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Rehab Science · Chapter 14

Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) Interventions

CAM treatments can supplement—never replace—the protocols. The book ranks them in three tiers: try first (accessible, some evidence), think about next (less support, often placebo-linked), and consider last (poor efficacy or minimal research, often costly). Add one variable at a time so you can tell what helped.

CompleteSource: Rehab Science · Ch 14 · PDF pp. 239–262
You will learn to
  • ✓ Place common CAM interventions into the book's three tiers
  • ✓ Describe the proposed mechanism and evidence quality of each
  • ✓ Explain why CAM should be added one variable at a time
1.

Principles

📖 Rehab Science

Education, graded movement and manual therapy remain the most effective treatments. Many CAM options have low or mixed evidence, but belief matters—if something is low-risk, affordable and helps you, it can be worth trying. Treat your rehab like an experiment: change one thing at a time.

Source: Rehab Science · Ch 14 · PDF pp. 239, 240, 262· 2 original research citationsshow sources ▾
Also cited by the book on these pages:
  1. [Ch 14·99] Ince B, Ismayilzada M, Arslan A, Dadaci M. Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilitate peripheral nerve recovery in upper extremity injuries? A prospective study of 74 patients. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. 2022;48(5):3997-4003. find original ↗
  2. [Ch 14·102] Babul S, Rhodes EC, Taunton JE, Lepawsky M. Effects of intermittent exposure to hyperbaric oxygen for the treatment of an acute soft tissue injury. Clin J Sport Med. 2003;13(3):138-147. find original ↗

Page numbers are those of the uploaded PDF edition. "Find original" opens a PubMed search for the cited study.

2.

Try these first: cross-transfer, imagery, BFR, heat/sauna, NMES, compression, acupuncture/dry needling

📖 Rehab Science

Cross-transfer: training the healthy limb helps the injured one keep strength. Mental imagery: imagining movement fires similar brain circuits and reduces strength loss and anxiety. Blood-flow restriction (BFR): a cuff lets light loads build strength—have a trained practitioner set it up. Heat and sauna: ease pain, increase tissue elasticity and may limit muscle loss. E-stim: TENS gives short pain relief (up to ~15 minutes after); strengthening currents help switch inhibited muscles back on. Compression: helps move swelling out (wrap tighter at the far end, looser toward the heart; it should never discolour the skin). Acupuncture and dry needling: mixed evidence, may complement physio for some conditions.

