Participants assigned to a real or simulated acupuncture treatment were treated twice weekly for three weeks, and then weekly for four weeks (10 treatments total). Participants were asked to wear eye masks and lie prone with their heads in a face cradle. Electrostimulation, moxibustion, herbs and other non-needle adjuncts were proscribed.
One of five Diagnostician acupuncturists with 7 to 18 years experience evaluated participants at each visit using Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) diagnostic techniques and prescribed individualized TCM treatments to be used only for participants randomized to individualized acupuncture. A Therapist acupuncturist then delivered the assigned treatments, interacting minimally with participants and the Diagnostician, who remained masked to treatment. Treatments were performed in Research Clinics at the two sites by 6 licensed acupuncturists with a with 4 to 19 years experience. All acupuncturists were experienced using TCM acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain. Nine of the 11 study acupuncturists had at least 3 years of formal training and the two others had practiced for over 15 years.
Acupuncturists used sterile disposable 32-gauge needles (0.25 mm) at least 1.5 inches in length. Needling depth varied slightly, depending on the acupoint, but was generally between 1 and 3 cm.
All participants received a self-care book with information on managing flare-ups, exercise, and life-style modifications.18
One of five Diagnostician acupuncturists with 7 to 18 years experience evaluated participants at each visit using Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) diagnostic techniques and prescribed individualized TCM treatments to be used only for participants randomized to individualized acupuncture. A Therapist acupuncturist then delivered the assigned treatments, interacting minimally with participants and the Diagnostician, who remained masked to treatment. Treatments were performed in Research Clinics at the two sites by 6 licensed acupuncturists with a with 4 to 19 years experience. All acupuncturists were experienced using TCM acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain. Nine of the 11 study acupuncturists had at least 3 years of formal training and the two others had practiced for over 15 years.
Acupuncturists used sterile disposable 32-gauge needles (0.25 mm) at least 1.5 inches in length. Needling depth varied slightly, depending on the acupoint, but was generally between 1 and 3 cm.
All participants received a self-care book with information on managing flare-ups, exercise, and life-style modifications.18
