Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a practice used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a technique that uses thin needles inserted into the skin at specific points of the body. These acupuncture points are believed to be connected to pathways or meridians where energy flows throughout the body (called Qi). It is believed in Chinese medicine that these pathways of energy are responsible for overall health. Therefore, by applying acupuncture to specific points, disruptions to Qi can be released.

Acupuncture is most commonly used for pain relief but has recently been used for clienteles with neurological conditions such as stroke and cerebral palsy. In these populations, it is used to treat spasticity, loss of mobility and hemiplegia (loss of sensation and/or strength in one side of the body).

While it is not fully understood how acupuncture achieves certain results, it is believed that acupuncture can stimulate the central nervous system by releasing chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. This may cause biological responses that promote physical and emotional health.

There is evidence that acupuncture is effective in treating many different conditions (respiratory, musculoskeletal, digestive, etc.) and their associated issues (pain, nausea, headaches, asthma, etc.).

Acupuncture for cerebral palsy is considered a new treatment approach. It is hypothesized that it can benefit children with CP by treating associated disorders such as:

• Cognitive issues
• Hearing deficits
• Speech delays
• Physical limitations
• Pain relief
• Gross motor functioning

Instead of needles other forms of stimulation can be used over acupuncture points. They include:

• Heat (moxibustion)
• Pressure (acupressure)

• Friction
• Suction (cupping)

• Impulses of electromagnetic energy (used with needles)
• Sonopuncture (uses sound waves over acupuncture points)
• Reflexology (uses pressure over parts of the feet and ankles)

Acupuncture treatment for CP is considered a relatively new therapy. There are few research studies that explore its effectiveness compared to other treatment modalities.

One high quality study compared acupuncture combined with conventional therapy to conventional therapy only for children (12-72 months) with spastic CP (GMFCS level I-III). It found that acupuncture with conventional therapy was not more effective than conventional therapy alone in improving gross motor function and functional skills (self-care, mobility and social skills).

Acupuncture is typically provided in wellness centers and specialized clinics. It is important to discuss the use of acupuncture with a doctor first as there are certain contraindications.

An initial evaluation will be conducted to understand your child’s condition and medical history to determine the goals of the treatment and frequency/duration of sessions. During treatments, the acupuncturist inserts hair thin needles into specific acupuncture points around the body depending on the condition being treated. When the needle is inserted there will be a sensation of pressure or ache but there should be little or no pain. The client is expected to lie still while the treatment is being administered.

There may be different requirements to be qualified to practice acupuncture depending on where you live. In general, each candidate must attend a 3-4 year program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). The person providing the treatment may also be required to obtain a licensed certification from the professional order of acupuncturists in your province or state. It is important to check the requirements of the regulatory body in your place of residence to ensure a practitioner meets the requirements.

Keep in mind that you will want to choose someone who specifically specializes in helping children with cerebral palsy, as their situations are always unique.

Treatment durations and frequency are based on the conditions treated, their severity and how long they have been present. The acupuncturist will be able to provide more information after the first consultation or after observing the client’s progress after treatments. In the reviewed study, the treatments were provided 5x/week for a total of 12 weeks.

There is a low risk of side effects during acupuncture treatments. Normally they are not serious in nature and reactions disappear on their own or can be corrected during later treatment(s).

They can include:

• Dizziness
• Pain at the site entry (where the needle enters the skin)
• Infections
• Nerve puncture injuries
• Fatigue
• Bruising
• Muscle twitching
• Emotional release, which may lead to crying (this is generally a positive side effect)

In the U.S. and Canada, there is a mandate that acupuncture needles must be sterile single use needles to reduce the risk of infection.

Acupuncture treatment for cerebral palsy is a fairly new approach. There is very little research to determine if it works for children with CP.

Only one recent study examines the effectiveness of acupuncture for young children (12-72 months) with spastic CP (GMFCS level I-III). It found that acupuncture and conventional therapy was not more effective than conventional therapy only in improving gross motor function and functional skills. More research is required to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture for children with different types and severities of CP.

Please note that acupuncture may not be suitable for every child. It is best to contact a licensed acupuncturist to assess whether it is appropriate for your child as well as consult your child’s physician to discuss any potential contraindications.

Information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

One high quality RCT (Duncan et al., 2012) investigated the effects of acupuncture and conventional therapies (occupational therapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy) on functional skills among children with spastic CP (GMFCS level I-III). This high quality RCT randomized participants to receive either acupuncture with conventional therapies (weeks 0-12) or only conventional therapy (weeks 0-12) with delayed acupuncture (weeks 16-28). Functional skills were assessed using the Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory – Functional Skills (PEDI-FS: self-care, mobility, social skills) at 12 weeks post-treatment, 16 weeks post-treatment, and 28 weeks post-treatment. No significant between-group differences were found at any time points.

Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (Level 1b) from one high quality RCT that acupuncture and conventional therapies is as effective as the comparison intervention (conventional therapies only) in improving functional skills in children with spastic CP (GMFCS level I-III).

One high quality RCT (Duncan et al., 2012) investigated the effects of acupuncture and conventional therapies (occupational therapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy) on gross motor function among children with spastic CP (GMFCS level I-III). This high quality RCT randomized participants to receive either acupuncture with conventional therapies (weeks 0-12) or only conventional therapy (weeks 0-12) with delayed acupuncture (weeks 16-28). Gross motor function was assessed using the Gross Motor Function Measure at 12 weeks post-treatment, 16 weeks post-treatment, and 28 weeks post-treatment. No significant between-group differences were found at any time points.

Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (Level 1b) from one high quality RCT that acupuncture and conventional therapies is as effective as the comparison intervention (conventional therapies only) in improving gross motor function for children with spastic CP (GMFCS level I-III).