Curative effect of scraping therapies on lumbar muscle strain.

OBJECTIVE

To explore factors influencing the curative effect of scraping therapies (at acupoints or along channels) and to determine the relationship of scraping site and strength to curative effect.

METHODS

Two hundred and ten patients with lumbar muscle strain were divided into five groups with 42 patients each. The "scraping therapy at acupoint until appearance of skin eruptions" and "scraping therapy along channel until apperance of skin eruptions" groups were treated with a 4-day course. The "scraping therapy at acupoint without appearance of skin eruptions", "scraping therapy along channel without appearance of skin eruptions", and acupuncture groups were treated with a 2-day course. The five groups were treated with seven courses. The visual analog scale (VAS), oswestry disability index (ODI), and lumbago scores were recorded in the five groups before treatment, after each treatment, and in follow-up visits one month and three months after treatment.

RESULTS

VAS, ODI, and lumbago scores after treat ment improved in the five groups (P < 0.01). There was a statistical difference (P < 0.01) in the change of VAS scores by appearance of skin eruptions and scraping site.

CONCLUSION

Scraping therapy can effectively alleviate lumbago symptoms. The appearance of skin eruptions and scraping therapy along channels can enhance the curative effect of scraping therapy.