Comparison of the Therapeutic Effects of Filiform Needle-based Different Acupuncture Methods on Scapulohumeral Periarthritis

Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of filiform needle-based different acupuncture methods on the pain due to scapulohumeral periarthritis.Methods Eighty-six patients with scapulohumeral periarthritis were randomly allocated to groups treated with filiform needles,electroacupuncture and warm needling respectively.Points Jianqian,Jianyu or Jianliao,Naoshu,waiguan and Hegu were selected for all the groups.An even reinforcing-reducing method was used in the filiform needle group;a frequency of 2/100 Hz,in the electroacupuncture group;conventional warm needling therapy,in the warm needling group.Shoulder pain index was determined and shoulder joint activity was scored before and after treatment.Results and Conclusion All the three acupuncture methods produced a better therapeutic effect on scapulohumeral periarthritis(P0.01).The overall therapeutic effect and the change in pain index were better in the electroacupuncture and warm needling groups than in the filiform needle group(P 0.05).Shoulder joint activity improved more in the warm needling group than in the filiform needle group(P0.05).