Efficacy comparison between acupuncture and other modalities in the treatment of rotator cuff diseases: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation techniques for patients with rotator cuff injury

Recently, we read a retrospective study by Chen et al, which demonstrated that electroacupuncture is highly effective in relieving pain due to rotator cuff injuries and accelerating the recovery of shoulder function, promoting repair of rotator cuff injuries. This study provides a new way to the conservative treatment of early rotator cuff injuries. In the present letter, we review the current treatment of rotator cuff injury with electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation techniques and propose our views.

Effect of electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation techniques on shoulder function in patients with rotator cuff injuries

BACKGROUND

The rotator cuff is located below the acromion and deltoid muscles and comprises multiple tendons that wrap around the humeral head, maintaining shoulder joint stability.

AIM

To explore the effect of electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation techniques on shoulder function in patients with rotator cuff injuries.

METHODS

We selected 97 patients with rotator cuff injuries treated in the People's Hospital of Yuhuan from February 2020 to May 2023. Patients were grouped using the envelope method.

RESULTS

After treatment, the study group's treatment effective rate was 94.90% (46/49 patients), significantly higher than that in the control group (79.17%, 38/48 cases; P < 0.05). Before treatment, there was no difference in Constant Murley Score (CMS) scores, shoulder mobility, or 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scale scores (P > 0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the CMS scores (including pain, daily living ability, shoulder mobility, and muscle strength), all aspects of shoulder mobility (forward flexion, posterior extension, external rotation, internal rotation), and SF-36 scale scores (including physiological, psychological, emotional, physical, vitality, and health status) were higher in both groups after treatment and significantly higher in the study group (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the occurrence of complications between the two treatment groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Electroacupuncture combined with rehabilitation techniques has a good treatment effect on patients with rotator cuff injuries, helps accelerate the recovery of shoulder function, improves the quality of life, and is highly safe.