Effectiveness of electroacupuncture and interferential electrotherapy in the management of frozen shoulder

Lai Ying Gladys Cheing, Eric M.L. So, Clare Y.L. Chao

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

58 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether the addition of either electro-acupuncture or interferential electrotherapy to shoulder exercises would be more effective in the management of frozen shoulder. Design: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. Methods: A total of 70 subjects were randomly allocated to receive either: (i) electroacupuncture plus exercise; (ii) interferential electrotherapy plus exercise; or (iii) no treatment (the control group). Subjects in groups (i) and (ii) received 10 sessions of the respective treatment, while the control group received no treatment for 4 weeks. Each subject's score on the Constant Murley Assessment and visual analogue scale were recorded at baseline, post-treatment session and subsequent follow-up sessions. Results: In both the electroacupuncture and interferential electrotherapy groups, the Constant Murley Assessment score increased and the visual analogue scale score decreased significantly (both p < 0.001). No significant change was found in any outcome of the control group, and no significant difference was found between the 2 intervention groups (all p > 0.05). The observed improvement was well maintained in both intervention groups at least until the 6-month follow-up session. Conclusion: Either electroacupuncture or interferential electrotherapy in combination with shoulder exercises is effective in treating frozen shoulder patients. However, no significant difference was found between these types of treatment. Journal Compilation
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)166-170
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume40
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2008

Keywords

  • Acupuncture
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Interferential electrotherapy
  • Rehabilitation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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