Background: Functional constipation (FC) is a common health issue in children, impacting their health-related quality of life. Chinese pediatric therapeutic massage, also called Chinese pediatric Tuina, a traditional Chinese manual manipulation therapy, has been utilized for managing FC in children. This study examined the effects of 2 types of pediatric Tuina therapy, regular and Han’s style, on FC in children diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria and with the type of food stagnation accompanied by interior heat/inflammation in traditional Chinese medicine. Methods: The study involved 196 children aged 1 to 7 years (mean [M] age 2.7 ± 1.5 years) diagnosed with FC for 3 to 6 months based on Rome IV criteria and traditional Chinese medicine’s diagnosis of food stagnation with internal heat/inflammation. Two groups of 98 participants each were randomly formed. One group received regular pediatric Tuina therapy, while the other received Han’s style pediatric Tuina therapy for 2 sessions. Each session lasted for 7 days with a one-day break, and a 3-day break was scheduled between the 2 sessions. Bristol stool scale, scale of defecation difficulty, scale of stooling duration, scale of stooling frequency, and abdominal bloating were assessed at pretreatment, post-first session, post-second session, and 1-week after the second session. Paired t -tests and independent t -tests were used to examine significant differences in measures among data collected from different time points within each group and between the 2 groups, respectively. Results: Both types of Tuina therapy (regular and Han’s style) demonstrated significant improvements in all measures compared to pre-Tuina ( P < .05). Han’s style Tuina showed significantly better effects ( P ≤ .01) than regular Tuina. Conclusion: Chinese pediatric Tuina therapy significantly improved FC symptoms caused by food stagnation with interior heat/inflammation in the studied population, with Han’s style having certain advantages. The Chinese Tuina therapy used in the study could be recommended as an alternative management approach for FC in children.

Compare long-term efficacy and recurrence of Chinese ointment(Co) massage, Tuina, and combined acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). A multicenter, prospective, observational real-world study was conducted in multiple cities in China. 2143 KOA patients (83.76 % female) were prospectively assigned by preference to Co (n = 312), Tuina (n = 403), Co+acupuncture (n = 237), or Tuina+acupuncture (n = 1362) groups. Treatments involved 5-10 sessions. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) assessed the average degree of knee joint pain, while the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Lequesne Index evaluated knee joint dysfunction in terms of functionality and severity. The 2 years recurrence rate of KOA was also calculated. All groups showed significant post-treatment WOMAC, VAS, and Lequesne score reductions. The Co group had the lowest VAS scores at 2-10 months. Recurrence rates (lowest to highest) were Co group, Tuina group, Tuina+acupuncture group, Co+acupuncture group. The overall maximum recurrence rate was 33.97 % at 2 years, stabilizing after 18 months. KL grade II patients had the best long-term outcomes (recurrence 16.16 %-30.85 % over 2-24 months). No serious adverse events occurred. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) conservative treatments (Co therapy, Tuina, and combined acupuncture) demonstrated safety for KOA management. Patients with lower KL grades (0-III) derived greater clinical benefit from longer courses (≥10 sessions), with effects sustained for up to 2 years. Co therapy or acupuncture-integrated regimens provided optimal early improvement (within the first 5 sessions) for pain and mobility. Intensive combination protocols offered no additional cumulative benefit for patients with mild symptoms.

Functional constipation (FC) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that can significantly impact patients’ quality of life. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of “abdominal tuina” and oral mosapride citrate tablets in the treatment of FC. Ninety patients with FC were randomly assigned to receive either “abdominal tuina” treatment or oral mosapride citrate tablets. Symptom scores, quality of life assessments, physiological and biochemical indicators, and mental health parameters were monitored at various time points during the 90-day treatment period. Significant improvement in clinical symptom scores was observed in the experimental group by day 10, with sustained efficacy throughout the study. The experimental group demonstrated superior effectiveness and improvements in biochemical markers and mental health scores compared to the control group. No significant adverse reactions were reported in either group. The study findings suggest that “abdominal tuina” treatment and oral mosapride citrate tablets are equally effective in managing FC, with both interventions effectively reducing symptoms and enhancing quality of life without significant adverse effects. The maintenance of treatment effects at day 10 highlights the potential benefits of these therapies for FC patients.

Rationale: Coccyx fractures and subluxations are commonly caused by trauma, often leading to severe pain and restricted mobility. Traditional treatments focus on analgesia and immobilization; however, recovery periods are prolonged. This study explores the efficacy of acupuncture combined with Tai Chi in promoting rehabilitation for coccyx fractures. Patient concerns: A 34-year-old female patient experienced sacrococcygeal pain and limited mobility after falling on her buttocks while skiing on February 13, 2025. Diagnoses: Computed tomography imaging indicated a suspected fracture of the S5 vertebral body, a possible subluxation of the Co1 vertebral body, and soft tissue swelling with effusion in the sacrococcygeal region. Interventions: The treatment consisted of lumbosacral acupuncture, targeting the Baliao (Shangliao, Ciliao, Zhongliao, Xialiao) and Ashi points (local tender spots), supplemented by daily Five-Form Tai Chi exercises. Acupuncture sessions were conducted once daily, with needles retained for 10 minutes, over a consecutive period of 14 days. Furthermore, the Tai Chi exercises were performed twice daily, with each session lasting 20 minutes, also spanning a duration of 14 days. Outcomes: Post-treatment, the Visual Analog Scale pain score decreased from 7 to 3. Follow-up computed tomography revealed no obvious fractures on sacrococcygeal plain scans, with recommendations for follow-up or magnetic resonance imaging if necessary. The patient showed significant functional improvement and reduced anxiety. Lessons: Acupuncture combined with Tai Chi effectively alleviates pain, promotes functional recovery, and accelerates fracture healing in patients with coccyx fractures and subluxations.