The effect of electroacupuncture merged with rehabilitation for frozen shoulder syndrome: A single-blind randomized sham-acupuncture controlled study
Journal
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
Journal Volume
119
Journal Volume
119
Journal Issue
1P1
Journal Issue
1P1
Pages
81
Start Page
81
End Page
88
Date Issued
2020-01-01
Author(s)
Abstract
© 2019 Purpose: Frozen shoulder syndrome (FSS) causes pain and reduces the range of motion in the shoulder joint. To investigate the short and medium-term effects of electroacupuncture in people with FSS, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of true and sham electroacupuncture on pain relief and improvement of shoulder function. Methods: In this randomized, single-blind controlled clinical trial, 21 subjects with FSS were randomly assigned to two groups: a true electroacupuncture group (TEAG) and a sham electroacupuncture group (SEAG). The two groups underwent 18 sessions of treatment over approximately 6–9 weeks and were then followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months. Their effectiveness for alleviating the intensity of shoulder pain was evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS), while improved shoulder mobility was evaluated by the active range of motion (AROM) and passive range of motion (PROM), and shoulder functional ability was evaluated using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Results: It demonstrated that the TEAG or SEAG showed lasting effects at 1, 3, and 6 months, although with no significant difference between these two groups in the shoulder functional ability outcomes. However, the decline in the VAS occurred earlier in the TEAG than the SEAG. Also, there was much more improvement in AROM for flexion and abduction in the TEAG than the SEAG. An increase in the abduction angle after electroacupuncture and manual rehabilitation was also apparent. Conclusion: These results suggest that electroacupuncture plus rehabilitation may provide earlier pain relief for patients with FSS and could be applied clinically.
Subjects
Electroacupuncture | Frozen shoulder syndrome (FSS) | Sham electroacupuncture group (SEAG) | True electroacupuncture group (TEAG)
Publisher
ELSEVIER TAIWAN
Type
journal article