Hand Acupuncture for Pain

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this research study is to study the method of acupuncture called one needle hand acupuncture, where a needle is placed just in your hand, in order to treat pain in various locations. Benefits of acupuncture will be studied over time to determine short and long term effects of acupuncture, and see how acupuncture may alter or modify a patient's disease process.

Research Team

Tonia Thompson

Principal Investigator

Washington University School of Medicine

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with primary pain in the neck, shoulder, low back, or hip rated at least 4 on a pain scale during certain movements. Participants must be willing to engage in the study and complete questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria

My pain level is 4 or higher when I move in certain ways.

My main pain is in my neck, shoulder, lower back, or hip.

I am willing to join the study and complete questionnaires.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Control Acupuncture with Movement (Behavioural Intervention)
• One Needle Hand Acupuncture with Movement (Behavioural Intervention)
• One Needle Hand Acupuncture without Movement (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests one needle hand acupuncture's effectiveness for treating musculoskeletal disorders. It compares three methods: control acupuncture with movement, one needle without movement, and one needle with movement over time.

Participant Groups

Group I: Verum Acupuncture with Movement Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Verum acupuncture along radial side of 2nd metacarpal, following by active movement of previously painful body part x 10 minutes.

Group II: Verum Acupuncture without Movement Active Control 1 Intervention

Verum acupuncture along radial side of 2nd metacarpal, following by laying on examination table x 10 minutes.

Group III: Control Acupuncture with Movement Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Sham/control acupuncture at acupoint LI4, following by active movement of previously painful body part x 10 minutes.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Washington University School of Medicine

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,027

Recruited

2,353,000+

David H. Perlmutter

Washington University School of Medicine

Chief Executive Officer since 2015

MD from Washington University School of Medicine

Paul Scheel

Washington University School of Medicine

Chief Medical Officer since 2022

MD from Washington University School of Medicine