Call 416.929.8444 x2
Dr. Shawn Thistle
Affiliations
CBC News Acupuncture For Pain Relief
Scientific Study Finds Acupuncture Effective For Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
Dr. Thistle on CBC The National and Canada Now Dec. 2004
Article which led to the CBC TV coverage:
Acupuncture works to relieve arthritis pain: study
Last Updated Tue, 21 Dec 2004 04:32:40 EST
CBC News TORONTO
Combining acupuncture with standard drug therapy can relieve pain and improve movement in people with arthritis of the knee, according to a new study.
"For the first time, a clinical trial with sufficient rigour, size, and duration has shown that acupuncture reduces the pain and functional impairment of osteoarthritis of the knee," said Dr. Stephen Straus in a release.
The results also suggest acupuncture can help improve quality of life for people with knee osteoarthritis, added Straus, a director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the U.S. government agency that funds medical research.
In the trial, Dr. Brian Berman of the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore and his colleagues studied 570 patients with an average age of 65 who had osteoarthritis of the knee.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments for 26 weeks, in addition to standard care such as anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers:
What sets the study apart from previous research is the extent of time the patients were followed, said Dr. Shawn Thistle, an acupuncture practitioner in Toronto.
Nevertheless, the study has its limitations. A sizeable number of patients dropped out over the 26 weeks, reducing the reliability of the results.
Also, the findings don't show acupuncture is better than other treatments or if it is more cost-effective than drugs. Since acupuncture is generally safe, researchers say the treatment deserves further study, given the recent news about the dangerous side-effects of some arthritis medications.
The use of sham acupuncture also controlled for the placebo effect, in which patients expect relief with no real treatment.
Patients who have arthroscopic surgery for arthritis in their knees may feel better even though the surgery didn't help, a new study suggests.
A team of surgeons in Texas tested the procedure by performing the surgery on 180 patients with osteoarthritis in the knee. Two-thirds got two different types of the surgery.
But for a third, the surgeons faked it – they went through the motions of giving a tranquilizer, making three incisions and pretending to do the surgery.
All participants in the study had to sign their chart to show they understood they might receive the placebo surgery, which would not help their arthritic knee.
Most arthroscopic surgery on the knee is done to repair injured ligaments and cartilage, which doctors say is useful. The experiment was designed to see whether the surgery helped reduce pain and increase mobility in patients with an arthritic knee.
The researchers found patients who underwent the placebo surgery were just as likely to report pain relief as those who received the real procedure. It seems for osteoarthritis patients, the relief is all in patients' heads.
"I don't believe that arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee is any more beneficial than a placebo effect, and I don't recommend it," said Dr. Bruce Moseley, an orthopedics professor at Baylor College in Houston and one of the study's co-authors.
br /> Former skier Todd Brooker of Collingwood, Ont., has had 13 knee surgeries for injuries and arthritis that developed after a fall in January 1987 that ended his skiing career.
"My doctor would go in through the scope and he would basically vacuum stuff out of there and clean up that whole area," Brooker said. He said it's hard to accept that he feels better because of the placebo effect.
Provincial health ministers will have to re-think paying for surgery.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Cameron of Toronto said the study provides the ammunition he needs to convince osteoarthritis patients that the procedure doesn't work. "If it isn't doing them any good, we shouldn't be doing it," said Cameron. "That's the message of this paper."
One of the study's investigators, Dr. Nelda Wray of the Houston VA Medical Center and Baylor College, said the study makes doctors question whether money spent on the procedures could be put to better use. Provincial governments will now have to determine if the procedure is just an expensive placebo.
The study appeared July 11, 2002 in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Dr. Thistle on CBC The National and Canada Now Dec. 2004
Article which led to the CBC TV coverage:
Acupuncture works to relieve arthritis pain: study
Last Updated Tue, 21 Dec 2004 04:32:40 EST
CBC News TORONTO
Combining acupuncture with standard drug therapy can relieve pain and improve movement in people with arthritis of the knee, according to a new study.
"For the first time, a clinical trial with sufficient rigour, size, and duration has shown that acupuncture reduces the pain and functional impairment of osteoarthritis of the knee," said Dr. Stephen Straus in a release.
