UMSN Clinical Assistant Professor Researching Low-Cost, Non-Invasive Method to Relieve Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
An innovative study will examine the feasibility of older adults using self-administered acupressure.
“It’s low-risk, low-cost, and it empowers people to have more control over their pain,” says University of Michigan School of Nursing (UMSN) Clinical Assistant Professor Laura M. Struble, Ph.D., GNP-BC about a project she's involved with that has breakthrough potential. Dr. Struble is a co-investigator for the study “Acupressure for the Treatment of Pain in Older Adults with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis,” which will focus on older adults self-administering acupressure to their knees with a wooden tool. 
“Knee pain is incredibly common in older adults,” says Dr. Struble. “And as our population ages more people will likely experience knee osteoarthritis. If we can find a way for people to get relief without medications that may come with side effects, it can really improve their quality of life. This treatment might even delay or eliminate the need for surgery in some cases. The less you move, the worse the arthritis gets. It’s a vicious cycle so this is a safe alternative that might improve their function and pain. ”
“Acupuncture is very expensive, and in the State of Michigan, most insurance companies don’t pay for it,” says Dr. Struble. “Acupressure is an alternative that you can do yourself.”
For the study, 120 adults over age 65 will be divided into three groups. One section will watch a video to learn the proper techniques of acupressure, while the other group will learn neutral locations to apply pressure. There will also be a control group. In addition, the researchers will gather information on adherence to the schedule of self-administering acupressure treatments five times a week for eight weeks. Dr. Struble says this is the first study of its kind to involve older adults in self-administered acupressure, so the information could be invaluable.
The study is supported by the Arthritis Foundation. University of Michigan School of Social Work Professor Dr. Lydia Li will serve as lead investigator.
