The aim is to investigate whether adding small needle-knife therapy to standard Western medicine enhances the treatment of frozen shoulder by evaluating its impact on microcirculation and meridian unblocking.
The aim of this research is to investigate whether the combination of small needle-knife therapy with conventional Western medicine treatment can enhance therapeutic effects compared to conventional treatment methods. In addition to clinical measurements of joint mobility and relevant scales, this study integrates instruments such as Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) and pulse diagnosis devices. These non-invasive methods are employed to evaluate the microcirculation performance of patients with frozen shoulder before and after conventional Western medicine treatment or combined treatment with small needle-knife therapy. The objective is to understand the effects of small needle-knife therapy on the microcirculation and meridian unblocking in frozen shoulder patients.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
120
The small needle-knife therapy originated from the ancient Chinese acupuncture instrument known as the "Pi needle" from the "Nine Needles," which resembled a sword, had two sharp edges, and was originally used for abscess drainage. It is currently widely applied in treating conditions such as myofascial adhesions, chronic pain, or nerve compression. The small needle-knife features a flat and rounded tip design, with its handle made of solid steel. This construction provides excellent toughness and flexibility, minimizing tissue damage, and facilitating microadhesiolysis, an intervention aimed at releasing adhesions.
Standard treatment
Pain VAS
The intensity of the pain along a continuum from 'no pain' to 'worst pain' imaginable with visual analog scale.
Time frame: 90 days
ROM
Glenohumeral range of motion(ROM) of the affected shoulder.
Time frame: 90 days
WHOQOL-BREF
A self-report questionnaire which assesses 4 domains of quality of life (QOL): physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment.
Time frame: 90 days
SPADI
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) is a 13-item patient completed instrument. Its categories include "pain" (5 items) and "disability" (8 items).
Time frame: 90 days
LDF
The Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) is a widely used technology for monitoring microcirculatory status. Due to its excellent frequency response, ease of use, and tissue specificity, it is highly suitable for non-invasive microcirculatory examinations and be applied to detect microcirculation in frozen shoulder cases.
Time frame: 90 days
BPW
Blood pressure waveform(BPW) is a graphical representation or visual display of the changes in blood pressure over time measured through a radial artery pressure sensor.
Time frame: 90 days
PPG
Photoplethysmography(PPG), which is a non-invasive method used to detect blood volume changes in the microvascular bed of tissue
Time frame: 90 days
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