastography can differentiate MTrPs by size, depth, and stiffness, correlating with clinical pain.[7]

Intervention Effects:

Acupressure massage (APM) has been shown to reduce muscle and fascia thickness and stiffness, improve local blood flow, and decrease pain—with objective changes measurable by ultrasound within hours of treatment.[5][9][10][11] Histological analysis post-intervention shows reversal of some pathological features, such as reduced muscle fiber atrophy and improved tissue architecture.[5] While most imaging studies focus on needling therapies, the mechanistic rationale for acupressure is similar, but direct imaging evidence for acupressure-induced tissue changes is limited.

In conclusion, MTrPs are characterized by quantifiable changes in muscle and fascia, and needling therapies (including acupuncture) can objectively reverse these changes, correlating with pain relief. Ultrasound-based imaging is the current standard for monitoring these effects. Direct evidence for acupressure-induced tissue changes is less robust, but mechanistic overlap is likely.

References

  1. Myofascial Pain Syndrome: An Update on Clinical Characteristics, Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Steen JP, Jaiswal KS, Kumbhare D. Muscle & Nerve. 2025;71(5):889-910. doi:10.1002/mus.28377.
  2. A New Unified Theory of Trigger Point Formation: Failure of Pre- And Post-Synaptic Feedback Control Mechanisms. Gerwin RD. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023;24(9):8142. doi:10.3390/ijms24098142.
  3. Experimental Myofascial Trigger Point Creation in Rodents. Margalef R, Sisquella M, Bosque M, et al. Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985). 2019;126(1):160-169. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00248.2018.
  4. Scoping Review and Interpretation of Myofascial Pain/Fibromyalgia Syndrome: An Attempt to Assemble a Medical Puzzle. Plaut S. PloS One. 2022;17(2):e0263087. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0263087.
  5. Ultrasound Features of Myofascial Trigger Points: A Multimodal Study Integrating Preliminary Histological Findings From the Upper Trapezius. Cao W, Yin L, Sun H, et al. Scientific Reports. 2025;15(1):20510. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-05869-2.
  6. Assessment of Myofascial Trigger Points via Imaging: A Systematic Review. Mazza DF, Boutin RD, Chaudhari AJ. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2021;100(10):1003-1014. doi:10.1097/PHM.0000000000001789.
  7. Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP) Size and Elasticity Properties Can Be Used to Differentiate Characteristics of MTrPs in Lower Back Skeletal Muscle. Tsai P, Edison J, Wang C, et al. Scientific Reports. 2024;14(1):7562. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-57733-4.
  8. Assessment of Myofascial Trigger Points Using Ultrasound. Kumbhare DA, Elzibak AH, Noseworthy MD. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 2016;95(1):72-80. doi:10.1097/PHM.0000000000000376.
  9. Acupuncture Therapy on Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Xiong J, Zhou X, Luo X, et al. Frontiers in Neurology. 2024;15:1374542. doi:10.3389/fneur.2024.1374542.
  10. Acupuncture for Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Network Meta-Analysis of 33 Randomized Controlled Trials. Li X, Wang R, Xing X, et al. Pain Physician. 2017;20(6):E883-E902.
  11. Therapeutic Effect of Superficial Acupuncture in Treating Myofascial Pain of the Upper Trapezius Muscle: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Wang CC, Huang TH, Chiou KC, Chang ZY. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2018;2018:9125746. doi:10.1155/2018/9125746.
  12. Myofascial Trigger Point Pain Syndromes. Gerwin RD. Seminars in Neurology. 2016;36(5):469-473. doi:10.1055/s-0036-1586262.

Mechanism of Action

  • Proposed Western Neurophysiological Mechanisms:
    • Acupuncture and acupressure massage (APM) stimulate sensory nerves at trigger points, modulating pain via the gate control theory and descending inhibitory pathways.
    • Triggers release of endogenous opioids (e.g., endorphins) and modulates neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.
    • Reduces local muscle tension and ischemia in trigger points, improving blood flow and oxygenation.
    • Interaction with myofascial nerve plexus
  • TCM Perspective: Acupuncture and acupressure massage (APM) are thought to restore qi flow and resolve stagnation in meridians, though this is less emphasized in modern research.
  • Electroacupuncture: Enhances effects by stimulating muscle fibers, potentially disrupting taut bands in trigger points and promoting muscle relaxation.

