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Qigong and Musculoskeletal Pain

  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine (S Kolasinski, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Rheumatology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Musculoskeletal pain is a widespread symptom that commonly produces considerable disability, particularly in later life. This brief review strove to summarize and critically review the recent research base concerning the use of Qigong as a possible strategy for alleviating longstanding or chronic musculoskeletal pain states.

Methods

Research reports and literature reviews specifically focusing on Qigong and its impact on various forms of musculoskeletal pain between 2015 and 2019 were sought and analyzed, along with related data.

Results

Collectively, these data reveal that while more research is indicated, Qigong practice may help to attenuate pain in varying degrees among adults with different forms of chronic pain with few side-effects.

Conclusion

More research is needed to ensure health professionals working with adults who have chronic unrelenting musculoskeletal pain may safely recommend these exercises as one possible remedy for reducing intractable musculoskeletal pain.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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  1. Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Program in Health Education, Columbia University, Teachers College, New York, NY, USA

    Ray Marks

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Marks, R. Qigong and Musculoskeletal Pain. Curr Rheumatol Rep 21, 59 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-019-0861-6

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