Manual Khalifa Therapy Improves Functional and Morphological Outcome of Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture in the Knee: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a high incidence injury usually treated surgically. According to common knowledge, it does not heal spontaneously, although some claim the opposite. Regeneration therapy by Khalifa was developed for injuries of the musculoskeletal system by using specific pressure to the skin. This randomized, controlled, observer-blinded, multicentre study was performed to validate this assumption. Thirty patients with complete ACL rupture, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) verified, were included. Study examinations (e.g., international knee documentation committee (IKDC) score) were performed at inclusion (t 0). Patients were randomized to receive either standardised physiotherapy (ST) or additionally 1 hour of Khalifa therapy at the first session (STK). Twenty-four hours later, study examinations were performed again (t 1). Three months later control MRI and follow-up examinations were performed (t 2). Initial status was comparable between both groups. There was a highly significant difference of mean IKDC score results at t 1 and t 2. After 3 months, 47% of the STK patients, but no ST patient, demonstrated an end-to-end homogeneous ACL in MRI. Clinical and physical examinations were significantly different in t 1 and t 2. ACL healing can be improved with manual therapy. Physical activity can be performed without pain and nearly normal range of motion after one treatment of specific pressure.

Spectroscopic Measurements in Patients with Completely Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament before and after RegentK and Physiotherapy

“…The first study to report an immediate close-to-normal functional restoration after one nonsurgical intervention was published recently [1]. Three months after the intervention, 47% of the patients with an initially MRI-verified complete ACL rupture showed an end-to-end continuous ACL, again MRI-verified [1].…”

“…Three months after the intervention, 47% of the patients with an initially MRI-verified complete ACL rupture showed an end-to-end continuous ACL, again MRI-verified [1]. …”

“…In conclusion, spontaneous healing of ACL ruptures is possible within 3 months of RegentK [1], and basic research on its mechanisms is now proceeding at full speed. Based on the results of the current study in patients after RegentK or physiotherapy, we conclude that manual therapy influences the hemodynamics of muscles and deeper structures.…”

“…In the small village Hallein (close to Salzburg) in Austria, Mohamed Khalifa has been treating knee ligament injuries for more than 30 years with a noninvasive pressure therapy, the so-called regeneration therapy after Khalifa (RegentK). His patients are not only top athletes but also surgeons [1,2,3]. However, at the moment, Mohamed Khalifa has no students, and therefore the therapy cannot be performed by other therapists.…”

RegentK: The Scientific Investigation of a 40-Year-Old Method in Regenerative Medicine

“…According to common knowledge, it does not heal spontaneously, although some claim the opposite [11]. RegentK was developed for injuries of the musculoskeletal system by using specific pressure to the skin [11].…”