The results also suggest acupuncture can help improve quality of life for people with knee osteoarthritis, added Straus, a director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the U.S. government agency that funds medical research.
In the trial, Dr. Brian Berman of the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore and his colleagues studied 570 patients with an average age of 65 who had osteoarthritis of the knee.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments for 26 weeks, in addition to standard care such as anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers:
- Acupuncture – inserting thin needles into certain body points to stimulate improved health.
- Sham acupuncture – patients feel some sensation from a needle but it isn't actually inserted.
- A self-help course for managing pain.
What sets the study apart from previous research is the extent of time the patients were followed, said Dr. Shawn Thistle, an acupuncture practitioner in Toronto.
Nevertheless, the study has its limitations. A sizeable number of patients dropped out over the 26 weeks, reducing the reliability of the results.
Also, the findings don't show acupuncture is better than other treatments or if it is more cost-effective than drugs. Since acupuncture is generally safe, researchers say the treatment deserves further study, given the recent news about the dangerous side-effects of some arthritis medications.
The use of sham acupuncture also controlled for the placebo effect, in which patients expect relief with no real treatment.
Patients who have arthroscopic surgery for arthritis in their knees may feel better even though the surgery didn't help, a new study suggests.
A team of surgeons in Texas tested the procedure by performing the surgery on 180 patients with osteoarthritis in the knee. Two-thirds got two different types of the surgery.
But for a third, the surgeons faked it – they went through the motions of giving a tranquilizer, making three incisions and pretending to do the surgery.
All participants in the study had to sign their chart to show they understood they might receive the placebo surgery, which would not help their arthritic knee.
Most arthroscopic surgery on the knee is done to repair injured ligaments and cartilage, which doctors say is useful. The experiment was designed to see whether the surgery helped reduce pain and increase mobility in patients with an arthritic knee.
The researchers found patients who underwent the placebo surgery were just as likely to report pain relief as those who received the real procedure. It seems for osteoarthritis patients, the relief is all in patients' heads.
"I don't believe that arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee is any more beneficial than a placebo effect, and I don't recommend it," said Dr. Bruce Moseley, an orthopedics professor at Baylor College in Houston and one of the study's co-authors.
br /> Former skier Todd Brooker of Collingwood, Ont., has had 13 knee surgeries for injuries and arthritis that developed after a fall in January 1987 that ended his skiing career.
"My doctor would go in through the scope and he would basically vacuum stuff out of there and clean up that whole area," Brooker said. He said it's hard to accept that he feels better because of the placebo effect.
Provincial health ministers will have to re-think paying for surgery.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Cameron of Toronto said the study provides the ammunition he needs to convince osteoarthritis patients that the procedure doesn't work. "If it isn't doing them any good, we shouldn't be doing it," said Cameron. "That's the message of this paper."
One of the study's investigators, Dr. Nelda Wray of the Houston VA Medical Center and Baylor College, said the study makes doctors question whether money spent on the procedures could be put to better use. Provincial governments will now have to determine if the procedure is just an expensive placebo.
The study appeared July 11, 2002 in The New England Journal of Medicine.
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Research Review Service
News & Events
Shawn Speaking @
British Chiropractic Autumn Conference
Kenilworth, England
Sept. 15-16 / 2012
'Do we really provide evidence-informed care?'
'Hip mobility to spare the spine - practical applications for older patients.'
Ontario Chiropractic Assoc.
'Pathways to Practice' Seminar'
Oct. / 2012
Topic to be Announced
BOOK Shawn For Your Event
British Chiropractic Autumn Conference
Kenilworth, England
Sept. 15-16 / 2012
'Do we really provide evidence-informed care?'
'Hip mobility to spare the spine - practical applications for older patients.'
Ontario Chiropractic Assoc.
'Pathways to Practice' Seminar'
Oct. / 2012
Topic to be Announced
BOOK Shawn For Your Event
Testimonials
"Dr. Thistle provides us with a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to providing effective patient care. I found his presentation to be extremely informative and immediately applicable in practice. Epicurean Scholar will play an important part in my ongoing continuing education."
