Acupuncture needles take on long COVID pain

NCT ID NCT06476496

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether acupuncture can reduce pain and improve daily life for people with long COVID. 93 adults with persistent pain after COVID-19 were randomly assigned to receive 8 acupuncture sessions or continue their usual care. Researchers measured pain intensity and its impact on activities over 5 months to see if acupuncture is a feasible and promising treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
acupuncture
What this could lead to
If this works, it could point toward a drug-free way to manage long COVID pain and improve daily activities.
What could go wrong
This is a small feasibility study, not a full test of effectiveness. Results may not apply to everyone, and acupuncture may not reduce pain for all.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • UW Medicine Primary Care at Northgate

    Seattle, Washington, 98125, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.