Clinical Study Of Myofascial Trigger Point(MTrPs) Dry-Needling Combined With Ashi Point Acupuncture In The Treatment Of Frozen Shoulder In Ireland

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of two methods of acupuncture-Myofascial Trigger Point Dry Needling(MTrPs)and Ashi Point Needling-combined with conventional acupuncture and conventional acupoints in relieving pain and functional disorder in cases of frozen shoulder.Methods:A randomized,controlled,single-blind study was conducted to compare 80 patients who were included in this clinical trial.The patients were divided into the control group(Ashi point acupuncture combined with conventional acupuncture),and the experimental test group(MTrPs dry needling combined with conventional acupuncture),both including 40 subjects respectively.In the control group,acupuncture points were used on and around the shoulder region with ST 38 on the leg.Both the experimental test group and the control group applied acupuncture using the relevant conventional techniques on the selected points.Acupuncture was performed on activated MTrPs leading to a localized twitch response.Treatment was provided over a three-week period.Acupuncture was performed once every other day,three times a week,for a single course of treatment.Continuous observation assessed over three one-week courses,therefore three weeks in total.Before and after the first week of treatment,the two groups were assessed using the McGill pain evaluation standard,and the CMS shoulder functional score system,to determine the efficacy.Results:1.Taking into account the consistency of gender,age,age distribution,course of disease,and disease location(severity of disease,McGill pain score scale,CMS shoulder function score),statistical results in both groups showed improvement(P>0.05).Compared to baseline levels,the data for both groups is comparable.2.The two groups were compared before and after treatment:Both McGill pain score and CMS pain score showed improvement in measured pain levels,and there was a significant difference in scores before and after treatment(P<0.05).3.On comparing both groups after the first week of treatment,the McGill pain scale and CMS pain scale showed that the experimental test group(MTrPs with conventional acupuncture techniques)results were better than those in the control group(Ashi points with conventional acupuncture techniques).There was significant statistical difference between the two groups(P<0.05).4.On completion of the three week treatment course,there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups based on the McGill and CMS assessment scores(P>0.05).5.The total effective rates of the experimental group and the control group were 97.30%and 94.74%respectively after the third week of treatment.There was no significant difference between the two groups(p>0.05),which indicates that the two intervention methods both have equally effective long-term treatment benefits.Conclusion:1.Both MTrPs combined with conventional acupuncture techniques and Ashi point acupuncture combined with conventional acupuncture techniques can improve both the associated pain and joint function mobility in patients with frozen shoulder.2.Regarding immediate effect(after the first week of treatment),MTrPs dry needling combined with conventional acupuncture techniques is superior to Ashi point needling with conventional acupuncture techniques.3.Regarding long-term efficacy,the efficacy of the two treatments did not significantly differ.