Acupuncture relieves phantom limb pain

Phantom limb pain and phantom limb sensation are common and distressing sequelae of amputation. Current pain management following amputation is challenging and unsatisfying. In this case study, a 74-year-old woman underwent above-knee amputation because of the rhabdomyosarcoma in the right leg.

Despite several analgesics, pain was poorly controlled. The phantom limb pain and sensation were immediately reduced by the contralateral acupuncture, and abolished after the third session with no side-effects, no relapse during the next 9 months.

Contralateral acupuncture showed positive effect on phantom limb pain and phantom limb sensation in this case, but more robust evidence would be needed to support the efficacy of this treatment technique for indication

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34744604/

Acupuncture Times Logo

Hi there!

Sign up to receive the latest research in acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine and more, once a week.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

Check Also

Pub Med

Acupuncture point selection for treating inflammatory bowel disease

Objectives: To analyze the rules of acupoint selection and compatibility of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment …