Introduction
Sprain of the soft tissues of the limbs refers to the sprain of the muscles, tendons and ligaments around the shoulders, elbows, hip joints, knees and ankles due to twisting or pulling without fracture, dislocation and contusion of the skin. The clinical manifestations are swelling, pain and dysfunction of the joints. This problem pertains to the conception of impairment of tendons in TCM due to improper exertion or falling and contusion that impair the vessels and meridians and result in stagnation of qi and blood.

Syndrome Differentiation
The main manifestations are swelling, pain, dysfunction of the joints and cyanotic color of local skin. If there are signs of protrusive swelling and unsmooth movement of the joints, the sprain is severe.

Treatment
1. Body acupuncture
Prescription:
Local Ashi acupoints.

Modification:
For the treatment of the shoulders, Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TE 14), Jianzhen (SI 9) and Jianjing (GB 21) are added; for the treatment of the elbows, Quchi (LI 11), Xiaohai (SI 8) and Tianjing (TE 10) are added; for the treatment of the wrist, Yangchi (TE 4), Yangxi (LI 5), Yanggu (SI 5) and Waiguan (TE 15) are added; for the treatment of hip joints, Huantiao (GB 30), Zhibian (BL 54) and Chengfu (BL 36) are added; for the treatment of the knees, Xiyan (EX-LE 5), Liangqiu (ST 34), Xiyangguan (GB 33 ) and Yanglingquan (GB 34) are added; for the treatment of the ankles, Jiexi (ST 41), Kunlun (BL 60) and Qiuxu (GB 40) are added.

Performance:
Reducing needling technique is used; local acupoints can be moxibusted or applied with cupping.

2. Ear acupuncture
Prescription:
Reaction points and Ear Shenmen (TF4).

Performance:
Medium and strong stimulation is required, the needles are retained for 20 - 30 minutes and the needling is done once a day. For the treatment of old wound, Wangbuliuxingzi (Semen Vaccariae) can be used for ear acupressure.