Diagram · Complementary & alternative treatments — three tiersOriginal illustration
1. Try firstcross-transfer · imagery · BFR · heat/sauna · NMES · compression · acupuncture/dry needling2. Think about nexttape · IASTM · ice · cold water · medication · steroid injection · shockwave · PRP · braces3. Consider laststem cells · peptides · ultrasound · cupping · hyperbaric oxygen
CAM supplements, never replaces, the exercise protocols. Add one variable at a time so you know what helped. — Based on concepts in Rehab Science Ch 14 (PDF pp. 239–262).
Source: Rehab Science · Ch 14 · PDF pp. 241–248· 49 original research citationsshow sources ▾
  1. [Ch 14·1] Minshull C, Gallacher P, Roberts S, Barnett A, Kuiper JH, Bailey A. Contralateral strength training attenuates muscle performance loss following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction: a randomised-controlled trial. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2021;121(12):3551-3559. find original ↗
  2. [Ch 14·2] Green LA, Gabriel DA. The cross education of strength and skill following unilateral strength training in the upper and lower limbs. J Neurophysiol. 2018;120(2):468-479. find original ↗
  3. [Ch 14·3] Frazer AK, Williams J, Spittle M, Kidgell DJ. Cross-education of muscular strength is facilitated by homeostatic plasticity. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2017;117(4):665-677. find original ↗
  4. [Ch 14·4] Gabriel DA, Kamen G, Frost G. Neural adaptations to resistive exercise: mechanisms and recommendations for training practices. Sports Med. 2006;36(2):133-149. find original ↗
  5. [Ch 14·5] Farthing JP, Borowsky R, Chilibeck PD, Binsted G, Sarty GE. Neuro-physiological adaptations associated with cross-education of strength. Brain Topogr. 2007;20(2):77-88. find original ↗
  6. [Ch 14·6] Grande-Alonso M, Garrigos-Pedron M, Cuenca-Martinez F, et al. Influence of the generation of motor mental images on physiotherapy treatment in patients with chronic low back pain. Pain Physician. 2020;23(4):E399-E408. find original ↗
  7. [Ch 14·7] Salik Sengul Y, Kaya N, Yalcinkaya G, Kirmizi M, Kalemci O. The effects of the addition of motor imagery to home exercises on pain, disability and psychosocial parameters in patients undergoing lumbar spinal surgery: a randomized controlled trial. Explore (NY). 2021;17(4):334-339. find original ↗
  8. [Ch 14·8] Limakatso K, Madden VJ, Manie S, Parker R. The effectiveness of graded motor imagery for reducing phantom limb pain in amputees: a randomised controlled trial. Physiotherapy. 2020;109:65-74. find original ↗
  9. [Ch 14·9] Louw A, Farrell K, Nielsen A, O’Malley M, Cox T, Puentedura EJ. Virtual McKenzie extension exercises for low back and leg pain: a prospective pilot exploratory case series [published online ahead of print, 2022 Jun 23]. J Man Manip Ther. 2022;1-7. find original ↗
  10. [Ch 14·10] Louw A, Schmidt SG, Louw C, Puentedura EJ. Moving without moving: immediate management following lumbar spine surgery using a graded motor imagery approach: a case report. Physiother Theory Pract. 2015;31(7):509-517. find original ↗
  11. [Ch 14·11] Moseley GL. Graded motor imagery is effective for long-standing complex regional pain syndrome: a randomised controlled trial. Pain. 2004;108(1-2):192-198. find original ↗
  12. [Ch 14·12] Hughes L, Paton B, Rosenblatt B, Gissane C, Patterson SD. Blood flow restriction training in clinical musculoskeletal rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2017;51(13):1003-1011. find original ↗
  13. [Ch 14·13] Karanasios S, Korakakis V, Moutzouri M, Xergia SA, Tsepis E, Gioftsos G. Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction is effective for managing lateral elbow tendinopathy: a randomized, sham-controlled trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(12):803-825. find original ↗
  14. [Ch 14·14] Kilgas MA, Lytle LLM, Drum SN, Elmer SJ. Exercise with blood flow restriction to improve quadriceps function long after ACL reconstruction. Int J Sports Med. 2019;40(10):650-656. find original ↗
