Needle-free acupuncture benefits both patients and clinicians.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined whether a needle-free acupuncture can be an alternative to conventional needle injection acupuncture.


METHODS
Patients (n=101) suffering myofascial shoulder pain were randomly assigned to either needle-free or conventional needle injection acupuncture group. Bee venom was administered into GB21 (Gyeonjeong) acupuncture point for both groups.


RESULTS
Shoulder pain was significantly reduced by the treatment in both groups. Patients treated by needle-free acupuncture reported less anxiety, less discomfort and fewer adverse events. Clinicians reported that needle-free acupuncture was safe but not convenient due to the complexity of the device.


CONCLUSIONS
With appropriate adjustments of the current device, needle-free acupuncture can become an alternative to the conventional needle injection method.
An
Kyungeh
K
School of Nursing, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-1029, USA. kyungan@utmb.edu
Kim
Yong Suk
YS
Kim
Hee Young
HY
Lee
Hyejung
H
Hahm
Dae Hyun
DH
Lee
Kyoung Sup
KS
Kang
Sung Kil
SK
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D001514:Bee Venoms / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009209:Myofascial Pain Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D009339:Needles; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000700:Analgesics; D001514:Bee Venoms