Acupuncture in Healthy Ageing: The Importance of Grip Strength

By Dr Luke McPherson (TCM)

Acupuncture, Crows Nest

Acupuncture in Healthy Ageing

The Grip of Life: Why Grip Strength Matters for Healthy Ageing...Acupuncture Can Help!!

As we age, maintaining physical health becomes increasingly important, not just for longevity but for the quality of life. As an experienced acupuncturist with many years of clinical experience, I have observed the benefit strength training has on the ageing process; through my scientific research skills, I have confirmed my clinical experience matches published research; and as an avid weight lifter I live what i preach here, and have felt the benefits of strength training. What I have learned, and want to discuss here is that among various health indicators, one might not immediately think of grip strength. However, emerging research underscores its significance as a key marker of overall health and vitality in older adults. This blog explores why grip strength is a crucial indicator of healthy ageing and what it can reveal about our well-being.

What is Grip Strength?

Grip strength refers to the force exerted when you grasp an object. It's a simple yet powerful measure that reflects the strength of your hand and forearm muscles. Grip strength is commonly assessed using a device called a dynamometer, which provides a quantifiable measure of how much force you can apply.

Acupuncture for Healthy Ageing: Why Grip Strength Matters

1. Predictor of Overall Strength and Functionality Grip strength is strongly correlated with overall muscle strength and endurance (1,2). It serves as a proxy for assessing the strength of the upper body, which is critical for performing daily activities such as carrying groceries, opening jars, and maintaining balance.
   

2. Indicator of Cardiovascular Health Studies (3) have shown a significant association between grip strength and cardiovascular health. Lower grip strength is linked with higher risks of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. This relationship highlights the broader implications of muscle strength on heart health; and is only one factor in helping a doctor identify a patient's overall risk profile.
   

3. Marker of Longevity Research indicates that grip strength can predict longevity. A study published in The Lancet (4) found that lower grip strength was associated with a higher risk of death from all causes, including heart disease and cancer. This makes it a valuable tool for identifying individuals at risk; but grip-strength should not be used as a diagnostic tool in isolation, but to be used in collaboration with other diagnostic methods
   

4. Assessment of Neurological Health Grip strength also provides insights into neurological health. Weak grip strength can be an early sign of neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and can indicate overall decline in cognitive function (8). It is important to note here that weaker grip strength does not mean you are cognitive decline; it is just a correlation that has been noted in research.
   

5. Reflection of Nutritional Status Adequate nutrition is essential for maintaining muscle mass and strength. Poor grip strength can be indicative of malnutrition or inadequate protein intake (7), this will then spark your doctor to undertake further investigations to create a more accurate assessment of your health status to determine if there is a need for dietary interventions.

6. Predictive of Functional Decline

Weak grip strength is often associated with a decline in physical abilities, making it harder to perform everyday tasks independently (8). This can lead to a loss of autonomy and a reduced quality of life.

How Can Acupuncture Help fight Ageing by enhancing Grip Strength?

Potential Mechanisms for Improving Grip Strength

1. Pain Relief
   

2. One of the primary benefits of acupuncture is pain relief. Conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis can significantly impair grip strength due to pain and inflammation. Acupuncture can help reduce pain and inflammation in the hands and wrists, thereby potentially improving grip strength.

3. Enhanced Blood Circulation
   

4. Improved blood flow can promote healing and reduce stiffness in the muscles and joints. Acupuncture has been shown to enhance peripheral blood circulation, which can aid in the recovery and strengthening of hand and forearm muscles.

5. Nerve Function Improvement
   

6. Conditions that affect nerve function, such as diabetic neuropathy or nerve entrapments, can weaken grip strength. Acupuncture may help by improving nerve conduction and reducing neuropathic pain, thereby enhancing motor function and strength in the hands.

7. Reduction of Muscle Tension
   

8. Chronic muscle tension in the upper body can limit the range of motion and strength of the hands. Acupuncture can relax tense muscles and release trigger points, leading to improved muscle function and potentially increased grip strength .

9. Holistic Health Benefits

10. Acupuncture promotes overall wellness, which can indirectly affect grip strength. Improved sleep, reduced stress, and better energy levels can enhance overall physical performance, including grip strength.
    

Acupuncture for Healthy Ageing Evidence and Studies:

While direct research on acupuncture’s impact on grip strength is limited, several studies indicate its potential benefits:

• A study on stroke patients found that acupuncture combined with rehabilitation significantly improved hand function and grip strength compared to rehabilitation alone (10).

• Research on rheumatoid arthritis patients showed that acupuncture could reduce pain and improve hand function, which indirectly enhances grip strength (11).

• A pilot study indicated that acupuncture could improve upper limb function in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome, potentially leading to better grip strength (12).

Practical Considerations

1. Qualified Practitioner
   

2. Ensure you receive acupuncture from a licensed and experienced practitioner. The ability to performa a proper differential diagnosis is important, and if you are seeking acupuncture for this, then you will want someone who understands proper technique and knowledge of specific acupuncture points are crucial for achieving desired outcomes. Remember a proper acupuncturist has a 4 year degree, and over 1000 hours of practical training before being certified.

3. Comprehensive Approach
   

4. Acupuncture should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes manual therapy, exercise, and possibly other interventions. A multi-faceted approach often yields the best results.

5. Consistency and Patience

6. Acupuncture benefits may not be immediate. Regular sessions over a period of time are often necessary to observe significant improvements. An experienced acupuncturist should design you a treatment plan, that will outline all stage in your progress.

