The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Feb 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialThe analgesic effect of thermal therapy after total knee arthroplasty.
Pain induced by surgery is a dynamic symptom, which may be quite variable even in the same surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect of far infrared rays on the patients during the postoperative period of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The selection and application of analgesic methods after the orthopedic surgery are therefore valuable for advanced studies. ⋯ This study demonstrated that the FIR can lower the NRS of pain and thus reduce the discomfort experienced by the patient. Findings indicated that effective application of FIR decreased the serum level of IL-6 and ET-1, which represent the subjective indicator of pain.
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J Altern Complement Med · Feb 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialHegu acupuncture for chronic low-back pain: a randomized controlled trial.
Acupuncture has long been employed for the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP). However, very few studies have characterized the effectiveness of the different acupuncture modes for CLBP. ⋯ Both acupuncture modes have beneficial and persistent effectiveness against CLBP compared with the usual care group; Hegu acupuncture is significantly more effective than standardized acupuncture, especially in the long term.