Efficacy of cupping therapy in non-inflammatory arthritis: a meta-analysis
Abstract
Background & objective: Non-inflammatory arthritis (NIA), a predominant musculoskeletal disorder, leading to significant chronic pain along with disability. Cupping therapy (CT), a traditional therapy, has achieved very significant interest in managing pain in different types of musculoskeletal ailments. However, its efficiency for NIA remains unclear. This meta-analysis study was aimed to comprehensively analyse the available evidences on the effectiveness of CT in the therapeutic management of NIA.
Methodology: A thorough systematic literature review was performed with the help of four electronic databases, PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE, for available randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case-control, and cohort studies focusing on the application of CT for NIA. Cross-sectional studies, case reports, and review papers were not included. Research studies were evaluated for methodological quality and available data were extracted for relevant therapeutic outcomes, which included pain intensity, joint stiffness, functional limitations, along with quality of life. Data extracted included study features, participant demographics, intervention details, control group information, outcomes evaluated, and follow-up extent. A meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the quantitative data.
Results: The search strategy identified a total of nine studies that specifically focused on CT for NIA. The meta-analysis conducted on subgroup analysis of Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores between experimental and control groups revealed substantial heterogeneity due to the limited number of studies specifically targeting NIA, the results showed substantial heterogeneity (Tau2 = 40.07, Chi-square = 414.58, df = 3, p < 0.00001; I-square = 99%). Studies on other musculoskeletal conditions suggested potential benefits for pain management and function. Cupping therapy showed potential benefits across different indications such as chronic neck and shoulder pain, knee discomfort, low back pain, chronic non-specific neck pain, hyperalgesia, and muscle tension.
Conclusion: Cupping therapy shows promise as a potential pain management tool, but more research, particularly studies that employ strict inclusion criteria, utilize standardized cupping techniques and outcome measures, and target specific non-inflammatory arthritic conditions are needed to confirm its effectiveness for non-inflammatory arthritis. Future studies with standardized protocols and a focus on non-inflammatory arthritis populations will be crucial in determining its role with certainty.
Keywords: Cupping therapy; non-inflammatory arthritis; pain management; musculoskeletal disorders; meta-analysis
Citation: Alammari YM. Efficacy of cupping therapy in non-inflammatory arthritis: a meta-analysis. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2025;29(3):682-694. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v29i3.2775
Received: May 09, 2024; Revised: October 26, 2024; Accepted: January 01, 2025
