ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of acupotomy therapy, following the instruction of Shujin theory and the Jingjin therapy concept, “pain is because of non-relaxation, conversely, relaxation can relieve pain”, in alleviating pain and joint stiffness and improving joint function in patients with early or middle stage knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsA total of 80 patients with early or middle stage KOA were selected and randomly divided into treatment group or control group, with 40 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with acupotomy. The operation sites of the treatment group were the positive spot of local lesion + the dialectical point selected by Shujin, while the operation sites of the control group were the positive spots of local lesion. The two groups were treated once every 5 days for 2 treatment courses, with 15 days as a course. The Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and gait analysis were evaluated before treatment, 15 days and 2 treatment courses (30 days) after treatment. ResultsAfter 15 days and 30 days of treatment, the WOMAC scores and various indexes of gait analysis in both groups were significantly improved, and the changes of the treatment group were superior to those of the control group (all P＜0.05). After 2 courses of treatment, the total effective rate in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group (92.50% vs. 75.00%, P＜0.05). ConclusionBased on the Shujin theory and the concept of Jingjin therapy, “pain is because of non-relaxation, conversely, relaxation can relieve pain”, acupotomy therapy can relieve pain and joint stiffness in patients with early or middle stage KOA; meanwhile, it is conducive to improving joint function.

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