[Acupuncture as after care following injuries of the upper extremities]

Acupuncture is able to improve restriction of motion in general and in the smaller joints of the upper extremity, disturbances in circulation, posttraumatic swelling, reversible nerve lesions and ulcers following burns or pressure of a plaster. Localisation of the points for acupuncture in the different conditions and the possibilities of their combinations are described. Acupuncture is performed bilaterally at symmetrical points, unilaterally in pareses, contralaterally in amputees and in cases with dressings. During ear acupuncture the analgesic effect occurs more quickly, but has a shorter duration of action; in paralyses it was without success. The course of the treatment was controlled by clinical examination and measurement of the range of motion.