Acupuncture is effective treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome

Shoulder impingement is a very common cause of shoulder pain. It occurs when a tendon or bursa in the shoulder rubs bones of the shoulder. Overhead activity of the shoulder, such as lifting is a risk factor for shoulder impingement syndrome. The main complaint is pain and it is persistent and affects everyday activities. The pain is on the top and outer side of the shoulder, and it is worse at night which can affects the sleep; It causes pain when reaching up behind the back or reaching up overhead. It can affect daily activity such as putting on the top. There is weakness in the arm and shoulder and restricted shoulder movement. Over time, impingement syndrome can lead to inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons (tendinitis) and bursa (bursitis). Rotator cuff tendon extends to the top of the shoulder joint. Shoulder impingement can start suddenly or come on gradually. If not treated appropriately, the rotator cuff tendons can start to thin and tear.

A study investigated acupuncture treatment of shoulder impingement syndrome. Patients with shoulder impingement syndrome were allocated into two groups: acupuncture group and control group. The treatment was carried out over 4 weeks, with the participants receiving a session every week. The results were measured immediately after the treatment (T1) and 3 months later (T2). A total of 68 participants were a mean age at 33.4 years. They found significant differences in the analyzed results between the two groups, a decrease on the intensity of pain for the acupuncture group was significantly greater than that for control group. Shoulder function was better in the acupuncture group. No side effects were found. They concluded that the use of acupuncture to treat impingement syndrome seems to be a safe and reliable technique to achieve clinically significant results and could be implemented in the therapy options offered by the health services.

References
Rueda Garrido JC et al Complement Ther Med. 2016 Apr;25:92-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.01.003. Epub 2016 Jan 21.