Efficacy Of Oblique Acupuncture On Ashi Points Compared To Electroacupuncture As Treatment For Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Objective:The primary objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness oblique acupuncture at Ashi points compared to electro acupuncture on common used acupoints as treatment for rotator cuff tendinitis.Methods:40patients of Acupuncture Research Laboratory in Health Services’ clinic with unilateral shoulder complaints (described as pain felt in the shoulder or upper arm) for at least4weeks with a diagnosis of rotator cuff tendinitis were randomly divided into two groups, the oblique acupuncture group and electro acupuncture group with20patients for each group.The patients in the treatment group will be treated using oblique acupuncture technique. One acupuncture needle sized100mm in length and0.30in thickness will be obliquely punctured to the myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Only one puncture is done for each treatment session on the most painful MTrP. If there is more than one MTrP, the other MTrP will be punctured on the next session. The treatment session will be done once everyday until5sessions or the patients feel no pain. The patients in the control group will be treated using Jianyu (LI15), Jianliao (SJ14), Jianzhen (SI9), and Jianqian (EX-UE). All of the acupoints are punctured using0.30x40mm needle. All of the needles are given100Hz electro acupuncture stimulation for20minutes using Diazhenyi6805D electro acupuncture apparatus. Each treatment session in both groups will end with a heat application using infra red diathermy for15minutes to increase the circulation of the involved muscles. The primary outcome is the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and the secondary outcome is Constant-Murley Score (CMS) and number of session needed until the patient is symptom-free.Data will be analyzed descriptively and comparatively using chi square and Kolmogorov-Smirnov for comparison between two groups and Wilcoxon for comparison between before and after treatment using SPSS20statistic program.Results:(1) The mean overall SPADI score in the oblique acupuncture group before treatment is (34,50±5,96) and after treatment is (7,45±1,99). The mean overall SPADI score in the electro acupuncture group before treatment is (35,30±7,77) and after treatment is (11,50±6,08). Kolmogorov-Smirnov test shows no significant difference between both groups before and after treatment(p=1.000and p=0.172). Wilcoxon test shows significant difference between before and after treatment in both groups (p=0.000and p=0.000).(2) The mean Constant-Murley total score in the oblique acupuncture group before treatment is (49,60±9,76) and after treatment is (74,55±6,23). The mean Constant-Murley total score in the electro acupuncture group before treatment is (47,30±10,32) and after treatment is (72,10±6,95). Kolmogorov-Smirnov test shows no significant difference between both groups before and after treatment (p=0.819and p=0.560). Wilcoxon test shows significant difference between before and after treatment in both groups (p=0.000and p=0.000).(3) The mean number of treatment session in the oblique acupuncture group is (2,95±0,83) and in the electro acupuncture group is (4,70±0,92). Kolmogorov-Smirnov test shows significant difference between both groups (p=0.000).Conclusion:Oblique acupuncture and electro acupuncture is effective to treat rotator cuff tendinitis. Oblique acupuncture can provide faster improvement and requires less number of treatment compare to electro acupuncture. Therefore it can be recommended in clinical settings.