Researchers at the University of Schleswig-Holstein Medical Center, in Kiel, Germany, studied whether the timing of aquatic therapy influences clinical outcomes. (more…)

Researchers in Germany searched the records from almost 10,000 patients for predictors of a positive response. (more…)

Researchers at Merck in Germany tell us, “Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) is a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and tissue regenerating properties.”

Here are the results of a study in people with acute back pain. (more…)

Researchers in Europe reviewed the evidence for glucosamine, chondroitin, and the combination to treat osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. (more…)

There’s conflicting evidence on the value of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCA).

Now, researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston report the influence of the acupuncturist on the response to treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. (more…)

Researchers from the University of York, in the UK say it’s time to move on from asking if acupuncture is more effective than placebo. (more…)

Reporting at the American College of Rheumatology annual scientific meeting, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, in Pennsylvania found no benefit for preventing joint damage in the knees caused by osteoarthritis. (more…)

Following the negative report from the Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), researchers from the University of Utah reanalyzed the data on chondroitin and discovered there’s benefit in certain patients. (more…)

No better than placebo after 24 months of treatment. (more…)

The benefit depends on the therapist, according to this study from the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, New Jersey. (more…)

Despite negative results, researchers from Denmark think another, larger study is needed. (more…)

 Researchers from the University of Paris Descartes in France assessed the long-term effects of chondroitins 4 and 6 sulfate on the symptoms and radiographic progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). (more…)

Researchers at the University of Tartu in Estonia studied the duration of spa therapy on the management of osteoarthritis. (more…)

 Reporting at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting, researchers from the Center For Rheumatic Diseases in Maharashtra, India concluded, Ayurvedic drugs may be safer and just as effective as glucosamine and celecoxib (Celebrex). (more…)

 This study compared the effect of rest intervals on isokinetic knee exercise in physically active younger and older women.

Isokinetic exercises use an apparatus that provides “variable resistance” (photo). Regardless of the effort exerted, movement occurs at a constant speed. This technique is used to improve muscular strength and endurance, especially after injury. (more…)

There are some small studies in patients, and now there’s a review that connects the clinical response and mechanisms of action of two species of cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa and Uncaria guianensis).

Here’s an example of what’s reported. (more…)

5-Loxin is a product made from Boswellia serrata (aka Salai guggal in Ayurvedic medicine).

It has anti-inflammatory action, and was used in this study to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. (more…)

The Arthritis Foundation characterized the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) as “a landmark study that helps define the role of glucosamine/chondroitin in the treatment of knee OA.”

(more…)

Aquatic exercise has less adverse effects, but what about effectiveness? (more…)

Dr. Paul White from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas has reviewed the medical literature and published a summary of the state of the art of acupuncture to manage pain. (more…)