European journal of pain : EJP
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture for people diagnosed with subacromial pain syndrome: A multicentre randomized trial.
Musculoskeletal disorders have been identified globally as the second most common healthcare problem for 'years lived with disability', and of these shoulder conditions are amongst the most common, frequently associated with substantial pain and morbidity. Exercise and acupuncture are often provided as initial treatments for musculoskeletal shoulder conditions but their clinical effectiveness is uncertain. This study compared group exercise with group exercise plus either acupuncture or electro-acupuncture in patients with subacromial pain syndrome. ⋯ Shoulder pain is common and associated with substantial morbidity. Acupuncture is a popular treatment for shoulder pain. The findings suggest that acupuncture and electro-acupuncture offer no additional benefit over exercise in the treatment of shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin.