ANALGESIC EFFECT OF CUPPING THERAPY IN OSTEOARTHRITIS ON TIMELINE: AN OPEN COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY

Objective: To evaluate the analgesic effect of dry cupping therapy concerning time at a clinical setting and to compare its impact among cases of cervical, lumbar and knee osteoarthritis (OA). Method: A comparative open clinical trial was conducted. The patients were divided into three groups by the joint affected. Group A had patients suffering from cervical OA; group B was of patients suffering from lumber OA whereas, Group C had patients with knee OA. Each group received dry cupping for 20 minutes around the affected joint for 4 consecutive days. They were followed-up on each sitting to determine the effects of cupping therapy concerning time utilizing both objective and subjective parameters. The assessment was done on each sitting spreading over five days. Results: The results of this study show significant and better results in the overall management of OA. Cervical OA was the first to show results followed by lumbar and knee OA respectively, not only in terms of pain relief but also in decreasing stiffness and disability. Conclusion: Cupping therapy was efficacious in relieving signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of all three joints in terms of analgesia, anti-inflammation and resolution of edema. The effect could be seen after the first sitting itself. Cupping therapy caused minimal and temporary side effects like ecchymosis and blister formation. It is recommended that further studies are conducted with larger sample size and for a longer duration.