Stroke rehabilitation
To suffer a stroke is a devastating experience that often leaves the sufferer severely disabled. A stroke commonly results in permanent weakness in an arm or leg or down one side of the whole body.
Clearly anything that can aid recovery is to be welcomed.
There is good evidence that acupuncture is effective as an additional treatment alongside physical therapy. Acupuncture may be particularly effective in assisting recovery from stroke in those who are moderately to severely affected.1 2
Acupuncture is sometimes given as electro-acupuncture when used to aid recovery from stroke. Treatments should be given at least weekly, at least in the early stages.
Clearly anything that can aid recovery is to be welcomed.
There is good evidence that acupuncture is effective as an additional treatment alongside physical therapy. Acupuncture may be particularly effective in assisting recovery from stroke in those who are moderately to severely affected.1 2
Acupuncture is sometimes given as electro-acupuncture when used to aid recovery from stroke. Treatments should be given at least weekly, at least in the early stages.
A man receiving electro-acupuncture to aid recovery from a stroke
1. Shifflett SC, Samuel C. Does acupuncture work for stroke rehabilitation: what do recent clinical trials really show? Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation 2007; 14(4): 40-58.
2. Sällström S, Kjendahl A, Østen PE, Stanghelle JH, Borchgrevink CF. Acupuncture in the treatment of stroke patients in the subacute stage: a randomized controlled study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 1996; 4: 193-197.
2. Sällström S, Kjendahl A, Østen PE, Stanghelle JH, Borchgrevink CF. Acupuncture in the treatment of stroke patients in the subacute stage: a randomized controlled study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 1996; 4: 193-197.
