• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.1-14
• /
• 2009

Objectives : The purpose of this research was to study the effect of Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture on frozen shoulder patients. Methods : All of the 46 frozen shoulder patients who visited the department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion in Wonkwang Sanbon Medical Center from 1st March 2007 to 30th August 2008 had taken either the Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture therapy or acupuncture therapy 10 times. There are 23 patients in each group. We evaluated the improvement of their shoulder pain and disability using the Visual Analog Scale(VAS), Shoulder Pain And Diability Index(SPADI), Range of Motion(ROM), and the Apley Scratch test at their first and last visit. Then we analyzed and compared the improvement shown by the two groups. Results : 1. Measures on all tests for the acupuncture group showed statistically significant improvement. 2. Measures on all tests for Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture showed statistically significant improvement. 3. The Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture group's VAS and ROM(external, internal rotation) showed statistically significant difference compared with those of the acupuncture group. SPADI, ROM(flexion, extension, abduction, adduction) and Apley scratch test had no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions : The above results show that Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture therapy can be used as an effective treatment for reducing frozen shoulder pain.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.59-66
• /
• 2018

Background: Massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are a challenging clinical problem in young patients. In recent years, arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) is a popular treatment in the massive, irreparable RCTs. However, studies reporting clinical results of ASCR are rare in the literature. Methods: Between 2013 and 2015, six patients underwent ASCR. One patient treated with dermal allograft, while five patients with autogenous fascia lata graft. Demographic data, as well as preoperative and last follow-up clinical data including pain, range of motion (ROM), strength, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons system, the Constant system, the University of California at Los Angeles system, the Simple Shoulder Test, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index system were obtained. Acromiohumeral distances and Hamada classification were measured on standard anteroposterior x-ray. Results: All patients were men, and the average age was $59.5{\pm}4.18years$ (range, 53-65 years).The minimum follow-up was 18 months with a mean follow-up was $27.33{\pm}7.58months$ (range, 18-36). All patients had postoperative improvement in pain scores and functional scores. The ROM and strength did not improve after surgery. The Hamada score progressed of radiographic stage in 2 patients. In the case of dermal allograft, there was graft failure 6 weeks after ASCR. Conclusions: Our results support the ASCR as a viable treatment for surgical salvage in massive, irreparable RCTs. This treatment option may provide patients with decreased pain and increased function. And studying our case of dermal allograft failure provides opportunities to decrease graft failure in ASCR using dermal allograft.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.24 no.6
• /
• pp.113-122
• /
• 2007

목적 : 만성 견비통 환자에 대한 침 치료와 신경 차단술 병행 치료의 효과를 검증하고자 함. 방법 : 만성 견비통 환자 60명을 대상으로 동서병행치료군(EW group, n=20), 한방 침치료군(E group, n=20), 무처치 대조군(C group, n=20)으로 무작위 배정한 후 연구를 시작했다. 동서병행치료군은 먼저 견갑상 신경차단술, 견봉하 주사 및 압통점 국소 마취제를 맞은 후 5분간 휴식을 취한 후 견우($LI_{15}$), 견요($TE_{14}$), 견정(肩井)($GB_{21}$) 및 동씨침의 견중혈(肩中穴)과 신관혈(腎關穴)에 침치료를 주 2회 4주간 받았다. 한방 침치료군은 주 2회, 4주간 견우($LI_{15}$), 견요($TE_{14}$), 견정(肩井)($GB_{21}$) 및 동씨침의 견중혈(肩中穴)과 신관혈(腎關穴)에 침치료를 받았으며, 무처치 대조군은 4주간 특별한 처치를 받지 않았다. 모든 환자들은 일상생활에서 자가 운동을 실시하도록 지시 받았다. 치료 시작전과 치료 4주 후 Constant Shoulder Assessment(CSA), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI), 및 환자의 주관적 통증 평가를 Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) 로 측정하여 모인 데이터 통계를 분석하였다. 결과 : 동서병행치료군 및 한방 침치료군 모두 CSA, SPADI 및 VAS 상에서 유의한 (p<0.05) 호전을 보였다, 동서병행치료군의 CSA, SPADI, VAS는 무처치 대조군과 비교하여 유의한 우의를 나타냈으며, 한방 침 치료군과 비교하여 VAS 에서 유의한 차이를 나타냈다. 결론 : 침치료와 신경차단술 병행 치료방법은 만성 견비통을 유의하게 호전시켰다. 무처치 대조군과의 차이는 3개의 측정 도구 모두에서 유의한 차이가 있었으며, 침치료만 받은 환자들과도 주관적 통증 척도에서 유의한 차이를 보였다.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.33 no.4
• /
• pp.203-212
• /
• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this report is to show that oriental therapy, using Sinbaro3 pharmacopuncture in particular, is effective for symptom improvements and ROM in patients diagnosed with labrum tear in shoulder. Methods : 3 patients were admitted to Jaseng Oriental Medicine Hospital, were diagnosed with a tear of the labrum, and were treated with oriental medicine including Sinbaro3 pharmacopuncture. 3 case were measured and assessed by SPADI(Shoulder Pain and Disability Index), shoulder range of motion (ROM) and a shoulder physical examination. Results : After treatment, patients' SPADI decreased and they showed improvement of ROM(range of movement). In patients with labrum tear, oriental medicine treatment and Sinbaro3 pharmacopuncture was effective for relieving pain and facilitating better movement. Conclusion : In line with the above results, it can considered that oriental medical therapy including Sinbaro3 pharmacopuncture is effective for the relief of pain and for recovering function in the shoulder joint.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.38 no.3
• /
• pp.175-182
• /
• 2021

