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NCT Number: NCT06939309

Efficacy of Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain Based on Remote Point Selection According to the Meridians

This double blind randomized controlled trial investigates the immediate efficacy of acupuncture for shoulder pain using remote point selection based on meridian theory. A total of 90 participants with shoulder pain (Numerical Rating Scale ≥ 4) will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three groups: acupuncture SC, acupuncture CS, and rehabilitation. Meridian selection will be determined based on the patient's most painful shoulder movement and corresponding pain location, followed by standardized distal acupoint application. Outcome measures include changes in pain intensity (NRS) and shoulder range of motion assessed at baseline, post-first acupuncture, post-second acupuncture, and 30 minutes post-treatment. Blinded evaluators will conduct all assessments. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of meridian-based remote acupuncture and explore its relationship with shoulder movement patterns and soft tissue involvement.

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Key information

Conditions

Shoulder Pain Acupuncture Arthralgia Joint Diseases Meridians Musculoskeletal Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Taichung, 403, Taiwan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Participants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Shoulder pain persisting for at least one week.
  • Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score ≥ 4.

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with cervical radiculopathy or other localized neurological disorders affecting the upper limb.
  • Psychiatric disorders that may interfere with examination, treatment, or evaluation of disease progression.
  • Pregnant patients.
  • Inability to provide informed consent.

Treatment and study plan

Acupuncture

Procedure

In this study, both the acupuncture SC group and the acupuncture CS group will receive two acupuncture treatments in one session. The SC group will first receive acupuncture at the standardized acupoint followed by the controlled acupoint, while the CS group will first receive acupuncture at the controlled acupoint followed by the standardized acupoint.

Rehabilitation

Procedure

Participants will complete a 30-minute rehabilitation session, which includes electrotherapy and thermotherapy applied to the shoulder.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain Intensity (Numerical Rating Scale, NRS: 0-10)

    Time frame: Baseline evaluation before intervention. First evaluation: 3 minutes after the first acupuncture. Second evaluation: 3 minutes after the second acupuncture (8 minutes after the first). Final evaluation: 30 minutes after the first acupuncture.

    Patients will be asked to rate their pain intensity using a numerical scale. 0: No pain. 1-3: Mild pain - the patient feels pain but can tolerate it; normal daily activities and sleep are not disturbed.

    4-6: Moderate pain - the pain is noticeable and difficult to tolerate; sleep may be disturbed, such as waking up due to pain; patients may request pain medication.

    7-10: Severe pain - the pain is intense and intolerable; sleep is severely disturbed or impossible; pain medication is often necessary.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Range of Motion

    Time frame: Baseline evaluation before intervention. First evaluation: 3 minutes after the first acupuncture. Second evaluation: 3 minutes after the second acupuncture (8 minutes after the first). Final evaluation: 30 minutes after the first acupuncture.

    A goniometer will be used to measure the range of motion of the affected shoulder joint in the following movements: flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation.

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Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

China Medical University Hospital

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 22, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 24, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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