  15. [Ch 14·15] Hughes L, Rosenblatt B, Haddad F, et al. Comparing the effectiveness of blood flow restriction and traditional heavy load resistance training in the post-surgery rehabilitation of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients: a UK National Health Service randomised controlled trial. Sports Med. 2019;49(11):1787-1805. find original ↗
  16. [Ch 14·16] Ferraz RB, Gualano B, Rodrigues R, et al. Benefits of resistance training with blood flow restriction in knee osteoarthritis. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2018;50(5):897-905. find original ↗
  17. [Ch 14·17] Yildirim N, Filiz Ulusoy M, Bodur H. The effect of heat application on pain, stiffness, physical function and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. J Clin Nurs. 2010;19(7-8):1113-1120. find original ↗
  18. [Ch 14·18] Michlovitz S, Hun L, Erasala GN, Hengehold DA, Weingand KW. Continuous low-level heat wrap therapy is effective for treating wrist pain. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2004;85(9):1409-1416. find original ↗
  19. [Ch 14·19] French SD, Cameron M, Walker BF, Reggars JW, Esterman AJ. Superficial heat or cold for low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;2006(1):CD004750. Published 2006 Jan 25. find original ↗
  20. [Ch 14·20] Nadler SF, Steiner DJ, Erasala GN, et al. Continuous low-level heat wrap therapy provides more efficacy than Ibuprofen and acetaminophen for acute low back pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2002;27(10):1012-1017. find original ↗
  21. [Ch 14·21] Rodrigues P, Trajano GS, Stewart IB, Minett GM. Potential role of passively increased muscle temperature on contractile function. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2022;122(10):2153-2162. find original ↗
  22. [Ch 14·22] Petrofsky J, Berk L, Bains G, et al. Moist heat or dry heat for delayed onset muscle soreness. J Clin Med Res. 2013;5(6):416-425. find original ↗
  23. [Ch 14·23] Selsby JT, Rother S, Tsuda S, Pracash O, Quindry J, Dodd SL. Intermittent hyperthermia enhances skeletal muscle regrowth and attenuates oxidative damage following reloading. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2007;102(4):1702-1707. find original ↗
  24. [Ch 14·24] Naito H, Powers SK, Demirel HA, Sugiura T, Dodd SL, Aoki J. Heat stress attenuates skeletal muscle atrophy in hindlimb-unweighted rats. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2000;88(1):359-363. find original ↗
  25. [Ch 14·25] Hafen PS, Abbott K, Bowden J, Lopiano R, Hancock CR, Hyldahl RD. Daily heat treatment maintains mitochondrial function and attenuates atrophy in human skeletal muscle subjected to immobilization. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2019;127(1):47-57. find original ↗
  26. [Ch 14·26] Selsby JT, Dodd SL. Heat treatment reduces oxidative stress and protects muscle mass during immobilization. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2005;289(1):R134-R139. find original ↗
  27. [Ch 14·27] Laukkanen JA, Laukkanen T, Kunutsor SK. Cardiovascular and other health benefits of sauna bathing: a review of the evidence. Mayo Clin Proc. 2018;93(8):1111-1121. find original ↗
  28. [Ch 14·28] Laukkanen T, Khan H, Zaccardi F, Laukkanen JA. Association between sauna bathing and fatal cardiovascular and all-cause mortality events. JAMA Intern Med. 2015;175(4):542-548. find original ↗
  29. [Ch 14·29] Laukkanen JA, Laukkanen T. Sauna bathing and systemic inflammation. Eur J Epidemiol. 2018;33(3):351-353. find original ↗
  30. [Ch 14·30] Kunutsor SK, Laukkanen T, Laukkanen JA. Longitudinal associations of sauna bathing with inflammation and oxidative stress: the KIHD prospective cohort study. Ann Med. 2018;50(5):437-442. find original ↗
  31. [Ch 14·31] Wu LC, Weng PW, Chen CH, Huang YY, Tsuang YH, Chiang CJ. Literature review and meta-analysis of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in treating chronic back pain. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2018;43(4):425-433. find original ↗
