Motion style acupuncture therapy for shoulder pain: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pain Management
• Acupuncture Research

Background:

• Persistent shoulder pain and disability necessitate novel treatment strategies.
• Conventional acupuncture therapy (CAT) and motion style acupuncture therapy (MSAT) show individual benefits for shoulder pain.
• Combined acupuncture interventions may offer enhanced therapeutic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MSAT compared to CAT for managing shoulder pain.
• To compare the effectiveness of full MSAT versus minimal MSAT (mMSAT) and full CAT versus minimal CAT (mCAT).

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with a factorial design was conducted with 164 patients experiencing shoulder pain.
• Participants were randomized into four groups: MSAT + mCAT, CAT + mMSAT, MSAT + CAT, and mMSAT + mCAT for 6 weeks.
• Primary outcome: change in shoulder pain intensity (VAS); Secondary outcomes: shoulder function (Constant-Murley score), quality of life (SF-36).

Main Results:

• MSAT was superior to mMSAT in reducing pain intensity at 10 and 18 weeks (P=0.024, P=0.013).
• MSAT also showed significant improvements in shoulder function, physical health, and mental health compared to mMSAT.
• No significant differences were observed between CAT and mCAT.

Conclusions:

• MSAT demonstrates superior efficacy over minimal MSAT and conventional acupuncture in improving pain and joint function in shoulder pain patients.
• The benefits of MSAT for shoulder pain are sustained up to 18 weeks post-treatment.
• MSAT represents a promising therapeutic option for managing shoulder pain.