Perspectives of Electroacupuncture as a New Option for the Treatment of Denervated Muscles

Conservative treatment of peripheral nerve injuries is based on physical therapy approaches, including electrostimulation of denervated muscle. Electrostimulation retards denervation atrophy and prolongs the time window for axon reinnervation.

This article focuses on the potential of electroacupuncture, which combines electrostimulation with acupuncture, in the context of the latest knowledge on the mechanisms of axonal regeneration.

The possibilities of influencing the growth rate of the axon itself through neurotrophic factors have primarily been previously proven in rodent models. Electroacupuncture as mini-invasive electrostimulation using acupuncture needles appears to be a promising option for the treatment of peripheral nerve paresis. However, this therapy needs to be evaluated in the context of human medicine.