  32. [Ch 14·32] Resende L, Merriwether E, Rampazo ÉP, et al. Meta-analysis of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for relief of spinal pain. Eur J Pain. 2018;22(4):663-678. find original ↗
  33. [Ch 14·33] Oosterhof J, Samwel HJ, de Boo TM, Wilder-Smith OH, Oostendorp RA, Crul BJ. Predicting outcome of TENS in chronic pain: a prospective, randomized, placebo controlled trial. Pain. 2008;136(1-2):11-20. find original ↗
  34. [Ch 14·34] Hauger AV, Reiman MP, Bjordal JM, Sheets C, Ledbetter L, Goode AP. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is effective in strengthening the quadriceps muscle after anterior cruciate ligament surgery. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2018;26(2):399-410. find original ↗
  35. [Ch 14·35] Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012;92(2):210-226. find original ↗
  36. [Ch 14·36] Fitzgerald GK, Piva SR, Irrgang JJ. A modified neuromuscular electrical stimulation protocol for quadriceps strength training following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2003;33(9):492-501. find original ↗
  37. [Ch 14·37] Brown F, Gissane C, Howatson G, van Someren K, Pedlar C, Hill J. Compression garments and recovery from exercise: a meta-analysis. Sports Med. 2017;47(11):2245-2267. find original ↗
  38. [Ch 14·38] Marqués-Jiménez D, Calleja-González J, Arratibel I, Delextrat A, Terrados N. Are compression garments effective for the recovery of exercise-induced muscle damage? A systematic review with meta-analysis. Physiol Behav. 2016;153:133-148. find original ↗
  39. [Ch 14·39] Hill J, Howatson G, van Someren K, Leeder J, Pedlar C. Compression garments and recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage: a meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2014;48(18):1340-1346. find original ↗
  40. [Ch 14·40] Dubois B, Esculier JF. Soft-tissue injuries simply need PEACE and LOVE. Br J Sports Med. 2020;54(2):72-73. find original ↗
  41. [Ch 14·41] Moffet HH. Sham acupuncture may be as efficacious as true acupuncture: a systematic review of clinical trials. J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(3):213-216. find original ↗
  42. [Ch 14·42] Kong JT, Puetz C, Tian L, et al. Effect of electroacupuncture vs sham treatment on change in pain severity among adults with chronic low back pain: a randomized clinical trial [published correction appears in JAMA Netw Open. 2022 Apr 1;5(4):e229687]. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(10):e2022787. Published 2020 Oct 1. find original ↗
  43. [Ch 14·43] Mu J, Furlan AD, Lam WY, Hsu MY, Ning Z, Lao L. Acupuncture for chronic nonspecific low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;12(12):CD013814. Published 2020 Dec 11. find original ↗
  44. [Ch 14·44] Farag AM, Malacarne A, Pagni SE, Maloney GE. The effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of persistent regional myofascial head and neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2020;49:102297. find original ↗
  45. [Ch 14·45] Su X, Qian H, Chen B, et al. Acupuncture for acute low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Palliat Med. 2021;10(4):3924-3936. find original ↗
  46. [Ch 14·46] Tu JF, Yang JW, Shi GX, et al. Efficacy of intensive acupuncture versus sham acupuncture in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2021;73(3):448-458. find original ↗
  47. [Ch 14·47] Gattie E, Cleland JA, Pandya J, Snodgrass S. Dry needling adds no benefit to the treatment of neck pain: a sham-controlled randomized clinical trial with 1-year follow-up. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021;51(1):37-45. find original ↗
  48. [Ch 14·48] Sánchez-Infante J, Navarro-Santana MJ, Bravo-Sánchez A, Jiménez-Diaz F, Abián-Vicén J. Is dry needling applied by physical therapists effective for pain in musculoskeletal conditions? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phys Ther. 2021;101(3):pzab070. find original ↗
  49. [Ch 14·49] Liu L, Huang QM, Liu QG, et al. Effectiveness of dry needling for myofascial trigger points associated with neck and shoulder pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015;96(5):944-955. find original ↗

