Acupressure is good for lower back pain

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A new study shows the effectiveness of acupressure, compared to physical therapy, for back pain.
In acupressure, the therapist applies pressure with the thumbs or fingertips to the same points that are stimulated with acupuncture. Researchers in Taiwan now report on a study of how acupressure helps in lower back pain.

They looked at 129 patients who received either six sessions of acupressure or standard physical therapy. Results were analyzed after treatment and six months later. The mean disability score was significantly lower in the acupressure group than in the physical therapy group. The improvement lasted for six months. Those receiving acupressure also perceived benefit in everyday life - fewer days off work and less interference from pain in their activities.

Source
BMJ Online First 16th February 2006

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