Thread embedding acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) is a special type of acupuncture that inserts certain medical threads (eg, catgut or polydioxanone) into subcutaneous tissue or muscles at specific points. Although TEA has been widely used for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain in Korea, China and Taiwan, evidence regarding its efficacy is lacking. The aim of this protocol is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TEA in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods and analysis

The following 16 databases will be searched from their inception to 14 May 2017: MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Allied and Complementary

SUBMITTER: Cho Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5829818 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature