Investigation on Efficacy Between TCM Treatment Using Acupuncture and Tui-na With Physiotherapy on Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Summary

Knee pain is one of common pain-causing diseases and it affects patients' mobility which in turn seriously affects the quality of patients' life. The most common cause of knee pain results from the inflammation occurred at the patello-femoral joint of the anterior knee. It is now commonly recognized as Patello-femoral pain syndrome (PFPS). It is categorized as anterior knee pain.

The exact pathogenesis of PFPS is still not clear but both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine (WM) have many treatment methods. Hence, it is important and meaningful to investigate the diagnosis and treatment in detail. Through reviewing the literature about PFPS, the investigators would like to achieve the following objectives in the study design. Under the principle of evidence-based medicine, the investigators compare the clinical effectiveness of TCM acupuncture and Tui-na manipulations treatment with the physiotherapy on the PFPS management. The study is to determine whether which are effective in improving knee function and lessening the pain in PFPS patients.

Conditions

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
• Acupuncture
• Physiotherapy

Interventions

OTHER

acupuncture and Tui-na manipulations

i. Patients in supine position with knee elevated 20-30 degrees bending using a pillow below. ii. Acupuncture needle using 0.25 mm diameter and 1.5-inch length. iii. Choose 'A shi point' to inject the acupuncture needles. iv. Inject 4 acupuncture needles respectively at the upper, lower, lateral and medial edge of the patella, along the medial and lateral edge at the posterior surface of patella. v. Connect the needles with electro-therapy, selecting high frequency and strength that the patients have sensation and acceptable. Time duration is 30 minutes each time. Infra-radiation is provided and warm above the treatment region. vi. Tui-na manipulations using the method of 'Tui-na'. Time duration is 2-5 minutes. Patella is pushed up and elevated during treatment. vii. No external herbal medicine for TCM group , other medication such as painkiller is required to record

OTHER

Physiotherapy

i. Total 12 sessions of physiotherapy for 8 weeks training; ii. Treatment: Closed kinetic chain exercises program will be used when appropriate, which include: 1. Mini walk squat exercise 2. Forward step up 3. Lateral step up 4. Terminal knee extension 5. Knee taping 6. Unstable base training 7. Pain control 8. Manual Therapy Each session will approximately cost each patient 1 hours' time. There is no Chinese medicine is allowed for PT group , other medication such as painkiller is required to record.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Hong Kong Baptist Hospital

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Hong Kong Baptist University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

70 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-10-18

Primary Completion

2023-10-18

Completion

2023-12-31

Countries

• Hong Kong

Study Locations