OBJECTIVETo compare the effect difference between acupuncture from Tiaokou (ST 38) to Chengshan (BL 57) combined with local exercise and acupuncture.

METHODSSixty patients with periarthritis were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and an acupuncture combined with exercise group (active acupuncture group), 30 cases in each group. Acupuncture from Tiaokou (ST 38) to Chengshan (BL 57) was given in both groups. The active shoulder joint during acupuncture was applied in the active acupuncture group. The treatment was given once every two days, 5 times as one course and a total of 2 courses were required. The activity-related pain (VAS score), shoulder joint activity (Melle score), and daily living ability (ADL score) were observed before and after treatment in the two groups.

RESULTSThe VAS score, Melle score and ADL score were significantly lower in the two groups after treatment compared with those before treatment (all <0.05); the VAS score, Melle score, and ADL score in the active acupuncture group were lower than those in the acupuncture group (all <0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe curative effect of acupuncture from Tiaokou (ST 38) to Chengshan (BL 57) combined with local exercise on periarthritis is superior to that of acupuncture from Tiaokou (ST 38) to Chengshan (BL 57) alone.