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Effectiveness and Analysis of Applying the Principle of Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs) to Treat Lower Extremity Varicose Veins (LEVVs): A Prospective Clinical Therapeutic Study
24 Pages Posted: 12 Oct 2020
More...Abstract
Objective: To test the hypothetical effects of acupuncture at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs.
Methods: A total of 260 patients with lower extremity varicose veins (LEVVs), comprising 125 males and 135 females aged 35-65 years, were enrolled. The LEVVs were classified into 6 types based on their positions. According to an in-house evaluation scale, 50 cases scored 2 points, 71 scored 3 points, 75 scored 4 points, 44 scored 5 points and 20 scored 6 points. The locations of MTrPs in muscles at the entrance through the fascia and/or around the varicose vein paths were identified and marked on the skin. These MTrPs were transdermally acupunctured by a needle, assisted by self-administered stretching and massage of involved muscles. The varicosities and their companying symptoms were evaluated before treatment, immediately after treatment, and at a one-year follow-up, and the scores were statistically analysed.
Results: In all the patients, the varicosities were improved to varying degrees, and the symptoms were relieved; the initial evaluation scores of 2-6 points decreased to 0-4 points. The average scores before treatment, immediately after treatment, and one year later were 3.66 ± 1.19, 1.18 ± 0.97 and 1.11 ± 0.92, respectively, P < 0.01. At the one-year follow-up, the rates of “excellent” and “good” response were 67% and 20%, respectively.
Conclusion: Acupuncture of MTrPs can cure varicosities and their accompanying symptoms in the lower limbs, providing a new, effective, non-destructive therapy for LEVVs.
Trial Registration: This study was prospectively registered (www.chictr.org.cn; ChiCTR-INR17011473)
Funding Statement: This study was supported by the Joint Medical Research Project of the Chongqing Science and Technology Bureau and the Chongqing Health Commission (No. 2019ZDXM032) and by the Scientific Research Project of the Chongqing Sports Bureau (No. B2019007)
Declaration of Interests: This study involves no conflict of interest.
Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Southwest University Hospital. This study was carried out in accordance with the World Medical Association’s Declaration of Helsinki (1964). All participants were informed about the objectives of the study and signed the Informed Consent Form.
Keywords: Lower extremity varicose veins (LEVVs), Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), Acupuncture, Stretching and massage
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation