OBJECTIVETo assess the clinical efficacy and the safety for periarthritis of shoulder treated with deep puncture by elongated needle combined with spike-hooked needle and cupping.

METHODSA multicentral randomized controlled study was adopted. One hundred and twenty cases were divided into an observation group and a control group, 60 cases in each one. In observation group, elongated needle, spike-hooked needle and cupping were used to stimulate Jianyu (LI 15), Naoshu (SI 10), Naohui (TE 13) and Jianqian (Extra). In control group, a conventional needling and cupping were applied to the same points as observation group. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Melle evaluation for the function activity of shoulder joint were adopted to assess and compare the efficacy on analgesia and the effect on shoulder joint range of motion before and after treatment in two groups.

RESULTSIn observation group, the cured and markedly effective rate of analgesia was 91.7% (55/60), which was obviously better than 20.4% (12/59) in control group (P < 0.001). Concerning to the improvements of the range of motion in shoulder joint, the cured and markedly effective rate in observation group was 91.7% (55/60), which was better than 18. 6% (11/59) in control group (P < 0.001). VAS score and Melle score after treatment were apparently improved as compared with those before treatment in two groups (all P < 0.001). The improvements in observation group were superior to those in control group (both P < 0.001). There was no adverse event reported during the treatment in two groups.

CONCLUSIONThe deep puncture by elongated needle combined with spike-hooked needle and cupping achieves a significant clinical efficacy on periarthritis of shoulder and has no adverse reaction reported.