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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Acupuncture | Research

Acupuncture and dry needling for physical therapy of scar: a systematic review

Authors: Daria Chmielewska, Jitka Malá, Agnieszka Opala-Berdzik, Magdalena Nocuń, Patrycja Dolibog, Paweł T. Dolibog, Magdalena Stania, Michał Kuszewski, Alena Kobesova

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

There is a continuing interest in finding effective methods for scar treatment. Dry needling is gaining popularity in physiotherapy and is defined by Western medicine as a type of acupuncture. The terms acupuncture and dry needling have been used interchangeably so we have focused on the efficacy of dry needling or acupuncture in scar treatment.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to determine the usefulness of dry needling or local acupuncture for scar treatment. In our search process, we used the terms ‘acupuncture,’ ‘needling,’ or ‘dry needling’ to identify all relevant scientific papers. We have focused on the practical aspects of local management of different scar types with dry needling or acupuncture.

Search strategy

The search strategy included different combinations of the following keywords: ‘scar’, ‘keloid’, ‘dry needling’, ‘needling’, ‘acupuncture’, ‘treatment’, ‘physical therapy’. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE (PubMed, EBSCOHost and Ovid), EMBASE (Elsevier), and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant publications from inception through October 2023.

Inclusion criteria

The studies that investigated the effectiveness of dry needling or acupuncture for scar treatment were included.

Data extraction and analysis

The main extraction data items were: the needling technique; needle: diameter, length; needling locations; manual needling manipulation; number of sessions; settings; outcomes and results.

Results

As a result of a comprehensive search, 11 manuscripts were included in the systematic review, of which eight were case reports, two were randomized trials and one study concerned case series. Two case reports scored 2–4 out of 8 points on the JBI checklist, five studies scored 5–7, and one study scored 8 points. The methodological quality of the two clinical trials was rated as good or fair on the PEDro scale. The case series study scored 7 of 10 points on the JBI checklist. A meta-analysis was not possible as only two randomized trials, eight case reports, and one case series were eligible for review; also, scar assessment scales and pain severity scales were highly heterogeneous.

Conclusions

The studies differed regarding the delivery of dry needling or local acupuncture for scar treatment. Differences included treatment frequency, duration, number of treatments, selection of needle insertion sites, number of needles used, angle of needle placement, and use of manual needling manipulation.

Systematic review registration

INPLASY no. 202310058.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Acupuncture and dry needling for physical therapy of scar: a systematic review
Authors: Daria Chmielewska
Jitka Malá
Agnieszka Opala-Berdzik
Magdalena Nocuń
Patrycja Dolibog
Paweł T. Dolibog
Magdalena Stania
Michał Kuszewski
Alena Kobesova
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Acupuncture
Physical Therapy
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-023-04301-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Acupuncture and dry needling for physical therapy of scar: a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Objective

Search strategy

Inclusion criteria

Data extraction and analysis

Results

Conclusions

Systematic review registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Search strategy

Inclusion criteria

Data extraction and analysis

Results

Conclusions

Systematic review registration

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