Page numbers are those of the uploaded PDF edition. "Find original" opens a PubMed search for the cited study.

3.

Think about these next: tape, IASTM, ice, cold immersion/cryotherapy, medication, steroid injections, shockwave, PRP, braces

📖 Rehab Science
AMBER — get assessed before starting rehab
This section contains safety-relevant guidance. See the safety check.

Tape mostly works through skin feedback and reassurance (patellar taping may help some knee pain). IASTM may give short-term range gains. Ice is no longer routine for minor injuries because it may slow the healing response, but it can still help with swelling and pain after severe injuries or surgery. Cold-water immersion beats whole-body cryotherapy for post-exercise soreness. Anti-inflammatory drugs: short-term only and only after speaking to a doctor. Steroid injections can help specific problems (early frozen shoulder) but repeated shots can weaken tissue. Shockwave and PRP have mixed evidence. Braces should be temporary—your muscles are your built-in brace.

Source: Rehab Science · Ch 14 · PDF pp. 248–256· 38 original research citationsshow sources ▾
  1. [Ch 14·50] Callaghan MJ, McKie S, Richardson P, Oldham JA. Effects of patellar taping on brain activity during knee joint proprioception tests using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Phys Ther. 2012;92(6):821-830. find original ↗
  2. [Ch 14·51] Aguilar-Ferrándiz ME, Castro-Sánchez AM, Matarán-Peñarrocha GA, Guisado-Barrilao R, García-Ríos MC, Moreno-Lorenzo C. A randomized controlled trial of a mixed kinesio taping-compression technique on venous symptoms, pain, peripheral venous flow, clinical severity and overall health status in postmenopausal women with chronic venous insufficiency. Clin Rehabil. 2014;28(1):69-81. find original ↗
  3. [Ch 14·52] Logan CA, Bhashyam AR, Tisosky AJ, et al. Systematic review of the effect of taping techniques on patellofemoral pain syndrome. Sports Health. 2017;9(5):456-461. find original ↗
  4. [Ch 14·53] Cheatham SW, Lee M, Cain M, Baker R. The efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization: a systematic review. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2016;60(3):200-211. find original ↗
  5. [Ch 14·54] Ikeda N, Otsuka S, Kawanishi Y, Kawakami Y. Effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization on musculoskeletal properties [published correction appears in Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2020 Feb;52(2):524]. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2019;51(10):2166-2172. find original ↗
  6. [Ch 14·55] Gunn LJ, Stewart JC, Morgan B, et al. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques improve hamstring flexibility better than static stretching alone: a randomized clinical trial. J Man Manip Ther. 2019;27(1):15-23. find original ↗
  7. [Ch 14·56] Kawashima M, Kawanishi N, Tominaga T, et al. Icing after eccentric contraction-induced muscle damage perturbs the disappearance of necrotic muscle fibers and phenotypic dynamics of macrophages in mice. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2021;130(5):1410-1420. find original ↗
  8. [Ch 14·57] Singh DP, Barani Lonbani Z, Woodruff MA, Parker TJ, Steck R, Peake JM. Effects of topical icing on inflammation, angiogenesis, revascularization, and myofiber regeneration in skeletal muscle following contusion injury. Front Physiol. 2017;8:93. find original ↗
  9. [Ch 14·58] Raynor MC, Pietrobon R, Guller U, Higgins LD. Cryotherapy after ACL reconstruction: a meta-analysis. J Knee Surg. 2005;18(2):123-129. find original ↗
  10. [Ch 14·59] Barber FA, McGuire DA, Click S. Continuous-flow cold therapy for outpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy. 1998;14(2):130-135. find original ↗
  11. [Ch 14·60] Merrick MA, Rankin JM, Andres FA, Hinman CL. A preliminary examination of cryotherapy and secondary injury in skeletal muscle. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1999;31(11):1516-1521. find original ↗
  12. [Ch 14·61] Scott A, Khan KM, Roberts CR, Cook JL, Duronio V. What do we mean by the term “inflammation”? A contemporary basic science update for sports medicine. Br J Sports Med. 2004;38(3):372-380. find original ↗
  13. [Ch 14·62] Mawhinney C, Low DA, Jones H, Green DJ, Costello JT, Gregson W. Cold water mediates greater reductions in limb blood flow than whole body cryotherapy. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2017;49(6):1252-1260. find original ↗
  14. [Ch 14·63] Wilson LJ, Cockburn E, Paice K, et al. Recovery following a marathon: a comparison of cold water immersion, whole body cryotherapy and a placebo control. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2018;118(1):153-163. find original ↗
  15. [Ch 14·64] Crystal NJ, Townson DH, Cook SB, LaRoche DP. Effect of cryotherapy on muscle recovery and inflammation following a bout of damaging exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2013;113(10):2577-2586. find original ↗
  16. [Ch 14·65] Ghosh N, Kolade OO, Shontz E, et al. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and their effect on musculoskeletal soft-tissue healing: a scoping review. JBJS Rev. 2019;7(12):e4. find original ↗