To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) a literature review was conducted of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where acupuncture was used as an intervention for patients diagnosed with SIS. Relevant clinical studies (N = 181) were retrieved from several databases based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and the interventions and results were analyzed. Six RCTs were selected to review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. In all 6 studies, the acupuncture treatment group showed significant positive changes in indicators evaluating pain, disability, and quality of life. A significant decrease in the evaluation indicators (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index, numeric rating scale, Visual Analogue Scale, Constant Murley Shoulder Assessment Score, patient's global assessment, and doctor's global assessment) and a significant increase in the questionnaire scores (UCLA, AL-score, EuroQol 5 Dimension Self-Report Questionnaire, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand) were observed. In addition, 1 study showed similar improvements in pain and quality of life measures in the acupuncture group and corticosteroid injection group. No major side effects were reported. Acupuncture may be an effective and safe treatment for SIS however, further RCTs are required.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.129-139
• /
• 2022

Background: Several therapeutic methods have been proposed for frozen shoulder syndrome. These include suprascapular nerve block, a simple and cost-effective technique that eliminates the need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy. Methods: This was a clinical trial that included patients with unilateral shoulder joint stiffness. Patients were divided into three groups: those treated with isolated physiotherapy for 12 weeks (PT group), those treated with a single dose intra-articular injection of corticosteroid together with physiotherapy (IACI group), and those treated with a suprascapular nerve block performed with a single indirect injection of 8-mL lidocaine HCL 1% and 2 mL (80 mg) methylprednisolone acetate together with physiotherapy (SSNB group). The variables assessed were age, sex, side of involvement, dominant limb, presence of diabetes, physical examination findings including erythema, swelling, and muscle wasting; palpation and movement findings; shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) score; and the visual analog scale (VAS) score pre-intervention and at 2-, 4-, 6-, and 12-week post-intervention. Results: Ninety-seven patients were included in this survey (34 cases in the PT group, 32 cases in the IACI group, and 31 cases in the SSNB group). Mean age was 48.55±11.06 years. Fifty-seven cases were female (58.8%) and 40 were male (41.2%). Sixty-eight patients had a history of diabetes (70.1%). VAS and SPADI scores and range of mototion degrees dramatically improved in all cases (p<0.001). Results were best in the SSNB group (p<0.001), and the IACI group showed better results than the PT group (p<0.001). Conclusions: Suprascapular nerve block is an effective therapy with long-term pain relief and increased mobility of the shoulder joint in patients with adhesive capsulitis.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.23 no.5
• /
• pp.219-228
• /
• 2006

