Successful Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy with Electroacupuncture: Two Cases

Abstract

Background: Achilles tendinopathy is a common injury for active patient populations and is challenging to treat. Acupuncture tendon-based therapy was first described in the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine. In modern times, specific techniques have been described poorly in the literature. The aim of this case report is to describe a new technique of acupuncture for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy and provide 2 illustrative cases. Cases: Treatments for the 2 patients were performed in a deployed military treatment facility. SERIN® 0.25 mm × 40 mm needles placed at BL 60, BL 61, KI 3, and KI 4, with needles directed into the Achilles tendon of each patient. Needles were inserted until a firm catch of the needle entering the tendon was discerned. Energy was placed from KI 3(-) → KI 4(+) and BL61 (-) → BL 60(+) at 30 Hz for 15 minutes. Results: Both patients reported symptomatic reduction in Achilles tendinopathy pain and functional improvement following the described treatments. Conclusions: This case series describes two cases of successful Achilles tendinopathy therapy using direct tendon needle insertion with electrostimulation. This novel technique may provide an effective adjunct to traditional therapies in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy.

Keywords: Achilles; Acupuncture; Electroacupuncture; Electrostimulation; Military; Tendinopathy.

Conflict of interest statement

No competing financial interests exist.

Figures

FIG. 1.

SERIN® 0.25 mm × 40 mm needles placed at BL 60, BL 61, KI 3, and KI 4 with needles directed into the Achilles tendon. Needles are inserted until a firm catch of the needle entering the tendon is discerned. Energy is placed from KI 3(–)→ KI 4(+) and BL 61(–) → BL 60(+) at 30 Hz for 12 minutes.