FP essentials
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Integrative medicine, including acupuncture, dry needling, and cupping, is being used increasingly in the United States. Evidence regarding their efficacy in the management of musculoskeletal conditions is heterogeneous and subject to several limitations. Despite these limitations, acupuncture consistently has been shown to be more effective than no treatment and is relatively safe. ⋯ Wet cupping appears to decrease low back and neck pain. Patients should be referred to appropriately credentialed clinicians. Health insurance companies may not provide coverage for these therapies.
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Injections often are used in the management of common musculoskeletal conditions. Physicians should understand the disease pathophysiology and evidence supporting available injections when determining appropriate therapy. These therapies include corticosteroid injections (CSIs), hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, hypertonic dextrose prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injections, and trigger point injections (TPIs). ⋯ There is low-quality evidence showing MSC injections improve pain and function in OA and tendinopathies. It is unclear whether TPIs are effective because of a lack of high-quality evidence. Ultrasonography guidance has been shown to improve accuracy of delivery and clinical outcomes in injection therapies.