As acupressure has been shown to successfully manage pain for a range of conditions, this study investigated whether this intervention could decrease pain and anxiety in patients with acute musculoskeletal injuries.

Athletes presenting to a musculoskeletal sports clinic with acute sports-related injuries were randomized to one of three groups. These included, acupressure, sham acupressure or no acupressure. Subjects were assessed before and after intervention with visual analog scales for "pain intensity" and "anxiety intensity" . Those in the acupressure group received acupressure applied to the Large Intestine four acupoint on the dominant hand for three minutes. The sham group received pressure in the same manner but at a nonreactive point located on the palm of the same hand. The control group did not receive any intervention, and rested alongside the investigator for three minutes.

Participants were 79 athletes, with pain intensity decreasing more in the acupressure group than in the other two groups (P<0.001). No significant difference in pain improvement was seen between the sham and control groups. There was no significant difference in any comparison for improvement in anxiety.

This study of athletes with acute injuries found that acupressure can significantly decrease pain during the early response period.