Dr. Chad Conaway Hanover, Ontario
NOTE: Shawn spoke to the Grey/Bruce Chiropractic Society Apr. 26 / 2012
Dr. Chad Conaway Hanover, Ontario
NOTE: Shawn spoke to the Grey/Bruce Chiropractic Society Apr. 26 / 2012
"It was by chance I met with Dr. Thistle. I reside in Los Angeles, CA and while visiting family in Toronto, I complained of upper-back and shoulder pain which had been ongoing for three months. My father suggested I go to a chiropractor. I was not enthusiastic. Subsequently, my father took it upon himself to find a chiropractor. Luckily, his online search led to Dr. Thistle, whom I met 24 hours later. He provided immediate relief. Although you can't undo months, weeks or years of issues with one visit and a few adjustments, it is clear to me that my visit with Dr. Thistle was the springboard I needed to get on the right track. Further, I have been pain free since. Dr. Thistle also went out of his way to help find a doctor in Los Angeles. I highly recommend Dr. Thistle to anyone in need of chiropractic care.
Erik B. - Los Angeles"
Erik B. - Los Angeles"
"Through many years of sports and competitive dance, I've had numerous injuries which became chronic. For years I visited many physiotherapists, massage therapists and acupuncturists, but it wasn’t until I was treated at SHAPE that I recognized the remarkable difference. In fact, its almost unbelievable how accurately they can make a diagnosis, and then perform the right treatment for the right injury. Bottom line is they provide results quickly. I can’t tell you how thankful I am to be out of some of the pain I was experiencing for years. If there’s such a thing as a miracle worker – these guys (Shawn and Sender) are it!. The fact that they follow up the next day with a phone call or an email asking how I am doing, speaks volumes for the service!
Heather F."
Heather F."
"I felt I had conquered the world! I placed 17th in my age group out of 90 competitors at the Sarasota International Marathon 2008. A week before, I had to halt my training and was terrified I would not be able to compete. I could barely manage to walk, let alone make it through training runs because my knee pain was so excruciating! I contacted SHAPE, and Shawn came to my rescue! He was able to quickly discover the area bothering me, explain why I was feeling the pain and how to avoid it in future. Without Shawn and his outstanding ability to alleviate pain through ART®, I may not have made it through my warm up on race day! He was genuinely concerned and determined to do whatever possible to make sure I could compete. He is my new HERO!
Jess H."
Jess H."
"I have been very impressed with all of the services I have utilized at SHAPE. The focus on client experience is clearly evident and I am happy to say that I am in much better physical condition overall since starting at SHAPE – greatly reduced back and neck pain since working with Shawn and definitely increased strength and cardio fitness from working with Tuan and Eric as well!"
Matthew M.
Matthew M.
"We are tournament champs! We were ranked #1 out of 40 teams and held our ground - undefeated 7:0. Despite the rain, it was awesome. I played a fair amount of points and felt 100%! Jumping, cutting, diving, and bending low were a breeze - nothing compared to Eric and Gregg's workouts! Tonight I have a game and the legs are feeling excellent. Good job Dr. Thistle - I think I was fixed after the first week! Thanks for making me bionic again!
Mica W."
Mica W."
"I just want to thank you for the treatments I have been getting from you.. The last one has changed my life. Sounds dramatic, I know, but I have finally been able to experience pain-free living for the first time in a long time, so thank you, thank you, thank you."
Phil M.
Phil M.
"I went airborne down a flight of stairs, badly bruising my left thigh and tailbone! It was quite sore and very uncomfortable. Dr. Thistle listened attentively, assessed my injuries and helped loosen and relax my tense glute and lower back muscles. I went in feeling as though I'd been hit by an SUV and walked out feeling limber and hopeful. I seldom entrust my body to chiropractors as I'm usually cautious of having more damage done to me. This is certainly not the case with Dr. Thistle. To ensure I was feeling better after my first treatment, he sent a quick note to check up on me. Hats off to the Dr. Thistles of the world, who put their heart into their work.
Rosa L."
Rosa L."