Objectives : To observe the effect of acupuncture treatment on Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging(DITI) in frozen shoulder patients. Methods : 17 voluntary patients received acupuncture treatment on LI15, TE14, GB21 and Master Dong's acupuncture points, Shin-gwan and Gyun-joong, twice a week for 4 weeks. The patients were instructed to practice self exercise during their daily lives. Evaluations were made before treatment, after 1 week of treatment, after 2 weeks, 3 weeks and after 4 weeks of treatment. Constant Shoulder Assessment(CSA), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI), Range of Motion(ROM) and the patient's satisfaction concerning the treatment was measured by Visual Analogue Scale(VAS). DITI was measured before treatment and after 4weeks of treatment. The obtained data was analyzed. Results : CSA, SPADI, VAS, adduction and extension showed significant(p<0.05) improvement. Abduction and flexion both improved after 4 weeks of treatment, but the improvement was statistically insignificant(p>0.05). DITI showed improvement but the improvement was insignificant(p>0.05). Conclusion : 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment significantly improved CSA, SPADI, VAS, adduction and extension in frozen shoulder patients(p<0.05). The improvement of abduction and flexion after 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment was insignificant(p>0.05). DITI results improved after 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment. But the change of thermal difference was insignificant(p>0.05).

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.24 no.6
• /
• pp.89-96
• /
• 2007

Objectives : To observe the effect of acupuncture treatment in chronic shoulder pain patients. Methods : 36 voluntary patients were randomly assigned to an acupuncture treatment group(E Group, n=18) and a control group(C Group, n=18). The E Group patients received acupuncture treatment on $LI_{15}$, $TE_{14}$, $GB_{21}$ and Master Dong's acupuncture points, Shin-gwan and Gyun-joong, twice a week for four weeks. The C Group patients received no treatment. All patients in both groups were instructed to practise self exercise in their daily lives. Evaluations were made at baseline and after four weeks of study. The Constant Shoulder Assessment(CSA), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI) and the patient's subjective pain was measured by Visual Analogue Scale(VAS). The obtained data was analyzed. Results : The E Group showed significant(p<0.05) improvement in CSA, SPADI and VAS after four weeks of treatment. The C Group showed significant(p<0.05) improvement in CSA, but the change of SPADI and VAS was insignificant(p>0.05). CSA and SPADI of E Group significantly(p<0.05) improved compared to the C Group, but the difference of VAS change in the two groups was insignificant(p>0.05). Conclusions : Four weeks of acupuncture treatment significantly improved CSA, SPADI and VAS. The improvement of CSA and SPADI was significant(p<0.05) compared to untreated patients.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.28 no.4
• /
• pp.9-18
• /
• 2011

Objectives : This study was performed to evaluate the effects of the acupuncture therapy in combination with Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy on acute whiplash injury by traffic accident. And thermal change of posterior neck and shoulder was observed. Methods : The clinical study was conducted to 20 cases of acute whiplash injury patients who had been admitted in Dept. of Acupuncture and Moxibusion, Woosuk University Hospital from December 1, 2010 to May 31, 2011. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. In one group(test group), patients were treated with the acupuncture therapy in combination with Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy. And in the other group(control group), patients were treated with acupuncture therapy only. To estimate the efficacy of treatments, visual analog scale(VAS), neck disability index(NDI) of posterior neck pain were checked. And also thermal change of posterior neck and shoulder was observed by digital infrared thermographic imaging(DITI). Results : Both group represented effective improvement in VAS and NDI of posterior neck pain. Especially, test group is more effective than control group in VAS comparison, statistically. In test group, temperature of posterior neck and shoulder was decreased after treatments. But there was no significant difference between two groups on thermographic change. Conclusions : Through this study, Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy is considered to be effective for reducing pain in acute whiplash injury patients. And after Soyeom pharmacopuncture therapy, temperature of posterior neck and shoulder show a tendency to decrease.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.171-175
• /
• 2009

Neuralgic amyotrophy is a syndrome with a broad range of clinical manifestations. It is characterized by acute, severe pain in the shoulder or arm lasting several days or weeks, followed by muscle weakness and atrophy as the pain diminishes. The diagnosis is based on typical clinical features, electromyography (EMG) and a nerve conduction study. The early and correct diagnosis is important to preclude unnecessary testing or surgical procedures. A 59-year-old female patient presented with pain and weakness involving her right palm and 1 3rd fingers. Three weeks before presentation, she noted the sudden onset of severe right shoulder and forearm pain. After the pain was reduced, she noted persistent right palm and 1-3rd finger pain and weakness. On cervical MRI, there was a mild central disc protrusion at C4 5 and C5 6. Electrodiagnostic testing was performed and she was diagnosed with neuralgic amyotrophy. One week after hospital treatment, her pain was relieved from VAS 10 to 3 and she was discharged with mild weakness of the thumb and index finger during pinch grips.