What is the evidence for acupuncture in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis?
AMSTAR Rating
Summary
Patient Population:
No studies reported whether patients had received previous treatment and only one study reported stage of frozen shoulder. Mean age ranged from 51.5 to 56.4 years. Proportion of female participants ranged from 52-55%.
Intervention:
2 studies examined the use of electroacupuncture (10 sessions with/without interferential electrotherapy). 1 study examined the use of conventional acupuncture (with/without physiotherapy) (2 times per week for 4 weeks). Number of acupuncture points needled ranged from 3-5.
Comparison:
Three studies were identified that examined the use of acupuncture for frozen shoulder. Assessment of study quality revealed a high risk of bias associated with all 3 studies. Comparison conditions included no treatment control, PT (heat pack, joint mobilization and active shoulder exercises), and TENS groups).
Outcome:
- Pain: electroacupuncture vs. interferential therapy – no significant difference at 2, 4, or 7 month follow-ups.
- Function: electroacupuncture vs. interferential therapy – no significant difference at 2, 4, or 7 month follow-ups.
