Objective:

To integrate research on acute musculoskeletal pain, clarify methodologies for core acupoint selection, and provide evidence-based guidance for clinical practice, particularly focusing on the selection of 1-3 acupoints.

Key Findings:

• Chinese literature showed variable patterns over time; English research steadily increased post-2010.
• Motion style acupuncture treatment (MSAT) emerged as a contemporary focal point in both Chinese and English research.
• Distal acupoints were predominantly used, with body acupuncture being the most common technique.
• Significant associations were found between ankle pain, low back pain, distal acupoint selection, hand acupuncture, and exercise therapy, indicating the effectiveness of specific acupoints.

Interpretation:

The study indicates that effective management of acute musculoskeletal pain can be achieved with a limited selection of primary acupoints, particularly through motion style acupuncture, which is beneficial for lower back and ankle injuries, highlighting its importance in clinical practice.

Limitations:

• The sample size of English studies was smaller compared to Chinese studies.
• Variability in acupoint selection methodologies across studies complicates the assessment of individual acupoint effectiveness.
• Potential biases in the studies reviewed may affect the reliability of the findings.

Conclusion:

Managing acute musculoskeletal discomfort with a limited selection of primary acupoints is feasible, with motion style acupuncture being a crucial method for acute injuries, particularly in lower back and ankle pain.