A recent randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial has provided evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture in treating patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). This condition is caused by structural narrowing within the subacromial space and is very painful. The study focused on evaluating the impact of acupuncture on pain relief, shoulder function, range of motion (ROM), and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with SIS.
The trial enrolled 80 participants diagnosed with SIS, randomly assigned to two groups: the acupuncture group (n=40) and the sham acupuncture group (n=40). Both groups received their respective treatments twice weekly for four weeks, totaling eight sessions. All participants also engaged in a standardized exercise therapy program. The primary outcomes measured were pain at rest, during activity, and nocturnal pain. Secondary outcomes included assessments of shoulder function and disability using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (Quick DASH), ROM, and quality of life evaluated by the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC).
The acupuncture group received treatment at specific acupoints associated with shoulder pain relief:
- LI15 (Jianyu)
- TB14 (Jianliao)
- SI9 (Jianzhen)
- LI4 (Hegu)
- TB5 (Waiguan)
- GB21 (Jianjing)
Sterile, disposable needles measuring 0.25 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length were inserted perpendicularly into each acupoint to a depth sufficient to elicit the deqi sensation. Each needle was retained for 20 minutes per session. The sham acupuncture group received superficial needling at non-acupoints without manual stimulation, ensuring blinding of participants.
At the conclusion of the four-week treatment period, the acupuncture group exhibited significant improvements compared to the sham group:
- Pain Reduction: The acupuncture group reported a notable decrease in pain scores at rest, during activity, and nocturnal pain. Specifically, the mean reduction in activity-related pain was significantly greater in the acupuncture group than in the sham group.
- Shoulder Function and Disability: SPADI and Quick DASH scores demonstrated significant improvements in the acupuncture group, indicating enhanced shoulder function and reduced disability.
- Range of Motion: Participants in the acupuncture group experienced significant gains in shoulder ROM, including forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation.
- Quality of Life: WORC scores revealed a substantial enhancement in quality of life for the acupuncture group compared to the sham group. [1]
These improvements were sustained at a one-month follow-up assessment, indicating lasting benefits from the acupuncture intervention. Acupuncture treatments were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. Minor adverse events, such as mild discomfort at the needling sites, were infrequent and resolved without intervention.
This randomized controlled trial provides robust evidence that acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment modality for patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. The significant reductions in pain, enhancements in shoulder function, increased range of motion, and improved quality of life observed in the acupuncture group underscore the therapeutic potential of acupuncture in managing SIS. [1]
Source:
1. Effects of acupuncture on pain and function in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2023.
