Is there a role for acupuncture in the treatment of tendinopathy?

Acupunct Med. 2012 Dec;30(4):346-9. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2012-010208. Epub 2012 Aug 23.

Abstract

Tendinopathy is a debilitating condition in athletic and sedentary populations for which a gold standard treatment strategy does not yet exist. While the pathophysiology of tendinopathy is well understood, a debate remains as to the nature of the pain mechanism in tendinopathy which makes treatment selection challenging. This clinical discussion presents evidence to suggest that acupuncture may have a role in the treatment of tendinopathy, through the facilitation of tendon blood flow and fibroblastic activity, making recommendations for further research.

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Pain / pathology
  • Pain Management
  • Tendinopathy / pathology
  • Tendinopathy / therapy*