In recent years, acupuncture has garnered increasing attention for its potential to alleviate postoperative pain. Emerging scientific research suggests that acupuncture may modulate pain pathways in the central nervous system, leading to reduced pain perception and improved recovery outcomes. By stimulating the release of endorphins and regulating neurotransmitters, acupuncture offers a promising non-pharmacological approach to managing postoperative pain.
Dr. Wenli D. Liu, based in Houston, Texas, is currently conducting a study to investigate the effects of acupuncture on postoperative pain. Her study is following patients who undergo acupuncture sessions for up to seven days, starting the day after surgery. While the specific results of this are still pending, a meta analysis reviewing research from 2001 - 2022 showed that both acupuncture and electroacupuncture may contribute to “improvement of postoperative life quality”.
Although further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and optimal protocols, the growing body of evidence suggests that acupuncture can effectively reduce pain intensity, decrease reliance on opioid medications, and improve overall patient satisfaction. As healthcare providers continue to explore innovative approaches to pain management, acupuncture offers a valuable tool for enhancing postoperative recovery and well-being.
If you are interested in learning more about how acupuncture could benefit you in your daily life or after a surgical procedure, please contact us at 301-880-3232 and it would be our pleasure to schedule a consultation for you.
References:
Cho YH, Kim CK, Heo KH, et al. Acupuncture for acute postoperative pain after back surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pain Pract. 2015;15(3):279-291. doi:10.1111/papr.12208
Hangyu Shi, Huan Chen, Shuai Gao, Jiufei Fang, Lili Zhu, Zhishun Liu, Acupuncture for cyclic and noncyclic breast pain in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, European Journal of Integrative Medicine, Volume 68, 2024, 102355, ISSN 1876-3820, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2024.102355.
Liu N, Liu G, Chang X, et al. Combining various acupuncture therapies with multimodal analgesia to enhance postoperative pain management following total knee arthroplasty: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Neurol. 2024;15:1361037. Published 2024 Mar 18. doi:10.3389/fneur.2024.1361037
Liu Y, Huang L, Xu G, et al. The Application of Acupuncture Therapy for Postoperative Pain Over the Past 20 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis. J Pain Res. 2022;15:2085-2104. Published 2022 Jul 27. doi:10.2147/JPR.S371399
Liu XL, Tan JY, Molassiotis A, Suen LK, Shi Y. Acupuncture-Point Stimulation for Postoperative Pain Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:657809. doi:10.1155/2015/657809
Wenli L. MediFind. Medifind.com. Published 2024. Accessed December 3, 2024. https://www.medifind.com/articles/clinical-trial/229749440