Acupuncture for Healthy Ageing: Enhancing Grip Strength After Your Session

Improving grip strength can have far-reaching benefits for older adults. Here are some ways to enhance this vital attribute:

• Strength Training: Incorporate resistance exercises that target the upper body and hands, such as weight lifting, resistance band exercises, and bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, dead hangs, and ring holds.
  

  • To get more specific: farmer carries, dead lifts, push press, bench press, French press, bicep curls.... and many more! It is really important that you seek guidance in how to perform these exercises correctly before loading them up with lots of weight!

• Grip Exercises: Specific exercises like squeezing a stress ball, using hand grippers, or performing wrist curls can directly improve grip strength.

• Functional Activities: Engage in activities that naturally strengthen grip, such as gardening, cooking, or playing sports that require hand dexterity like tennis or rock climbing.

Grip strength is more than just a measure of how strong your hands are; it’s a window into your overall health. It, along with other health indicators, has a reflection on your muscular strength, cardiovascular health, neurological function, and nutritional status. By paying attention to grip strength and taking steps to improve it, you can enhance your functional abilities, maintain independence, and improve your quality of life as you age.

If you are limited by injuries or ailments in undertaking any of the activities to improve your grip-strength, and overall strength, then please book in a consultation with Dr Luke McPherson (CM), to get you on your path to the healthy life you deserve!

So, next time you shake hands, remember: a strong grip can be a strong indicator of a healthy, vibrant life.

Call Dr Luke McPherson (TCM) for a Consultation today!

All content, including but not limited to text, images, and ideas, presented in this blog are the intellectual property of the author, Dr Luke McPherson(TCM), and are protected by copyright law. Unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution of this material without explicit permission from the author is strictly prohibited.

References

1. Bohannon, R. W. (2008). Hand-grip dynamometry predicts future outcomes in aging adults. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 31(1), 3-10.

2. Rantanen, T., Volpato, S., Ferrucci, L., Heikkinen, E., Fried, L. P., & Guralnik, J. M. (2003). Handgrip strength and cause-specific and total mortality in older disabled women: exploring the mechanism. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 51(5), 636-641.

3. Celis-Morales, C. A., Welsh, P., Lyall, D. M., Steell, L., Petermann, F., Anderson, J., ... & Gill, J. M. (2018). Associations of grip strength with cardiovascular, respiratory, and cancer outcomes and all cause mortality: prospective cohort study of half a million UK Biobank participants. BMJ, 361, k1651.

4. Leong, D. P., Teo, K. K., Rangarajan, S., Lopez-Jaramillo, P., Avezum, A., Orlandini, A., ... & Yusuf, S. (2015). Prognostic value of grip strength: findings from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. The Lancet, 386(9990), 266-273.

5. Peterson, M. D., Zhang, P., Saltarelli, W. A., Visich, P. S., & Gordon, P. M. (2016). Low muscle strength thresholds for the detection of cardiometabolic risk in adolescents. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 50(5), 593-599.

6. Wang, Y., Chen, X., Song, Y., Caballero, B., & Cheskin, L. J. (2008). Association between obesity and kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Kidney International, 73(1), 19-33.

7. Norman, K., Stobäus, N., Gonzalez, M. C., Schulzke, J. D., & Pirlich, M. (2011). Hand grip strength: outcome predictor and marker of nutritional status. Clinical Nutrition, 30(2), 135-142.

8. Buchman, A. S., Boyle, P. A., Wilson, R. S., Bienias, J. L., & Bennett, D. A. (2007). Physical activity and motor decline in older persons. Muscle & Nerve: Official Journal of the American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, 35(3), 354-362.

9. Cooper, R., Kuh, D., & Hardy, R. (2010). Objectively measured physical capability levels and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, 341, c4467

10. Wu, H. M., Tang, J. L., Lin, X. P., Lau, J., Leung, P. C., & Woo, J. (2010). Acupuncture for stroke rehabilitation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2).

11. Lee, J., Shin, S., Lee, Y. J., Kim, M. R., & Kim, J. E. (2018). Effects of acupuncture on pain, stiffness, function, and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Integrative Medicine Research, 7(3), 211-222.

12. Yang, C. P., Hsieh, C. L., Wang, N. H., Lin, Y. W., & Lee, W. T. (2009). Acupuncture in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Journal of Pain, 25(4), 327-333.

13. Lee, J. H., Choi, T. Y., Lee, M. S., Lee, H., Shin, B. C., & Ernst, E. (2013). Acupuncture for acute low back pain: a systematic review. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 29(2), 172-185.

14. Vas, J., Perea-Milla, E., Méndez, C., Sánchez Navarro, C., León Rubio, J. M., Brioso, M. L., ... & Aguilar, I. (2006). Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for chronic uncomplicated neck pain: a randomised controlled study. Pain, 126(1-3), 245-255.

Research Papers I consulted while I wrote this Blog

1. Wang, S. M., Kain, Z. N., & White, P. F. (2008). Acupuncture analgesia: II. Clinical considerations. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 106(2), 611-621.

2. Zhao, Z. Q. (2008). Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Progress in Neurobiology, 85(4), 355-375.

3. Tough, E. A., White, A. R., Cummings, T. M., Richards, S. H., & Campbell, J. L. (2009). Acupuncture and dry needling in the management of myofascial trigger point pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Pain, 13(1), 3-10.