Clinical study comparing acupuncture, physiotherapy, injection and oral anti-inflammatory therapy in shoulder-cuff lesions

• DOI: 10.1185/03007998009112038
• Publication Date: 2011-03-06T11:13:28Z
• Authors: H. Berry; L. Fernandes; Brenda Bloom; R. J. Clark; E. B.D. Hamilton
• Keywords: Limiting

In a single-blind trial, five treatments for painful stiff shoulder were compared 4-week assessment period in 60 patients. The acupuncture, steroid injection with placebo and active tolmetin sodium, physiotherapy the form of ultrasound 'placebo' sodium. Objective was gained by use goniometer readings to monitor abduction. Pain measured visual analogue scales 4-point scale. Comparative also recorded at end study success or failure each patient's treatment. With very few exceptions all patients improved markedly, both terms subjective objective parameters. No differences between detected. incidence severity side-effects low. It is suggested that results show may be self-limiting condition any beneficial effect really due natural recovery. This an important consideration because do not always receive immediate attention when referred out-patient department acupuncture such cases, perhaps, should critically examined.