Acupuncture and massage therapy enhance postoperative recovery and quality of life in orthopedic patients

Postoperative rehabilitation is essential for orthopedic patients to restore physical function (PF), relieve pain, and improve overall quality of life. This study explores the effects of integrating acupuncture and massage therapy into postoperative care for orthopedic surgery patients, aiming to evaluate its impact on recovery outcomes and psychological well-being. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted involving 110 patients who underwent orthopedic surgery between January 2023 and June 2024. Based on differences in their rehabilitation methods, participants were grouped into 2 categories: one receiving standard rehabilitation care (n = 54) and the other receiving a combination of acupuncture and massage therapy alongside routine rehabilitation (n = 56). Recovery indicators such as duration of hospital stay, joint stiffness, and chronic pain were compared between the 2 groups. Functional and psychological outcomes were assessed using the SF-36 health survey, Barthel index (BI), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and self-rating depression scale (SDS) at both 1 week and 1 month after surgery. The group treated with acupuncture and massage demonstrated significantly enhanced postoperative recovery. Their average hospital stay was shorter (6.18 ± 2.11 days) compared to the conventional group (7.23 ± 2.31 days, P = .015). Furthermore, the incidence of joint stiffness (3.6% vs 16.7%, P = .035) and chronic pain (7.1% vs 22.2%, P = .045) was notably reduced. Assessments using the SF-36 and BI showed greater improvements in quality of life and daily functioning at both evaluation points (P < .05). Additionally, the acupuncture and massage group exhibited significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression 1 month post-surgery (P < .05). Incorporating acupuncture and massage therapy into postoperative rehabilitation for orthopedic patients can yield meaningful benefits in terms of faster recovery, improved joint function, reduced pain, and enhanced psychological health. These findings support the clinical value of integrative approaches in orthopedic postoperative care.