In an article published in the Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy, the authors found that by using manipulation techniques to the neck and upper back junction along with electrical stimulation of acupuncture needles for 6 weeks seemed to help people with shoulder pain stemming from the subacromial area of the shoulder. ~ Dr. Broussard
Definition: Subacromial pain syndrome is a generic term that describes pain associated with any of the structures that sit within the space between the ball and socket joint of the shoulder (subacromial space). This includes conditions such as subacromial bursitis, rotator cuff tears, rotator cuff or bicep tendon problems and calcific tendons. Reference: www.nwbh.nhs.uk/subacromial-pain-syndrome
Electrical acupuncture:
Electroacupuncture is a modern variation of acupuncture. It uses electricity to enhance the benefits of this traditional therapeutic treatment.
Reference: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-is-electroacupuncture
Spinal Manipulation and Electrical Dry Needling in Patients With Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy
Published Online: January 31, 2021 Volume 51 Issue 2 Pages72-81
https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2021.9785
Abstract
Objectives
To compare the effects of spinal thrust manipulation and electrical dry needling (TMEDN group) to those of nonthrust peripheral joint/soft tissue mobilization, exercise, and interferential current (NTMEX group) on pain and disability in patients with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS).
Design
Randomized, single-blinded, multicenter parallel-group trial.
Methods
Patients with SAPS were randomized into the TMEDN group (n = 73) or the NTMEX group (n = 72). Primary outcomes included the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and the numeric pain-rating scale. Secondary outcomes included the global rating of change scale (GROC) and medication intake. The treatment period was 6 weeks, with follow-ups at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 3 months.
Results
At 3 months, the TMEDN group experienced greater reductions in shoulder pain and disability (P<.001) compared to the NTMEX group. Effect sizes were large in favor of the TMEDN group. At 3 months, a greater proportion of patients within the TMEDN group achieved a successful outcome (GROC score of 5 or greater) and stopped taking medication (P<.001).
Conclusion
Cervicothoracic and upper-rib thrust manipulation combined with electrical dry needling resulted in greater reductions in pain, disability, and medication intake than nonthrust peripheral joint/soft tissue mobilization, exercise, and interferential current in patients with SAPS. The effects were maintained at 3 months. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(2):72–81. Epub 28 Aug 2020. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.9785