  17. [Ch 14·66] Kristensen DM, Desdoits-Lethimonier C, Mackey AL, et al. Ibuprofen alters human testicular physiology to produce a state of compensated hypogonadism [published correction appears in Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2018 Apr 16]. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2018;115(4):E715-E724. find original ↗
  18. [Ch 14·67] Bittermann A, Gao S, Rezvani S, et al. Oral ibuprofen interferes with cellular healing responses in a murine model of Achilles tendinopathy. J Musculoskelet Disord Treat. 2018;4(2):049. find original ↗
  19. [Ch 14·68] Hammerman M, Blomgran P, Ramstedt S, Aspenberg P. COX-2 inhibition impairs mechanical stimulation of early tendon healing in rats by reducing the response to microdamage. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2015;119(5):534-540. find original ↗
  20. [Ch 14·69] Connizzo BK, Yannascoli SM, Tucker JJ, et al. The detrimental effects of systemic ibuprofen delivery on tendon healing are time-dependent. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2014;472(8):2433-2439. find original ↗
  21. [Ch 14·70] Wang W, Shi M, Zhou C, et al. Effectiveness of corticosteroid injections in adhesive capsulitis of shoulder: a meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(28):e7529. find original ↗
  22. [Ch 14·71] Kapetanos G. The effect of the local corticosteroids on the healing and biomechanical properties of the partially injured tendon. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1982;(163):170-179. find original ↗
  23. [Ch 14·72] Wiggins ME, Fadale PD, Barrach H, Ehrlich MG, Walsh WR. Healing characteristics of a type I collagenous structure treated with corticosteroids. Am J Sports Med. 1994;22(2):279-288. find original ↗
  24. [Ch 14·73] Wang CJ. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in musculoskeletal disorders. J Orthop Surg Res. 2012;7:11. find original ↗
  25. [Ch 14·74] Lou J, Wang S, Liu S, Xing G. Effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy without local anesthesia in patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2017;96(8):529-534. find original ↗
  26. [Ch 14·75] Cacchio A, Rompe JD, Furia JP, Susi P, Santilli V, De Paulis F. Shockwave therapy for the treatment of chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy in professional athletes. Am J Sports Med. 2011;39(1):146-153. find original ↗
  27. [Ch 14·76] van Leeuwen MT, Zwerver J, van den Akker-Scheek I. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for patellar tendinopathy: a review of the literature. Br J Sports Med. 2009;43(3):163-168. find original ↗
  28. [Ch 14·77] Staples MP, Forbes A, Ptasznik R, Gordon J, Buchbinder R. A randomized controlled trial of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). J Rheumatol. 2008;35(10):2038-2046. find original ↗
  29. [Ch 14·78] Belk JW, Kraeutler MJ, Houck DA, Goodrich JA, Dragoo JL, McCarty EC. Platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Sports Med. 2021;49(1):249-260. find original ↗
  30. [Ch 14·79] Kim CH, Park YB, Lee JS, Jung HS. Platelet-rich plasma injection vs. operative treatment for lateral elbow tendinosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2022;31(2):428-436. find original ↗
  31. [Ch 14·80] Chen X, Jones IA, Park C, Vangsness CT Jr. The efficacy of platelet-rich plasma on tendon and ligament healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis with bias assessment. Am J Sports Med. 2018;46(8):2020-2032. find original ↗
  32. [Ch 14·81] Chahla J, Cinque ME, Piuzzi NS, et al. A call for standardization in platelet-rich plasma preparation protocols and composition reporting: a systematic review of the clinical orthopaedic literature. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2017;99(20):1769-1779. find original ↗
Also cited by the book on these pages:
  1. [Ch 14·41] Moffet HH. Sham acupuncture may be as efficacious as true acupuncture: a systematic review of clinical trials. J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(3):213-216. find original ↗
  2. [Ch 14·43] Mu J, Furlan AD, Lam WY, Hsu MY, Ning Z, Lao L. Acupuncture for chronic nonspecific low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;12(12):CD013814. Published 2020 Dec 11. find original ↗
  3. [Ch 14·44] Farag AM, Malacarne A, Pagni SE, Maloney GE. The effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of persistent regional myofascial head and neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2020;49:102297. find original ↗
  4. [Ch 14·46] Tu JF, Yang JW, Shi GX, et al. Efficacy of intensive acupuncture versus sham acupuncture in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2021;73(3):448-458. find original ↗
  5. [Ch 14·47] Gattie E, Cleland JA, Pandya J, Snodgrass S. Dry needling adds no benefit to the treatment of neck pain: a sham-controlled randomized clinical trial with 1-year follow-up. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021;51(1):37-45. find original ↗
  6. [Ch 14·49] Liu L, Huang QM, Liu QG, et al. Effectiveness of dry needling for myofascial trigger points associated with neck and shoulder pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015;96(5):944-955. find original ↗

