Effectiveness of electroacupuncture and interferential eloctrotherapy in the management of frozen shoulder.
OBJECTIVE
To examine whether the addition of either electroacupuncture or interferential electrotherapy to shoulder exercises would be more effective in the management of frozen shoulder.


METHODS
A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.


METHODS
A total of 70 subjects were randomly allocated to receive either: (i) electroacupuncture plus exercise; (ii) interferential electrotherapy plus exercise; or (iii) no treatment (the control group). Subjects in groups (i) and (ii) received 10 sessions of the respective treatment, while the control group received no treatment for 4 weeks. Each subject's score on the Constant Murley Assessment and visual analogue scale were recorded at baseline, post-treatment session and subsequent follow-up sessions.


RESULTS
In both the electroacupuncture and interferential electrotherapy groups, the Constant Murley Assessment score increased and the visual analogue scale score decreased significantly (both p < 0.001). No significant change was found in any outcome of the control group, and no significant difference was found between the 2 intervention groups (all p > 0.05). The observed improvement was well maintained in both intervention groups at least until the 6-month follow-up session.


CONCLUSIONS
Either electroacupuncture or interferential electrotherapy in combination with shoulder exercises is effective in treating frozen shoulder patients. However, no significant difference was found between these types of treatment.
Cheing
Gladys L Y
GL
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong. gladys.cheing@inet.polyu.edu.hk
So
Eric M L
EM
Chao
Clare Y L
CY
D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods; D015671:Electroacupuncture / Q000379:methods; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome