Objective: To evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture combined with therapeutic exercise on shoulder function and range of motion in patients with simple periarthritis of the shoulder treated at Thai Binh Traditional Medicine Hospital.
Subjects and Methods: A prospective, open-label clinical intervention study with a before-and-after treatment comparison was conducted in 50 patients diagnosed with simple periarthritis of the shoulder. All patients received electroacupuncture combined with therapeutic exercise for 15 consecutive days at the Outpatient Department of Thai Binh Traditional Medicine Hospital from January to June 2025.
Results: After 15 days of treatment, significant improvements were observed in pain, shoulder function, and shoulder range of motion as assessed using the Constant–Murley score. Specifically, the pain score increased from 3.9 ± 1.67 to 12.1 ± 2.03 points. The activities of daily living score increased from 8.47 ± 2.25 to 18.53 ± 2.14 points. The range of motion score increased from 13.2 ± 7.76 to 34.27 ± 5.65 points. The strength score increased from 10.2 ± 1.50 to 22.57 ± 3.25 points. All improvements were statistically significant (p < 0.05). In addition, 100% of patients demonstrated improved shoulder range of motion in all three movements (abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation) according to the McGill–McROMI assessment. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Electroacupuncture combined with therapeutic exercise effectively improves shoulder function and range of motion in patients with simple periarthritis of the shoulder.