Effectiveness of Acupressure on Knee and Hip Joint Pain Management among Old Age group

Acupressure points are the points on the skin sensitive to bioelectrical impulses in the body. Stimulating these points release endorphins, which are neurochemicals that relieve pain. Recent studies have shown that acupressure is effective for relieving variety of pains in different populations. Widely accepted in Japan, many Americans are unaware of the many benefits of manual acupressure. The most common types of pain affecting geriatrics are knee and hip joint pain. Many elderly people tend to dismiss joint pain and body aches as part of ageing and would rather self-medicate or quietly endure the pain. But untreated pain can become chronic and greatly diminish their quality of life.^[1][2]

To assess the effectiveness of acupressure on knee and hip joint pain management among old age group residing at selected old age home in Pune city.

A quantitative evaluative pre-experimental research design was used. 30 old age people who met the inclusion criteria were recruited using purposive sampling technique. The tool was prepared to assess the level of pain and knee and hip functions before and after providing acupressure. Post assessment was done after 30 days.

Findings revealed that before the application of acupressure 60% of the old age people had severe pain (Score 7–10) and 40% of them had moderate pain (Score 4–6) and in knee and hip function test 3.3% of the old age people had little to no knee problems (Score 17 or lower), 43.3% of them had mild knee problems (Score 18–29), 46.7% of them had Some problem or inhibited function (Score 30–42) and 6.7% of them had moderate problem (Score 43–53). After the application of acupressure 90% of them had moderate pain (Score 4–6) and 10% of them had mild pain (score 1–3) and in knee and hip function test 80% of them had mild knee problems (Score 18–29) and 20% of them had some problem or inhibited function (Score 30–42). Significant changes were also observed in the level of pain and knee and hip function test scores. Paired t-test was done for assessing the effect of acupressure on knee and hip joint pain among old age group. Average scores decreased after the therapy and therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected. Acupressure was found to be significantly effective in decreasing knee and hip joint pain among old age group. Association between knee and hip joint pain and function with selected demographic variables was assessed using Fisher's Exact test. None of the demographical variable have significant association with knee and hip joint pain and function.