Acupuncture and Joint Hypermobility Syndrome

May 15, 2012

August 1, 2012

Laura Goldie, Rotational Physiotherapist (Manchester Royal Infirmary)

Sarah Houghton, Manchester Royal Infirmary

In [adults with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome] does [acupuncture] have an effect on [reducing pain and increasing function].

A 23 year old female with a diagnosis of Joint Hypermobility Syndrome is assessed by a Physiotherapist in an out-patient department. The patient is presenting with pain, which is decreasing her function. You wonder whether acupuncture is an effective treatment adjunction to use with this patient to decrease pain and increase her function.

MEDLINE 1966-05/12, CINAHL 1982-05/12, AMED 1985-05/12, EMBASE 1996-05/12.

[Acupunctur*] and [Hypermobilit* OR Ehlers Danlos OR Joint Instability OR Joint Laxit*]. LIMIT to Human and English Language.

10 articles were retrieved of which nil were relevant to the three part question.

There is no literature available that investigates the effects of acupuncture with people with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome.

There is no evidence to suggest that acupuncture can not be used with patients with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome. There is no evidence to suggest that acupuncture is effective at decreasing pain and increasing function in the treatment of patients with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome. Further research is required in this field.