Safety

  • Adverse Events: Acupuncture and acupressure massage (APM) are safe with a low risk of serious adverse events. Common side effects include:
    • Minor pain or soreness at needle sites (~30–48% of trials).
    • Bruising or bleeding (~10–20%).
    • Transient dizziness or fatigue (~5–10%).
  • Serious Risks: Rare (e.g., pneumothorax, infection), occurring in <0.01% of cases when performed by trained practitioners using sterile needles.
  • Comparison: Acupuncture has fewer side effects than pharmacological treatments (e.g., NSAIDs, muscle relaxants) commonly used for myofascial pain.

Cost

  • Range: $50–$150 per session in the U.S., depending on location, practitioner expertise, and session length.
  • Insurance Coverage: Variable, with some plans covering acupuncture for chronic pain (e.g., Medicare for chronic low back pain since 2020). Coverage for myofascial pain specifically is less common, often requiring out-of-pocket payment.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Limited data, but a 2021 study suggested acupuncture may be cost-effective for chronic pain when compared to long-term NSAID use, given reduced medication-related adverse events.

Evidence Quality

  • Overall Quality: Moderate to high for short-term pain relief and functional improvement in myofascial pain, based on well-conducted RCTs and meta-analyses.
  • Strengths:
    • Large sample sizes in recent meta-analyses (e.g., n=1,892 in Li et al., 2022).
    • Consistent findings across studies for neck and shoulder myofascial pain.
    • Inclusion of sham-controlled trials strengthens evidence for specific acupuncture effects.
  • Limitations:
    • Heterogeneity in acupuncture protocols (e.g., manual vs. electroacupuncture, point selection) reduces generalizability.
    • Limited long-term follow-up (>6 months) data.
    • Potential bias in some trials due to inadequate blinding or small sample sizes.
    • Lack of standardization in myofascial pain diagnosis across studies (e.g., varying criteria for trigger point identification).
  • Research Gaps: More studies are needed on long-term efficacy, optimal dosing, and comparisons with other non-pharmacological treatments (e.g., manual therapy).

References

  • Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, et al. (2020). Effectiveness of acupuncture for myofascial pain syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pain Res. DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S247110.
  • Li X, et al. (2022). Acupuncture for myofascial trigger point pain: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Acupunct Med. DOI: 10.1177/09645284211056332.
  • Zhang Y, et al. (2024). Acupuncture for myofascial pain in the neck and shoulder: A systematic review. Complement Ther Med. DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.103012.
  • Vickers AJ, et al. (2020). Acupuncture for chronic pain: Update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. J Pain. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005.
  • NCCIH: Acupuncture Effectiveness and Safety. (2020). Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-what-you-need-to-know.
  • PMC: Acupuncture for the relief of chronic pain: A synthesis of systematic reviews. (2020). DOI: 10.3390/medicina56010006.
  • AAFP: Acupuncture for pain. (2019). Available at: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0715/p89.html.

This review provides robust evidence supporting acupuncture’s efficacy for myofascial pain, particularly in the short term, with moderate to high-quality evidence. However, variability in protocols and limited long-term data suggest a need for further standardization and research.

 

 

 

Emphasis on Education

 

Accurate Clinic promotes patient education as the foundation of it’s medical care. In Dr. Ehlenberger’s integrative approach to patient care, including conventional and complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatments, he may encourage or provide advice about the use of supplements. However, the specifics of choice of supplement, dosing and duration of treatment should be individualized through discussion with Dr. Ehlenberger. The following information and reference articles are presented to provide the reader with some of the latest research to facilitate evidence-based, informed decisions regarding the use of conventional as well as CAM treatments.

 

For medical-legal reasons, access to these links is limited to patients enrolled in an Accurate Clinic medical program.

 

Should you wish more information regarding any of the subjects listed – or not listed –  here, please contact Dr. Ehlenberger. He has literally thousands of published articles to share on hundreds of topics associated with pain management, weight loss, nutrition, addiction recovery and emergency medicine. It would take years for you to read them, as it did him.

 

For more information, please contact Accurate Clinic.

 

 

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