Clinical Treatment Outcomes of Primary Shoulder Periarthritis Managed with Electroacupuncture and Therapeutic Exercises: A Study at Hai Phong Medical University Hospital, 2024 – 2025

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the treatment outcomes of patients with primary periarthritis of the shoulder treated with electroacupuncture (EA) combined with therapeutic exercises at Hai Phong Medical University Hospital during 2024–2025. Methods: A clinical interventional study with a before–and–after comparison design. Results: Pain scores according to the Constant and Murley scale increased from 3.94 ± 3.69 points to 14.09 ± 1.96 points. Range of motion (ROM) for flexion increased from 96.21 ± 34.71° to 161.97 ± 21.21°. ROM for abduction increased from 101.06 ± 35.28° to 161.36 ± 20.93°. External rotation increased from 4.24 ± 1.92 points to 9.52 ± 1.42 points. Internal rotation increased from 4.73 ± 1.72 points to 9.39 ± 1.46 points. Activities of daily living (ADL) scores improved from 7.76 ± 2.37 to 19.00 ± 2.65 points. Shoulder strength (Constant and Murley) increased from 3.58 ± 2.92 to 8.18 ± 2.63 points. Ultrasound demonstrated a reduction of joint effusion in up to 90.9% of patients. Overall treatment efficacy (Good + Fair) reached 94%. Conclusion: EA combined with therapeutic exercises reduces pain, improves shoulder range of motion and muscle strength, and decreases shoulder joint effusion on ultrasound. This approach is safe, easy to perform, and cost-effective for patients with periarthritis of the shoulder.