From the Perspective of Myofascial Theory: Warm Acupuncture Combined with Kinesio Taping–A Novel Exploration in the Treatment of Early-Middle Stage Knee Osteoarthritis

Hui Liu

doi:10.62767/jecacm603.5814

Authors

Hui Liu Department of Rehabilitation, Hangzhou Xiaoshan District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 311201 Zhejiang, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62767/jecacm603.5814

Keywords:

myofascial theory, warm acupuncture, Kinesio taping, knee osteoarthritis, visual analog scale

Abstract

Objective: One frequent degenerative joint condition is osteoarthritis of the knee. The conservative treatment effect for patients in the early and middle stages is often limited. This study investigates the effectiveness of kinesio taping in conjunction with warm acupuncture and myofascial theory-based moxibustion in treating early and middle-stage knee osteoarthritis. Methods: A total of 60 patients with early-middle stage knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to the treatment group and control group, with 30 patients in each group. The treatment group received warm acupuncture at myofascial trigger sites along with kinesio taping, while the control group received traditional warm acupuncture and kinesio taping. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. The clinical efficacy, visual analog scale (VAS) score, joint range of motion (active range of motion (AROM), passive range of motion (PROM)), Lysholm score and isokinetic muscle strength parameters were compared between the two groups. Results: The total effective rate of the treatment group (90.00%) was higher than that of the control group (66.67%, p = 0.028). After 2 weeks of treatment and 3-month follow-up, the VAS score of the treatment group was lower and the Lysholm score was higher (p < 0.05). After treatment, the AROM, PROM and isokinetic muscle strength parameters of the treatment group were significantly better (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The combination of warm acupuncture at myofascial trigger points and kinesio taping can effectively relieve pain in patients with early to mid-stage knee osteoarthritis, improve joint function and muscle strength, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

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