Electroacupuncture and Cupping for Shoulder Tendinitis

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture combined with vacuum cupping therapy in treating simple periarthritis of the shoulder associated with the traditional medicine syndrome of Qi stagnation and blood stasis. Shoulder periarthritis is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and limited movement of the shoulder due to injury or inflammation of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and surrounding soft tissues. It can interfere with daily activities such as dressing, lifting objects, sleeping, and working.

Electroacupuncture is commonly used to relieve shoulder pain and improve shoulder function. Vacuum cupping therapy is another non-drug treatment that may help improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tightness, decrease pain, and improve mobility. However, there is currently limited evidence about whether combining electroacupuncture with vacuum cupping provides better results than electroacupuncture alone in patients with shoulder periarthritis and Qi stagnation-blood stasis syndrome. This study is being conducted to determine whether the combined treatment is more effective and safe.

A total of 54 participants with simple shoulder periarthritis and Qi stagnation-blood stasis syndrome will be enrolled in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:

Group 1: treatment with electroacupuncture alone. Group 2: treatment with electroacupuncture combined with vacuum cupping therapy.

All participants will also receive advice on shoulder exercises, posture, and daily activities to support recovery. Treatments will be performed by licensed traditional medicine practitioners.

Each participant will take part in the study for two weeks. Assessments will be performed before treatment, after one week, and after two weeks. The study will evaluate:

Pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Shoulder pain and disability using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI).

Shoulder range of motion using the McGill-McRomi Range of Motion Index. Any side effects or unwanted events related to treatment. Possible benefits of participating in this study include reduced shoulder pain, improved movement and daily function, and close monitoring by health care professionals. Participants may also benefit from receiving non-drug therapies at no cost during the study period. The findings of this research may help improve future treatment options for patients with shoulder pain.

Possible risks of electroacupuncture include mild pain at the needle site, minor bleeding, bruising, dizziness, or fainting. Possible risks of vacuum cupping include temporary discomfort, skin redness, bruising, or mild pain in the treated area. These side effects are usually mild and temporary. If any unexpected problem occurs, participants will receive prompt medical attention.

Participation in this study is completely voluntary. Participants may refuse to join or may withdraw from the study at any time without affecting their usual medical care. All personal information collected during the study will remain confidential and will only be used for research purposes.

Conditions

• Shoulder Tendinopathy
• Shoulder Tendinitis

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Electroacupuncture

Intervention Description: Electroacupuncture Electroacupuncture is administered using the KWD-808I device and sterile, single-use needles (0.30 x 25 mm). The protocol targets a standardized set of acupoints: LI15 (Jianyu), LI14 (Binao), LI16 (Jugu), SI9 (Jianzhen), SI11 (Tianzong), LU1 (Zhongfu), LU2 (Yunmen), GB21 (Jianjing), and BL17 (Geshu). Distinguishing Technical Details: Sensation: Needles are inserted to achieve the "De Qi" sensation (aching, heaviness, or distension). Electrode Pairing: Electrodes are connected in specific pairs: LU1-LU2, LI15-LI16, and SI11-SI9. Waveform \& Frequency: A continuous wave at a 10Hz frequency is used. Intensity is titrated to the patient's maximum comfortable tolerance (distension without sharp pain). Regimen: 20 minutes per session, daily for 10 sessions over 2 weeks (excluding weekends). All procedures are performed by licensed Traditional Medicine physician physicians with over 5 years of experience

PROCEDURE

Vacuum Cupping Therapy

Vacuum Cupping Therapy (VCT) VCT uses 4.5 cm diameter cups and a manual pump to create negative pressure. Standardized procedure: Medium suction force (3 manual pumps) is applied for 5 minutes per session. Treatment sequence: VCT is performed first, followed by a 10-minute rest period before electroacupuncture. Acupoint selection: Targets Jianyu (LI15), Quyuan (SI13), Tianzong (SI11), and Naoshu (SI10) on the affected shoulder, plus bilateral Geshu (BL17). Regimen: 3 sessions over a 2-week period with 3-day intervals. Safety: Vaseline is applied to cup rims to ensure a seal and prevent skin irritation. All procedures are conducted by licensed Traditional Medicine physicians with at least 5 years of experience

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

70 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-03-01

Primary Completion

2026-10-01

Completion

2026-11-15

Countries

• Vietnam

Study Locations