Clinical observation of Jingu three-needle therapy combined with Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture on complex regional pain syndrome after stroke

Abstract

To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of Jingu three-needle therapy combined with Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture on complex regional pain syndrome typeⅠ(CRPS-Ⅰ) after stroke. A total of 96 patients with CRPS-Ⅰ after stroke were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 48 cases in each one. In the control group, based on the routine treatment, Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture was applied at Neiguan (PC 6), Shuigou (GV 26), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and other supplementary acupoints, once a day, 6 times a week for 3 weeks. Based on the treatment in the control group, Jingu three-needle therapy was added at coracoid process, greater tuberosity of humerus and infraglenoid tubercle, the muscular fascia was released by fan-shaped separation technique for 3-6 times, and the treatment was given once every 2 days, 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, hand swelling level, Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) score and Barthel index score were observed to evaluate the pain and swelling severity, motor function and living ability of patients before and after treatment. ① Compared before treatment, the VAS score, hand swelling level, the FMA score and the Barthel index after treatment and 40 days after treatment were improved in both of the two groups (P<0.01). ② After treatment, the VAS score in the observation group was superior to the control group (P<0.01), 40 days after treatment, the VAS and FMA scores in the observation group were superior to the control group (P<0.01). ③ There were no significant differences after treatment and 40 days after treatment of the hand swelling level and the Barthel index between the two groups (P>0.05). Jingu three-needle therapy combined with Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture can improve the pain severity and the motor function of affected limbs in patients with CRPS-Ⅰ after stroke, and the therapeutic effect may be sustained for a long term. However, the treatment seems to be ineffectual on extremity swelling.