Efficacy of Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain Based on Remote Point Selection According to the Meridians

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

90 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-04-18

Study Completion Date

2026-06-30

Brief Summary

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This double blind randomized controlled trial investigates the immediate efficacy of acupuncture for shoulder pain using remote point selection based on meridian theory. A total of 90 participants with shoulder pain (Numerical Rating Scale ≥ 4) will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: acupuncture SC, acupuncture CS, and rehabilitation. Meridian selection will be determined based on the patient's most painful shoulder movement and corresponding pain location, followed by standardized distal acupoint application. Outcome measures include changes in pain intensity (NRS) and shoulder range of motion assessed at baseline, post-first acupuncture, post-second acupuncture, and 30 minutes post-treatment. Blinded evaluators will conduct all assessments. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of meridian-based remote acupuncture and explore its relationship with shoulder movement patterns and soft tissue involvement.

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Detailed Description

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Conditions

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Shoulder Pain Acupuncture Meridians

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

DOUBLE

Participants Outcome Assessors

Study Groups

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Acupuncture SC Group

The most affected meridian is determined based on location and movements. The physician first applies acupuncture to one standardized acupoint (LI10, TE7, SI7, or LU6) on the most affected meridian. After 3 minutes (3 minutes after the first acupuncture), the assessor performs the first evaluation. The physician then applies acupuncture to a controlled acupoint (PC6) not directly related to shoulder function. After another 5 minutes (8 minutes after the first acupuncture), the assessor performs the second evaluation. The final evaluation is conducted 30 minutes after the first acupuncture. The patient is instructed to perform shoulder movements throughout the treatment.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Acupuncture

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

In this study, both the acupuncture SC group and the acupuncture CS group will receive two acupuncture treatments in one session. The SC group will first receive acupuncture at the standardized acupoint followed by the controlled acupoint, while the CS group will first receive acupuncture at the controlled acupoint followed by the standardized acupoint.

Acupuncture CS Group

The most affected meridian is determined using the same method by location and movements. The physician first applies acupuncture to the controlled acupoint (PC6). After 3 minutes, the assessor performs the first evaluation. The physician then applies acupuncture to one standardized acupoint (LI10, TE7, SI7, or LU6) on the most affected meridian. After another 5 minutes (8 minutes after the first acupuncture), the assessor performs the second evaluation. The final evaluation is conducted 30 minutes after the first acupuncture. The patient is instructed to perform shoulder movements throughout the treatment.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Acupuncture

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

In this study, both the acupuncture SC group and the acupuncture CS group will receive two acupuncture treatments in one session. The SC group will first receive acupuncture at the standardized acupoint followed by the controlled acupoint, while the CS group will first receive acupuncture at the controlled acupoint followed by the standardized acupoint.

Rehabilitation Group

Participants will complete a 30-minute rehabilitation session, followed by an outcome assessment.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Rehabilitation

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Participants will complete a 30-minute rehabilitation session, which includes electrotherapy and thermotherapy applied to the shoulder.

Interventions

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Acupuncture

In this study, both the acupuncture SC group and the acupuncture CS group will receive two acupuncture treatments in one session. The SC group will first receive acupuncture at the standardized acupoint followed by the controlled acupoint, while the CS group will first receive acupuncture at the controlled acupoint followed by the standardized acupoint.

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Rehabilitation

Participants will complete a 30-minute rehabilitation session, which includes electrotherapy and thermotherapy applied to the shoulder.

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Participants must be at least 18 years old.
* Shoulder pain persisting for at least one week.
* Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score ≥ 4.

Exclusion Criteria

* Patients with cervical radiculopathy or other localized neurological disorders affecting the upper limb.
* Psychiatric disorders that may interfere with examination, treatment, or evaluation of disease progression.
* Pregnant patients.
* Inability to provide informed consent.

Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No