Acupressure may reduce pain of knee osteoarthritis says new research

Self-administered acupressure reduces pain and improves physical function for older people with knee osteoarthritis, says a study in Arthritis Care & Research.

A total of 150 people with knee osteoarthritis (average age 73 years) were split into groups: verum acupressure, sham acupressure, or usual care. Those in the verum and sham groups were taught to self-apply acupressure once a day, five days a week for eight weeks. While the verum group was taught to apply pressure to genuine points, the sham group was taught to apply pressure to points that are not on acupuncture meridians.

People in the verum and sham acupressure groups experienced significant improvements in pain scores and function after eight weeks, but there were no real differences between the two groups.

“Self-administered acupressure is superior to usual care in pain and physical function improvement for older adults with knee osteoarthritis,” the researchers conclude. “The reason for the benefits is unclear, and the placebo effect may play a role.”

Click here to read the original research.

For more in-depth features, interviews and information, subscribe to Arthritis Digest magazine, a popular title that’s published six times a year. Click here for the digital version or tel 0845 643 8470 to order your had copy. You’ll know what your doctor is talking about, what new drugs are in the pipeline and be up to date on helpful products.