Abstract:
In our literature review we find the evidence in both conventional and complementary therapies does not reliably inform us of the effectiveness of treatments for frozen shoulder (FS). Physiotherapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticosteroid injections, capsular stretching, exercises and surgery demonstrated limited evidence of efficacy. Similarly, studies varied greatly regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for shoulder injury. In the following case study we discuss acupuncture treatment of a FS resulting from traumatic injury. However in this case, traditional acupuncture intervention markedly improved the patient’s symptoms. After eight treatments the pain level was significantly reduced and stabilised. Furthermore, full range of motion was regained. MRI findings two months post-injury and two months post-acupuncture treatment also provide evidence of anatomical improvement during the course of treatment. We suggest future acupuncture research trials would be more clinically relevant, and likely show more clinically significant results, if subjects were treated according to their presenting TCM diagnosis and neuro-anatomical presentations.
