Combination of Physical and Acupuncture Therapy: Acupoint Stimulation Physical Therapy (ASPT)

We introduced Acupoint Stimulation Physical Therapy (ASPT) as a combination of physical and acupuncture therapy. The characteristics of ASPT were as follows. We pressed acupoints on the meridians running through the affected muscles. The magnitude and duration of acupressure stimulation were maximized to alter muscle tonus and not cause pain to the patient. We demonstrated its effects by scientific research using EMG and clinical evaluation in patients with knee contracture. In the future, we would like to develop ASPT as a novel physical therapy for all patients with disorders of muscle tonus.