Page numbers are those of the uploaded PDF edition. "Find original" opens a PubMed search for the cited study.

4.

Consider these last: stem cells, peptides, therapeutic ultrasound, cupping, hyperbaric oxygen

📖 Rehab Science

Stem cell therapy: generally safe, but research quality is poor and harvesting can be painful. Peptide therapy: mainly animal studies and unregulated products. Therapeutic ultrasound performs about the same as sham. Cupping is mostly placebo for pain. Hyperbaric oxygen has sound theory but mixed results, and it is costly and time-consuming.

Source: Rehab Science · Ch 14 · PDF pp. 257–262· 21 original research citationsshow sources ▾
  1. [Ch 14·82] McIntyre JA, Jones IA, Han B, Vangsness CT Jr. Intra-articular mesenchymal stem cell therapy for the human joint: a systematic review. Am J Sports Med. 2018;46(14):3550-3563. find original ↗
  2. [Ch 14·83] Chahla J, Piuzzi NS, Mitchell JJ, et al. Intra-articular cellular therapy for osteoarthritis and focal cartilage defects of the knee: a systematic review of the literature and study quality analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2016;98(18):1511-1521. find original ↗
  3. [Ch 14·84] Chang CH, Tsai WC, Hsu YH, Pang JH. Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 enhances the growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts. Molecules. 2014;19(11):19066-19077. find original ↗
  4. [Ch 14·85] Krivic A, Majerovic M, Jelic I, Seiwerth S, Sikiric P. Modulation of early functional recovery of Achilles tendon to bone unit after transection by BPC 157 and methylprednisolone. Inflamm Res. 2008;57(5):205-210. find original ↗
  5. [Ch 14·86] Staresinic M, Sebecic B, Patrlj L, et al. Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates healing of transected rat Achilles tendon and in vitro stimulates tendocytes growth. J Orthop Res. 2003;21(6):976-983. find original ↗
  6. [Ch 14·87] Ebadi S, Henschke N, Forogh B, et al. Therapeutic ultrasound for chronic low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;7(7):CD009169. Published 2020 Jul 5. find original ↗
  7. [Ch 14·88] Desmeules F, Boudreault J, Roy JS, Dionne C, Frémont P, MacDermid JC. The efficacy of therapeutic ultrasound for rotator cuff tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Phys Ther Sport. 2015;16(3):276-284. find original ↗
  8. [Ch 14·89] van den Bekerom MP, van der Windt DA, Ter Riet G, van der Heijden GJ, Bouter LM. Therapeutic ultrasound for acute ankle sprains. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011;2011(6):CD001250. Published 2011 Jun 15. find original ↗
  9. [Ch 14·90] Robertson VJ, Baker KG. A review of therapeutic ultrasound: effectiveness studies. Phys Ther. 2001;81(7):1339-1350. find original ↗
  10. [Ch 14·91] Baker KG, Robertson VJ, Duck FA. A review of therapeutic ultrasound: biophysical effects. Phys Ther. 2001;81(7):1351-1358. find original ↗
  11. [Ch 14·92] van der Windt DAWM, van der Heijden GJMG, van den Berg SGM, Ter Riet G, de Winter AF, Bouter LM. Ultrasound therapy for musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review. Pain. 1999;81(3):257-271. find original ↗
  12. [Ch 14·93] Almeida Silva HJ, Barbosa GM, Scattone Silva R, et al. Dry cupping therapy is not superior to sham cupping to improve clinical outcomes in people with non-specific chronic low back pain: a randomised trial. J Physiother. 2021;67(2):132-139. find original ↗
  13. [Ch 14·94] Lauche R, Spitzer J, Schwahn B, et al. Efficacy of cupping therapy in patients with the fibromyalgia syndrome-a randomised placebo controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2016;6:37316. find original ↗
  14. [Ch 14·95] Daly S, Thorpe M, Rockswold S, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of acute severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review. J Neurotrauma. 2018;35(4):623-629. find original ↗
  15. [Ch 14·96] Deng Z, Chen W, Jin J, Zhao J, Xu H. The neuroprotection effect of oxygen therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Niger J Clin Pract. 2018;21(4):401-416. find original ↗
  16. [Ch 14·97] Kranke P, Bennett MH, Martyn-St James M, Schnabel A, Debus SE, Weibel S. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic wounds. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;2015(6):CD004123. Published 2015 Jun 24. find original ↗
  17. [Ch 14·98] Bennett MH, Feldmeier J, Hampson NB, Smee R, Milross C. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for late radiation tissue injury. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4(4):CD005005. Published 2016 Apr 28. find original ↗
  18. [Ch 14·99] Ince B, Ismayilzada M, Arslan A, Dadaci M. Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilitate peripheral nerve recovery in upper extremity injuries? A prospective study of 74 patients. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. 2022;48(5):3997-4003. find original ↗
  19. [Ch 14·100] Millar IL, Lind FG, Jansson KÅ, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen for lower limb trauma (HOLLT): an international multi-centre randomised clinical trial. Diving Hyperb Med. 2022;52(3):164-174. find original ↗
  20. [Ch 14·101] Webster AL, Syrotuik DG, Bell GJ, Jones RL, Hanstock CC. Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage in humans. Clin J Sport Med. 2002;12(3):139-150. find original ↗
  21. [Ch 14·102] Babul S, Rhodes EC, Taunton JE, Lepawsky M. Effects of intermittent exposure to hyperbaric oxygen for the treatment of an acute soft tissue injury. Clin J Sport Med. 2003;13(3):138-147. find original ↗

Page numbers are those of the uploaded PDF edition. "Find original" opens a PubMed search for the cited study.

Check your understanding

1. Which CAM intervention lets you build strength with light loads?
2. Why is ice no longer routine for minor (grade I) soft-tissue injuries?
3. Which tier does the book place therapeutic ultrasound in?