An Australian-first clinical trial of arthritis treatment using acupuncture laser to treat osteoarthritis knee pain is showing positive results, but more participants are needed to strengthen its findings according to researcher Meikin Li Rees.
A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and PhD student in the University of Technology Sydney - UTS Faculty of Science, Ms Rees said around 30 people had so far taken part in the trial, but more were needed before it concludes.
"The jury is still out on the effectiveness of laser acupuncture on osteoarthritis knee pain so the bigger the sample the greater the value of the research.
"The condition commonly occurs in the knees when articular cartilage, a protective cushion, is lost from the joint space between bones.
"As the disease progresses, the knee joint slowly changes. In severe cases, when the articular cartilage is gone, the thickened bone ends rub against each other and wear away. This results in a deformity of the knee joint and normal activity becomes painful and difficult."
Ms Rees said among the positive stories from the trial is a 70 year-old man who was "very wobbly on his feet at the start and experiencing a lot of pain."
"The man has been amazed at how laser acupuncture has improved his condition. He reports being pain free and has now gets off his regular bus one stop earlier so he can enjoy the walk."
